private int[] createBowl(int [] platter)
    {
        int[] bowl = new int[NUM_FRUITS];
        int sz = 0;
        while (sz < bowlsize) {
            // pick a fruit according to current fruit distribution
            int fruit = pickFruit(platter); 
            int c = 1 + random.nextInt(3);
            c = Math.min(c, bowlsize - sz);
            c = Math.min(c, platter[fruit]);

            bowl[fruit] += c;
            sz += c;
        }
        return bowl;
    }