Spectacular 6 Minute Centerpieces

The only real quibble I have with this enjoyable video is that the title Charming 6 Minute Centerpieces might have been more appropriate than Spectacular 6 Minute Centerpieces. (An eggplant penguin is "kay-ute" as we say in the South, but one wouldn't expect to see it at, say, a state dinner.) Our quiet and amiable host, Chef Ted, takes us through the basics of turning ordinary fruits and vegetables into swans, fish, bears and even palm trees and cactus. Stressing safety first--always a good idea in a cooking video--Chef Ted also covers the rather important topic of toothpick hazards (which brings to mind liability lawyers). The close-up camerawork is very good, helpful onscreen titles list the simple ingredients needed for each centerpiece, and Chef Ted certainly makes it look easy enough and fun...so let's get out those knives and give it a whack, eh? Recommended, especially for those without the similarly-themed Be a Magician in the Kitchen!--Culinary Art in Fresh Produce (VL-7/98). [Note: Also available at the same price, Impressive 1 Minute Napkins.] Aud: H, P. (R. Reagan)