12 medium strawberries, washed and tops sliced off flat
1 large banana, peeled and cut into 12 even slices
12 mini marshmallows, plant-based or fish-based
12 wooden toothpicks or decorative cocktail picks
Instructions
Start by washing the grapes and strawberries thoroughly under cold water. Pat them completely dry with a paper towel, as moisture can make the assembly slippery. Remove the stems from the grapes and cut the leafy green tops off the strawberries to create a flat surface for the hat to sit on.
Peel your banana and cut it into rounds that are about a quarter inch thick. You will need twelve slices in total. It is best to do this step just before assembly to prevent the banana from browning, or you can lightly toss the slices in a little lemon juice to keep them bright.
Take a toothpick and slide a green grape onto the bottom half. The grape represents the Grinch’s head, so ensure it is positioned securely at the base of the pick, leaving enough room at the top for the hat layers.
Slide a banana slice down the toothpick so it rests right on top of the green grape. This white layer acts as the fluffy fur trim on the bottom of Santa’s hat. Press it down gently so it sits flush against the grape.
Slide a strawberry onto the toothpick, wide side down, so it sits on top of the banana slice. The pointed end of the strawberry should be facing upward, creating the classic triangular shape of a festive hat.
Finish the assembly by placing a mini marshmallow on the very tip of the toothpick. This represents the pom-pom on the end of the hat. Repeat these steps until all twelve Grinch-Inspired Santa Hat Fruit Bites are completed and ready for the platter.
