Trompe l’oeil–which refers to something that misleads or deceives the senses–was originally an artistic concept…

Photo source: http://www.trompe-l-oeil-art.com/trompe.html

…before surfacing in the culinary world.

I learned about trompe l’oeil many years ago from a documentary about “the art of culinary deception” which highlighted the work of Michele Richard. Richard is a chef who specializes in trompe l’oeil by creating meals such as steak tartar with tomatoes, or caviar with couscous and squid ink.

As a result of Richard’s culinary genius and passion, I never forgot about tromp l’oeil. And today (6 years after watching the documentary), I created my own tromp l’oeil…

It’s a fruit cake, literally! The entire thing is made of fruit, but you might not realize it at first glance!