All Things Watermelon
Happy National Watermelon Day, Friends! 🍉
Here’s a fun Barbara fact that you may not be aware of: I am in love with all things summer, especially watermelon. So with today being National Watermelon Day, I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to share some really tasty watermelon creations with you! While this summer is not turning out to be anything like what I thought it would be, making something new in the kitchen that says summer in just one sip or bite - makes a hot, sunny day pretty darn sweet.
Boozy Watermelon Popsicles
It’s hot. It’s summer and this means it’s pool weather. It’s the perfect time for these boozy watermelon pops. Such a refreshing summertime adult treat.
INGREDIENTS:
1 small seedless watermelon
½ cup Vodka
¼ cup fresh-squeezed lime juice
2 ounces dark chocolate, melted
METHOD:
To create triangular slices, cut the watermelon in half lengthwise.
Cut each half in half again.
Cut each quarter into ½” thick triangular pieces.
Use a paring knife to cut a small slit in the center of the rind of each watermelon wedge.
Lay the watermelon wedges out into a 9 X 13-inch pyrex dish.
Combine the vodka and lime juice. Mix well and pour the mixture over the watermelon wedges.
Refrigerate the wedges in the pyrex dish for 2 - 3 hours.
Take the watermelon wedges out of the pyrex dish and lay them on parchment paper lined baking sheets.
Push a popsicle stick into the slit on the rind of each watermelon wedge.
Melt the chocolate in the microwave or in a double boiler on your stovetop.
Using a fork, drizzle the melted chocolate over the popsicles careful to avoid the sticks.
Depending on how many popsicles you want to make, you can easily double the amount of vodka and lime juice. You can arrange the wedges in 2 layers or else use 2 different pyrex dishes. If arranging in 2 layers, be sure to turn the wedges halfway through the refrigeration process to make sure that the liquid gets evenly distributed on the watermelon. For a colder treat, you can put the watermelon wedges in your freezer for 30 minutes before serving.
Watermelon Martini
Recipe: The Spruce Eats. Photo: Lemonade To Lace
This summer cocktail is a favorite and not at all hard to make. (Recipe: The Spruce Eats)
INGREDIENTS:
For Simple Syrup:
1 cup sugar (granulated)
1 cup of water
For Watermelon Juice:
2 cups watermelon (flesh cut into chunks)
For Martini:
1/2 cup / 4 oz. premium vodka
1 lime (juice)
3 cubes of ice
Optional: 3 tablespoons salt or sugar to rim the glass
Optional: watermelon slices for garnish
METHOD:
Gather the ingredients.
Start by making your simple syrup and watermelon juice. Both can come in handy for other recipes, so you may want to make and store a bit more then is required for this recipe.
Add 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of water into a small pan. Heat slowly over medium heat stirring until all the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and cool. Transfer to another container or bottle and cover. Can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 months.
Cut two cups of watermelon flesh off the rind. Place in blender and blend until liquified.
Mix together the sugar and salt if using. Wet the rim of a chilled martini glass with a piece of watermelon. Dip the rim into the sugar and salt mixture. Repeat for the other glass.
Place the watermelon juice, vodka, lime juice and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker. Top with ice. Shake well.
Pour contents through the strainer into chilled martini glasses.
Garnish with a wedge of watermelon if desired.
Watermelon Salad
This refreshing salad with watermelon, feta cheese, and fresh mint is simply dressed with olive oil and lime juice. It’s a perfect dish for the warm weather months. The combination of ingredients makes a beautiful presentation for a social distance summer cookout or brunch. (Recipe: Tori Avey)
Recipe: Tori Avey. Photo: Lemonade To Lace
INGREDIENTS:
8 lb. whole seedless watermelon, chilled (about 12 cups of cubed fruit)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 whole limes, juiced
¾ tsp. black pepper
1-½ tsp. salt
1 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
1-½ c. crumbled feta cheese (sheep’s milk feta preferred)
METHOD:
Note: This salad is best made just prior to serving. Prepare one hour or less before our meal.
Cut the rind from the watermelon, then chop the fruit into 1 inch chunks.
Place chunks in a colander to drain as you chop.
In a small bowl whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, salt and black pepper to create the dressing.
Place the watermelon in a large serving bowl. Pour dressing and chopped mint over the watermelon and toss gently to coat. Pour the crumbled feta into the salt and stir gently to integrate the cheese into the salad. Serve.
Watermelon Feta Caprese Bites
This refreshing appetizer is a take on the original caprese salad. Instead of using tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella cheese, this caprese is made with watermelon and feta cheese. It’s a perfect little something to munch on with a cocktail or a glass of wine. (Recipe: Tablespoon.com. Photos: Lemonade To Lace)
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups watermelon pieces
1 block feta cheese, cut into small squares
25 small basil leaves
1 pinch coarse salt
1 drizzle extra-virgin olive oil
METHOD:
Cut the watermelon chunks down to match the size of your feta cubes. As big or small as you prefer.
Stack a feta cube on top of each watermelon cube. Top with a small fresh basil leaf.
Secure the cube with a toothpick.
Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt. Serve immediately.
I hope this article gave you some watermelon inspiration for the rest of your summer! All of these items are typically a crowd pleaser at picnics and BBQ’s so you should consider adding them to your potluck rotation for the next summer event you attend even while social distancing. As always, I love hearing from all of you! If you have a favorite watermelon dish please share it in the comments below for the rest of us to enjoy!
xx Barbara