Edible Art
When it comes to kids and arts & crafts, let’s be honest – most of it (if not all) ends up in a garbage bin, sooner or later. Yes, we might even feel guilty about it. But, not with this edible art project! Not only does it require a lot of creativity and offers endless possibilities of what can be made, but it is also healthy and delicious! What a nice reward for all your and your children’s hard work (if you involve them, that is)!
So, roll up your sleeves, turn on your favourite tunes and call your kids over to get started!
Instructions
The “Canvas”
I made the “canvas” from my Cheesy Sweet Potato Flat Bread recipe:
Follow the same instructions up to Step 7. I suggest under-baking your flatbread a bit, once it has been turned into a work of art, so that your art “pieces” wouldn’t get burned. The bread will still turn out delicious, but possibly not as thin.
Once your “canvas” is spread out on the baking tray, use your imagination to turn it into a chef d’oeuvre. Here is what I used to create various images.
Art Pieces
FLOWERS: Red and Yellow bell peppers. Frozen Aronia berries (dark blue petals). Olives (olive petals). You can also try thinly sliced carrots, beets, sweet potato, radish etc.
FLOWER STEMS: Stems from the dill.
FLOWER PETALS: pumpkin seeds.
GRASS: Dry parsley flakes.
TREE MOSS AND RAYS OF SUNSHINE: Shredded coconut sprinkles. You can create a rainbow of colors with coconut sprinkles using fruit and vegetable juices and spices. For instructions, see here:
SUN: Yellow bell pepper.
HEARTS: Red bell pepper.
HEART SPARKLES: Dry paprika (spice).
BIRDS: Chia seeds
TREE : Carob powder. Cacao powder will work too
TREE BRANCHES AND LEAVES: Fresh dill
There are infinite possibilities, foods and spices that could be used to create beautiful and edible work. Have fun exploring!!
Putting it all together
Once you’ve put your art work together, it’s time to throw that babe in the oven. I suggest first baking it for 10 minutes at 350F. Then, take it out and examine your work. If your “canvas” has hardened and is sturdy enough to be flipped, flip it. Otherwise, bake for another 5 mins or until it hardens enough to be flipped. But don’t over cook it or it will burn at the bottom.
To flip it, place another parchment paper sheet on top of your masterpiece. Place a second baking tray upside-down on top of the original baking tray and flip with one quick movement. Your masterpiece will fall face down onto the second baking tray. It should not break, so don’t worry!
Bake for another 10-15 minutes. Take out of the oven and inspect. It should be ready to go! Flip it again the same way as before and you will see your baked masterpiece! Note that some foods might change color one baked!
I hope you will enjoy this project and will create many more beautiful pieces. Involve your children, share with your friends!
Xoxo,
Olya
P.S. And if you still find yourself in the spirit of art, check out my interview on art, motherhood and everything in between, with an amazing Canadian Artist – Nelly Tsyrlin.