Watermelon’s Last Hurrah
08/23/2021
As summer wanes, I’m all for bringing on one last hurrah for watermelon. It’s such a convenient, “good for you” cool-down snack that quenches thirst and satisfies the sweet tooth, all in one.
Refreshing with a squeeze of lime, or kicked up with a dusting of ground chili pepper and salt, it’s versatile and fun to eat. No wonder it’s hard to bid adieu to the flavorful, locally grown varieties until next year.
Think “watermelon” as you plan Labor Day weekend get-togethers and after-school snacks for the kids. And be choosy. Before you and your child hoist one out of a bin at your market, take note. The best feel heavy for their size. Also, look for a field spot, a creamy yellow-colored splotch. Then, knock on it and listen for a deep, hollow (not dull) sound. When it passes the ripeness test, bring it home and get inspired. Here are some ideas:
CARVE IT
Don’t wait until Halloween to display your creative carving skills. Make an eye-catching melon basket for serving a fruit salad or fruit kebabs.
Slightly trim off one end of a washed melon so that it stands upright. Slice off the other end 1/4 of the way down, then scoop out the flesh with a melon baller.
Use pumpkin-carving tools or paring knife to carve patterns or words on the outside without cutting through the rind. Cut zigzags around the rim, if you wish. Refill cavity with fruit salad, and garnish with fresh mint for a spectacular presentation.
DRINK IT
Make a big pitcher of “Watermelon Citrus Cooler.” Mix seedless watermelon chunks with 4 tablespoons frozen limeade concentrate, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and 1 1/2 cups crushed ice in a blender.
Let your child rub the rims of chilled, tall glasses with a lemon wedge. Swirl rims lightly in a plate of sugar for a tangy sip when you drink the cooler.
FREEZE IT
Cut 3 cups of watermelon flesh into chunks. Remove seeds and liquefy in a blender. Pour into ice-cube trays and freeze. Toss the cubes in a glass of juice or sparkling water with an after-school snack. Garnish with a whole strawberry or thin, triangular slice of watermelon with the pointed end slid onto the rim of the glass.
Share with friends!
You might also like:
Stuffed French Toast For Family Gatherings
Make a weekend breakfast extra special with this stuffed French toast recipe featuring oranges and fresh pecans, which are abundant this time of year. The whole family can participate in the preparation the night before, from beating eggs to spooning the cream cheese mixture into pockets in the French bread. When you wake up…
Swedish Cinnamon Rolls
Throughout Sweden, there are a variety of ways to make, shape and bake these delicious cinnamon rolls. There is even a national Cinnamon Roll Day every October! I learned how to make them in friend Inger’s kitchen when I was teaching at a college in Jönköping. Inger always found a little job for my two…
Make An Apron For Kids With A Kitchen Towel
“Look, Mom, muddy hands!” This might be a familiar chorus you’ll be hearing as your kids dig into the joys of outdoor activities. Face it, kids and messes go hand in hand when it comes to being creative and having fun. Let’s start with the kitchen, often referred to as “Mess Central” in…
One-Step Lemon Bundt Cake
Dog-eared recipes deserve some review now and then, and I’m glad I rediscovered this classic from my mom’s recipe box. It’s a never-fail, fabulous one-step pound cake that is a perfect “first” cake baking experience for kids. Read the recipe together, and let them search for the dry ingredients in the pantry, measuring cups from…
Sprout Seeds Indoors In Eggshells
Kids and dirt seem to have a natural attraction for one another. Why not promote a love for a favorite activity this season by giving children a chance for some responsibility and fun by messing with dirt, sprouting seeds and tending their own little plants indoors? They’ll give your family vegetable garden a head start…
Make Seed-Starting Pots With Newspaper
It’s growing season, an ideal time for your family to poke around and play in dirt. Begin indoors! Popular plants are easily started inside during spring months to give a jump-start to your summer garden. While many serious gardeners purchase seed-starting kits, you’ll discover with this kid-friendly activity that you can save money by making…
Stunning Tissue Paper Flower Bouquet
You and your kids will be inspired to create a blooming bouquet of colorful paper flowers to celebrate the arrival of spring. In fact, these flowers can be enjoyed just about anytime and anywhere. You’ll only need basic items such as an empty cardboard egg carton, tissue paper from gift bags, some long, thick pipe…
Force Branches Into Bloom
Bring spring indoors, even if it’s just a handful of sticks, and look for new beginnings as you share your time and talents with those you love. Take a nature walk in your yard and look for young budding branches. With garden shears, clip off branches that are about 20 inches long. Good choices are…
Bake Rustic Fruit Tart
Opportunities for families to experience life’s simplest pleasures abound during summer’s final days. They take minimal planning and yield happy rewards. We enjoy impromptu evening bike rides, or a jaunt in the country to pick berries. On the return home, I choose juicy nectarines, peaches and plums at a roadside stand – a perfect combination…
Blow A Tune With Bottles And Water
Blow up a balloon, blow your nose and we hope the pitcher doesn’t blow the save in tonight’s baseball game. If it’s your birthday, blow out all the candles on your cake to make the wishes, blow in the wind … It’s fun to play a mind game with kids using a fun word like…
DONNA ERICKSON
