Ingredients:

  • 2 large bananas
  • 1 large navel orange
  • 1 tbsp shredded coconut
  • 6 fresh mint leaves
  • 1 tsp chia seeds

Instructions:

  1. Peel 1 large navel orange. Remove as much of the white pith as possible using a sharp knife.
  2. Section the orange. Cut between the membranes to release clean segments until you have a pile of jewel like citrus wedges.
  3. Peel 2 large bananas. Remove any stringy bits (the phloem bundles) from the sides for a smooth finish.
  4. Slice the bananas. Cut them into 1/2 inch thick rounds, keeping the slices from each banana together to maintain the natural taper.
  5. Create the island base. Spread 1 tbsp shredded coconut across the bottom third of your serving plate until it looks like a textured beach.
  6. Position the trunks. Arrange the banana slices in two curved vertical lines, starting from the coconut sand and moving upwards.
  7. Anchor the trees. Ensure the bottom banana slice is tucked slightly into the coconut to give the illusion of growth.
  8. Add the orange ground. Place the orange segments along the bottom of the coconut or in a sun shape in the upper corner until the plate feels balanced and bright.
  9. Attach the foliage. Place 3 fresh mint leaves at the top of each banana trunk, fanning them out like palm fronds.
  10. Detail the sky. Sprinkle 1 tsp chia seeds in small clusters in the upper section until they resemble birds in flight.