Step-by-step instructions on how to cut an apple to look like a swan
Keyword MustangChef Summer Camp
Instructions
MAKE THE WINGS
Slice the apple at a slight diagonal so that it cuts right through the center of the apple core.
Take the half of the apple that still has the bottom attached, and place it face down on a cutting board. We're going to be making careful cuts into the apple. If you are unsure of your knife skills, use 2 butter knives placed perpendicular to the top and bottom.
Carefully cut down into the apple from the top, just to the right side of the apple core, stopping ½ inch from the bottom. Do not go all the way through the apple!
Reverse knife angle and cut towards the middle, stopping where the cuts meet.
You should feel a little "pop" as the wedge is released. If not, it means the cuts haven't fully met. Gently wiggle the blade from both directions until the cuts align. Repeat the process on the other side of the apple so that you're left with 2 apple wedges.
The goal is to cut each of these new wedges into 3 smaller wedges, then layer them together to give the effect of feathers and wings.
The process is very similar to how you cut the apple before, only this time, rather than slicing in from the side, try turning the wedge over to the left, and slicing down. This will give you more control.
When both wedges have been cut, layer the pieces back together to form a tear-drop shape, and replace them back into the apple "body". The effect should be two swan wings.
MAKE THE HEAD
Make a couple of precision cuts near the front of the body.
Remove the pieces to leave a clean, and fairly deep, groove.
To form the head, slice the apple into ¼ - ½ inch thick slices; if using butter-knife spacers, put the apple face down between the knives and slice along their length
Repeat this 3 or 4 times to create multiple cross sections that sport a variety of shapes and sizes.
Pick a piece that looks like a heart that's been flattened at the top.
Make 3 strategic cuts into the apple slice: one cut at the top at about a 45 degree angle, then a 2nd cut horizontal, and to the right. The last cut near the bottom was sloped at about 30 degrees down and to the left. You should be able to see that the top cut was started just on the other side of the apple center, and this is done on purpose to give the sloped face, and the effect of a swan's beak.
Discard the cut-away pieces to create a swan head profile.
ASSEMBLY
Use apple seeds and place them when you'd like the eyes to go, then press into place with your thumb or the side of one of the butter knives.
When both eyes are in place, simply drop the neck into place, and your apple swan is finished! Spritz with lemon juice to help prevent it from turning brown.