Level Up Your Plate: The Sweet Secret of Cookie Cutters and Fruit!

At 99th Monkey, we're all about making healthy eating an absolute joy. We believe that food should not only nourish your body but also delight your senses. And while we know you're already mastering the art of the perfect breakfast bowl (hello, creamy oatmeal topped with our 99th Monkey Almond Butter, a sliced banana, and a square of dark chocolate – a classic for a reason), we're here to share a little secret that will take your plate from delicious to downright delightful.

Get ready to unlock a world of fun, creativity and pure edible charm. Are you sitting down? Because we're about to blow your mind with a ridiculously simple, yet utterly transformative idea: using cookie cutters on your fruit to make cute shapes!

Seriously, think about it. Little stars, perfect hearts, adorable flowers, or even tiny dinosaurs adorning your breakfast, snack plate, or lunchbox. The options are truly endless and it's a game-changer for picky eaters, party platters, or simply adding a sprinkle of joy to your everyday.

Why This Simple Trick is Pure Genius

You might be thinking, "Cookie cutters for fruit? Really?" And our answer is a resounding, "YES!" Here’s why this seemingly small idea packs a huge punch:

• Picky Eaters Rejoice: This is perhaps the biggest win. If you have little ones who turn their noses up at fruit, presenting it in fun, engaging shapes can make all the difference. Suddenly, that boring slice of apple is an exciting star, and those plain melon chunks are playful hearts. It adds an element of novelty and fun that can encourage even the most stubborn eaters to give fruit a try.

• A Touch of Whimsy for Adults Too: Let's be honest, adults love fun too! A beautifully arranged plate with perfectly cut fruit shapes feels a little bit luxurious, a little bit special and definitely Instagram-worthy. It's an easy way to elevate a simple snack or breakfast into something that truly sparks joy.

• Boosts Creativity in the Kitchen: This simple technique encourages you to think outside the box. How many different fruits can you cut? What new combinations can you create? It's a low-pressure way to unleash your inner food artist.

• Perfect for Parties & Gatherings: Hosting a brunch, a playdate, or even a sophisticated cocktail party? Custom-cut fruit instantly elevates your spread. Imagine fruit skewers with star-shaped melon, or a fruit salad dotted with tiny berry hearts. Elegant, charming, and effortlessly impressive.

• Mindful Eating: When your food looks appealing, you're more likely to slow down and enjoy it. Taking the time to appreciate the visual aspect of your meal can enhance your overall eating experience.

• Reduces Waste (Potentially): While there will be some scraps, you can often save them for smoothies, purees, or fruit-infused water, minimising waste.

The Tools of the Trade: What You'll Need

The beauty of this hack is its simplicity. You don't need fancy equipment, just a few basics:

• Cookie Cutters: This is key! Start with a few basic shapes like stars, hearts, circles, or flowers. You can find sets of mini cookie cutters, which are perfect for smaller fruits and fitting more shapes onto your plate. Metal cutters generally provide cleaner cuts than plastic ones.

• A Cutting Board: Always protect your surfaces.

• A Sharp Knife: For slicing thicker fruits into manageable pieces before cutting.

• Your Favourite Fruits: The stars of the show!

Which Fruits Work Best?

While you can try this with many fruits, some are definitely more cooperative than others. Look for fruits that are:

• Firm but not too hard: You want them to hold their shape.

• Relatively flat or easy to slice into flat pieces: This makes cutting much easier.

• Not overly juicy or mushy: These can make a mess and not hold their shape well.

Here are some top contenders:

• Melons: Watermelon and cantaloupe are excellent. Slice them into 1/2 to 1-inch thick rounds or planks.

• Pineapple: Slice into rounds, then use smaller cutters.

• Apples: Slice them into uniform rounds (you can even use an apple corer first). Remember to dip apple shapes in a little lemon juice to prevent browning if you're not serving immediately.

