How to Make Inukshuk-Inspired Treats for Canada Day

Author:
Corrinna Johnson
Updated:
Jan 24, 2023 5:50 PM EST

Inukshuks are becoming a national symbol for Canada, and they inspired the appetizers for a Canada Day party I attended.

A Fun Canada Day Party Appetizer

The Inuit and other Indigenous Peoples of the Arctic placed large rocks on top of one another to build Inukshuks, magnificent stone monuments "in the likeness of a human." Most structures functioned as hunting and fishing route landmarks in the barren tundra, while some were used for spiritual purposes.

Inukshuks are becoming a national symbol for Canada, and they inspired the appetizers for a Canada Day party I attended. I made a fruit/veggie version and a candy/chocolate version for variety—they were a huge hit with kids and adults alike!

Overview of Items Needed:

Fruits
Vegetables
Proteins
Sweets
Chocolates
Regular toothpicks
Canadian flag cocktail toothpicks

You can make mealtimes fun for kids by serving them these finger food snacks. It's also a great way to encourage kids to eat vegetables and learn a little Canadian history about the Inuit people! The project doesn't require much instruction and is easy to assemble, so even a novice cook or kids can put these together.

How to Make Fruit Appetizers

You can transform ordinary party platters into a uniquely Canadian appetizer that will dazzle your guests and is super fun to eat. The fruit and veggie combinations are endless, but I've listed a few options you can use below.

Vegetables

Carrots
Bell peppers
Cucumbers
Cherry tomatoes
Mushrooms
Snap peas
Zucchini
Pickles

Fruits

Cantaloupe
Strawberries
Grapes
Pineapples
Oranges
Kiwis

Proteins and Carbs

Cheese
Ham
Pepperoni
Hard-boiled eggs
Crackers

Step 1: Build the Foundation

Grab two toothpicks and choose two vegetable 'feet' to support the statue and keep it upright. You want to build a column up the center, so place the toothpicks near the inside edge of the feet. They need to be fairly close together to ensure they will piece the center of the smaller pieces.

Step 2: Connect the Food

Continue threading a mixture of different fruits and vegetables, alternating between square chunks and long rectangles. Top it off with a veggie that covers the end of the sharp toothpicks. You'll need to hold the toothpicks parallel to one another as you place the veggies on the sticks to prevent them from crossing.

Step 3: Make Variations

If you want to make these appetizers more filling, you can add a few crackers. I used mini crackers with small holes in them so I could easily thread them on a separate toothpick and then poke them into the Inukshuk treats.

How to Make Candy Inukshuk Treats

These candy Inukshuk treats are sure to sweeten everyone's day. You'll need soft candies, and I've put a few suggestions for the ones I used below.

What You'll Need:

Red licorice
Red gummy candies
Strawberry marshmallow candies
Mini Rolo chocolates
Kit Kat candy bars
Cream cheese (optional)
Peanut butter (optional)
Nutella (optional)

Step 1: Build the Foundation

Start by building these appetizers using the same method as the fruit and veggie treats.

Step 2: Decorate

Build your Inukshuk! I used a variety of different red-colored candies in this project, but I recommend using a mixture of red and white candy. And voila! Your candy Inukshuk treats are ready to serve.

How to Make Chocolate Inukshuk Treats

The chocolate variation doesn't require any toothpicks, but you'll need something to act as a glue to hold the mini chocolates together. I used melted chocolate chips, but you can use things like cream cheese, Nutella, or peanut butter.

What You'll Need:

Mini Rolo chocolates
Kit Kat candy bars
Chocolate chips
Licorice
Cream cheese (optional)
Peanut butter (optional)
Nutella (optional)

Step 1: Build the Foundation

To make the chocolate version, I used a combination of chocolates and red candy that I cut into different sizes. You won't be able to use toothpicks in chocolates with gooey or crumbly centers. To attach them to the structure, melt a few chocolate chips and glue the treats together. Paint a dollop of melted chocolate on the two bottom feet using a paintbrush and then build upwards.

Step 2: Build and Set

Place a rectangular piece of chocolate or licorice on top of the feet. Keep attaching sweet treats until it reaches the height you want. The melted chocolate "glue" only takes a few minutes to harden. Gently place your structures upright in a container and refrigerate them for 30 minutes to completely set them before serving.

An Outdoorsy Inukshuk Treat

If you want to take the festivities outside, use bamboo or metal skewers to thread some veggies and meat together. Throw the whole thing onto the barbecue and grill up some tasty Inukshuk kabobs!

What You'll Need: