This awesome alligator is no swamp-lurker, he'd much rather be front and center on your buffet.

Ingredients and Tools

• 2 pineapples
• red radish
• 2 small black olives
• butternut squash
• allspice berry
• 2 kiwis
• sharp chef's knife
• sharp paring knife
• fine-gauge florist's wire, or needle and thread
• toothpicks
• sturdy spoon

Directions

1. Cut both pineapples in half lengthwise; remove fruit inside, leaving only skin.

2. Choose two largest halves to form body; smaller pieces should be used for head and tail. In order to achieve the desired shape for head and tail, you will probably have to do some trimming. Attach pieces with florist's wire or needle and thread.

3. Cut two radish rounds; insert black olives in centers to form eyes; attach with toothpicks.

4. Cut a large slice of butternut squash; trim into shape of fish. Attach allspice berry to radish circle to form eye and put on fish; insert fish into mouth of alligator.

5. Cut kiwis in half; cut out small triangle to form claws; position alongside body of alligator.

This project is reprinted with permission from Entertaining Edibles: 50 Fun Food Sculptures for All Occasions by Sidney Escowitz (2004, Sixth & Spring Books). If you love "playing with your food" then this book is a must-have. Click here for 2 more free sample projects along with more details and ordering information.

Copyright ©2004 Sixth&Spring Books Photography by Jack Deutsch