Hellomy Foodie Friends! Warm weather means spending more time outdoors and also means more picnics. I love picnics. One item I am sure many folks have as part of your picnic is Watermelon. I have to admit that our household loves this fruit (or is it a vegetable?). Watermelon is a fruit and a vegetable. It is a fruit because it grows from a seed, it has a sweet flavor and refreshing qualities. It is a vegetable because it is harvested and cleared from the field like other vegetables and because it is a member of the same family as the cucumbers, pumpkin and squash. Cutting the watermelon can be a challenge of its own though. Recently I viewed a You Tube clip of a guy trying to cut a watermelon with a huge sword. It did not go well! As you know, Compliments has cool tools for cooks. Fun gadgets are always being made to help make life a bit easier for you. These are tools that you did not realize you really needed. We carry two gadgets that could substantially help you with cutting your watermelon: a watermelon knife and a watermelon cutter. The melon knife can actually be used on any melon. It is an 11” serrated knife that is ultra sharp to cut through rinds. The extra long heavy duty blade slices through the width of the entire melon. The blade has a non-stick coating for quick release. The handle is a soft ergonomic grip handle for superior control and reduced hand fatigue. This cool knife also comes with a sheath for safe and convenient storage. Another cool melon tool we carry is a stainless steel watermelon cutter. You can keep your countertops clean as you neatly slice, lift, and serve watermelon right from the rind with this uniquely designed tool. Just place the tool claw down to sweep through the watermelon, slicing it all the way to the rind. Flip the tool over with the claw up, and use the tongs to lift and serve the one inch wide slices. There is less mess, less waste. It is perfect for BBQ’s and picnics.
There are so many unique recipes to make with watermelon.
Here is a small group of ideas:
No-Bake Watermelon “Cake”
Slice two short ends off one large seedless watermelon so it sits flat; cut away rind to make cylinder. Transfer to cake stand. Frost with two (8-ounce) containers frozen whipped topping. Top with berries and mint. Serves 10.
Feta-Watermelon Stacks
Cut one small seedless watermelon into one inch cubes (about 40). Top with one (one pound) block feta cheese, cut into one inch squares (¼ inch thick), and one cup basil leaves; secure with toothpicks. Transfer to platter; sprinkle with three tablespoons olive oil and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Serves 10.
Watermelon-Arugula Salad
In large bowl, whisk two tablespoons each olive oil and red wine vinegar and ¼ teaspoon salt. Add three cups each cubed seedless watermelon, sliced peaches and baby arugula; ½ cup packed basil leaves; and ¼ cup toasted hazelnuts, chopped. Serves 4.
Grilled Chicken-Watermelon Tacos
Toss two cups chopped seedless watermelon; one jalapeño, minced; ½ small red onion, minced; ¼ cup each lime juice and chopped cilantro; and ¼ teaspoon salt. Serve on eight (6-inch) warmed corn tortillas with one pound sliced grilled chicken and ½ cup crumbled Cotija cheese. Serves 4.
Frozen Watermelon Cooler
In large blender, puree (stopping often to tamp down solid ingredients with wooden spoon) four cups cubed seedless watermelon, frozen; five cups ice; one cup each raspberry sorbet and lime juice; and ½ cup confectioners’ sugar until thick and smooth. Serves 4.
Wow, these are all so good. Show that special someone that they are “one in a melon.” Make something special with watermelon. Stop by Compliments to the Chef located at 33 Railroad place to help you select those cool tools to make your creations. Remember; “Life Happens in the Kitchen.”
Take Care,
John & Paula
