It's obvious that Sidney Escowitz's mother never told him not to play with his food. Or if she did, he didn't listen.

Coming from a large family where everyone contributed to holiday meals, Sidney always tried to make his platters look special. That's when he first started "experimenting" with fruits and vegetables.

After retiring, Sidney got serious about his hobby. The result is an inspired and inspiring collection of whimsical works of art, created entirely from fresh produce (and a few well placed toothpicks and wooden skewers).

Some of the sculptures are simple and easy enough for kids to make (like the reindeer and fish designs below). Some, like the alligator above are simple, but require adult assistance. Others are complicated tableaux -- like the bicyclist on his cycle, the fisherman in a boat, colorful circus clown, or ace tennis player.

But regardless of the skill level of the project, instructions are clear and precise. Sidney also shares lots of practical tips that will give your finished sculptures a professional look and send you on your way towards creating your own original works of food art. The spiral bound format keeps the page open flat so you can easily read as you go (I wish more cookbooks would do that).

You can't beat these sculptures for giving your holiday, party and special occasion tables the wow factor. Some of the sculptures (like the fish and reindeer on this page) are small enough to become party favors or place card holders. Others, like the alligator are great for serving platters, surrounded by tempting foods. Still others make perfect centerpieces. All will build your reputation for first class entertaining (caterers take note).

Creating Sidney's sculptures also makes an excellent family project that fosters creativity, bonding and fun.

There's a food sculpture in this book for just about every occasion you can think of.

Chapters Include:

Winter Wonderland -- includes decorations for Christmas, Chanukkah, Kwanzaa, Valentine's Day, Football Parties, Cocktail Parties and more.

Spring Into Summer -- includes decorations for Easter, St. Patrick's Day, 4th of July, Graduations, Beach Parties, and more.

Harvest Moon -- includes decorations for Halloween and Thanksgiving.

Happy Occasions -- includes decorations for Baby and Wedding Showers, Birthdays, Anniversaries and more.

Good Sports -- Includes food sculptures with a sports theme -- perfect for birthdays of sports nuts or to celebrate the kid'' team. Sports includes are golf, tennis, fishing, cycling, and weight lifting.

Animal Instincts -- Cute animals sculptures include lion, horse and rider, exotic birds (2 varieties), giraffe, alligator, steer, frog, fish (2 varieties).

Flights of Fancy -- Includes whimsical sculptures in a variety of themes including a Man Serving Pizza, a Gardener Watering her Flowers, a Circus Clown, a Couple Sitting in a Car, a Merry go Round (complete with carousel horses), an Angel, and more.

Sample Projects:
See the Related Projects box below for sample projects from this book.