How to Prepare Appetizers Shaped Like Animals

Sesame seeds are a helpful ingredient for adding details to food animals.

Whether for adults or children, animal-shaped appetizers are a fun way to start a meal and put a party on a one-way trek into fun. Simple ingredients are all that is needed to create animal favorites while providing some noshing before the main course. Trays of zoo and farm favorites can adorn platters, creating a carefree and fun atmosphere while feeding the masses of your next event.

Things You'll Need

• Cherry tomatoes
• Black olives
• Pimentos
• Poppy seeds
• Macaroons
• Sliced almonds
• Mini hot dogs
• Humus, cream cheese or other desirable dip

Instructions

1. Construct lady bugs from cherry tomatoes by slicing off a small portion so it can lay flat without rolling. Lightly slice a cut to dissect the head area and then a line down the back to indicate the wings. Insert poppy seeds on both sides of the wings to create the black dots of the insect. Slice a black olive in half and add a smear of cream cheese to the indented side and place on the head area of the cherry tomato. You can add sesame seeds to create the eyes and even add a mouth.

2. Place two almond slices to the front end of a macaroon cookie to represent the ears of a rabbit. Use poppy seeds to create the eyes and nose. The result is an angora bunny.

3. Create a simple chick peeking from inside an egg by taking a hard boiled egg and then cutting it in half--make sure both parts are similar in size. Carefully remove the halved egg yolk and set it aside. Stuff the inside with cream cheese, hummus or a similar dip in order to fill the area so the chick head will raise above the hole. Replace the halved yolk atop the dip and add poppy seeds for eyes.

4. Follow the instructions of a basic bread recipe to make a bear face, a turtle or even a mouse. This recipe allows much flexibility depending on the animal you want to make. The bread can also be formed into a larger item, like a snake, which can be stuffed with lunch meat and cheese before baking.

5. Make an octopus by taking a cooked mini hot dog and slicing it halfway lengthwise. Turn the hot dog on its side and slice again so there are four legs. Take each leg and slice, moving to the next leg and doing them same until there are eight legs in total. Add eyes and a mouth to this base with cheese, poppy seeds or sesame seeds. Make a mouth by cutting a small gash in the head and adding a small piece of pimento for a tongue.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use great care when cutting with knives, especially when working with intricate details.

• Thoroughly clean your prep area before and after making the appetizers.

References

• All Recipes: Turtle Bread
• Cook, Eat, Share: Animal-Shaped Appetizers