• Pears: Similar to apples, slice into rounds.

• Kiwi: Peel, then slice into thicker rounds.

• Strawberries: Large, firm strawberries can be sliced lengthwise and then cut into smaller shapes like hearts.

• Mango: Peel and slice into thick planks.

• Banana: This one is a little trickier as it's soft, but small, quick cuts can yield cute banana coins or stars. They brown quickly, so serve immediately or use a tiny bit of lemon juice.

• Oranges/Grapefruit (sections): While you can't cut a whole slice, you can often press small cutters into peeled segments to create tiny shapes.

How to Make the Magic Happen: A Simple Method

It's truly as easy as pie (or, rather, as easy as cutting fruit!):

1. Prepare Your Fruit: Wash your chosen fruit thoroughly. For larger fruits like melons or pineapple, slice them into uniform planks or rounds, typically between 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick, depending on your cutter size and desired sturdiness. For smaller fruits like strawberries, you might slice them lengthwise.

2. Get Your Cutters Ready: Choose your desired cookie cutters.

3. Press Firmly: Place the cookie cutter onto the fruit slice and press down firmly and evenly. A little wiggle can help if the fruit is particularly fibrous.

4. Remove Excess: Carefully lift the cookie cutter, and you should have your perfect shape! Remove the surrounding fruit, which can be saved for smoothies or snacking.

5. Repeat & Arrange: Continue cutting shapes and arrange them creatively on your plate, in a bowl, or for your intended use.

Endless Creative Possibilities with Your 99th Monkey Favourites!

Now that you've mastered the art of shaped fruit, let's integrate it with your beloved 99th Monkey products. The possibilities for playful, delicious, and nutritious meals are truly endless:

• The Ultimate Oatmeal Topping: Remember our classic trio? Take your morning oatmeal (or overnight oats) to the next level by topping it with star-shaped banana slices, heart-shaped apple pieces, and a generous dollop of 99th Monkey Almond Butter. Don't forget that square of chocolate!

• Fun Toast & Cracker Creations: Spread your favourite 99th Monkey Almond Butter on toast or crackers, then arrange your fruit shapes on top. A sunflower made of mango petals with a blueberry centre? Why not!

• Fruit & Nut Butter Skewers: Thread melon stars, kiwi circles, and strawberry hearts onto small skewers, alternating with cubes of cheese. Serve with a side of 99th Monkey Almond Butter for dipping. Perfect for kids' parties or a sophisticated snack.

• Yoghurt Art: Layer Greek yoghurt, granola, and then beautifully arranged fruit shapes for a stunning and delicious yoghurt bowl.

• Smoothie Bowl Masterpiece: When making your smoothie bowl (perhaps using our 99th Monkey Protein Smoothie as a base and blended with some 99th Monkey Almond Butter), use fruit shapes as a vibrant and fun topping alongside chia seeds, coconut flakes, and a sprinkle of granola.

• Lunchbox Love: Make lunchtime exciting for kids (or adults) by packing their favourite fruit cut into fun shapes. It adds a touch of thoughtfulness that makes eating healthy more appealing.

• Dessert Platter Elegance: Forget boring fruit platters. Arrange beautifully cut fruit shapes alongside a bowl of our 99th Monkey Almond Butter for dipping, or perhaps even a drizzle of melted dark chocolate. Simple, elegant, and delicious.

A Small Effort, A Big Impact

This simple technique of using cookie cutters on fruit is a testament to how small changes can make a big difference in our daily routines and our relationship with food. It encourages creativity, promotes healthy eating, and frankly, just makes everything a little more joyful.

So, next time you're prepping fruit, don't just slice. Grab those cookie cutters, unleash your inner child (or just embrace your love for all things cute), and watch as your healthy meals and snacks transform into edible works of art.

We can't wait to see your amazing creations! Share your shaped fruit masterpieces with us on social media and tag @99th_monkey. Happy cutting!