Make a squash tea light centerpiece

Related links:
Farmers' market placemates
Indoors and online

(Time required: 15 minutes)
Adult assistance required

Supplies
• Small squash or large zucchini 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm) in diameter and cut to 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long (a large apple may be substituted)
• Paring knife
• Spoon
• Tea light candle, preferably in a metal case
• Soup bowl
• Large plate
• Twigs, leaves and dried flowers

Instructions
1. Square off the bottom of the squash or zucchini so it will stand upright.
2. Cut to 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) high.
3. Using a paring knife or spoon, core the inside of the squash, leaving approximately 1/2-inch (1 cm) of flesh on all sides.
4. Cut geometric or abstract shapes into the squash with the paring knife. These will allow light from the tea lights to shine through.
5. Set the tea light inside.
6. Set the squash on top of an inverted bowl in the center of a large plate.
7. Arrange twigs, leaves and dried flowers around the bowl, but well away from the flame.

Caution: Never leave a lit centerpiece unattended.

---

Excerpted from Let's Get Going by Candace Weisner. Copyright 2004 by Candace Weisner. Excerpted, with permission by Red Deer Press. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.