Create fun watermelon servings for your next event.
Watermelon is the quintessential summer dessert, served at most outdoor gatherings during the warmer months. In fact, a study carried out by the USDA's Economic Research Service puts U.S. watermelon consumption at over 13 lbs. per person per year. Although most often served as simple slices on a platter, watermelon is a very versatile fruit that can be dressed up and made sophisticated, or made into a number of fun or tasty dishes. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Grill It
A grilled fruit platter starring thick watermelon steaks is a dish well-suited for a backyard barbecue. Watermelon takes on a slightly smoky taste when grilled that complements the fruit's sweetness and makes it a good choice for both sweet and savory dishes.
Slice the watermelon into roughly 1-inch slices, and remove the rind. Sprinkle with a little sea salt, and place on a rack to drain for at least 30 minutes. Press lightly with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, and brush lightly with olive oil. Place on a preheated grill. Allow to sit for approximately two minutes per side, depending on thickness, or until grill marks have formed and the watermelon is slightly soft.
For a refreshing dessert dish, arrange the grilled watermelon on a serving platter with some grilled pineapple slices. Squeeze a bit of fresh lime juice over the fruit, and sprinkle freshly-toasted coconut shavings over the top. Serve with a side of coconut gelato. For a savory presentation, place the watermelon slices on a bed of baby arugula. Drizzle with some aged balsamic vinegar and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese.
Shape It
Cut slices of watermelon into shapes that bring a little whimsy to the occasion. Children might enjoy Mickey Mouse silhouettes, or simple shapes like stars, letters or numbers. Make a simple arrangement on a serving platter, and brush the watermelon with some simple syrup or agave nectar. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top, and garnish with fresh mint leaves and a few strawberries for some bright colors.
Use cookie cutters to cut perfect shapes from the watermelon slices. For an adult poker game, cut out watermelon diamonds, hearts, spades and clubs. Arrange on a platter and drizzle with vodka or tequila before serving. Spell out the baby's name or initials for a baby shower, and drizzle the watermelon with a bit of light, fruity wine or sangria for a refreshing taste.
Make it Sophisticated
People tend to reserve watermelon for their barbecues and picnics, but there are plenty of options to create sophisticated, adult platters for cocktail or dinner parties. Rim the martini glasses in sanding sugar or fine rock sugar by dipping the edges of the rim in a small amount of water and then into the sugar. Arrange the glasses on a white or silver serving platter. Fill halfway with balls or chunks of fresh watermelon. Top with champagne. Garnish with a fresh strawberry skewered on a toothpick and spring of fresh mint.
Fruit Kebabs
Cut watermelon and other fruits, like pineapple, cantaloupe or honeydew melon, into like-sized chunks or balls. Alternate the pieces of fruit on small bamboo skewers with some fresh strawberries. Arrange in a circular pattern on a serving platter. Serve with a side of fresh yogurt mixed with lemon or lime zest for dipping or melted chocolate.
Tags: serving platter, with some, watermelon with, fresh lime, fresh lime juice