It is not common knowledge but today is National Watermelon Day in the United States. Refreshing, delicious. sweet watermelon. Yum. Why not have celebrate national watermelon day while watermelons are at the peak of their season? They are plentiful and inexpensive right now. I just bought a huge one today for only $1.99!
The following are some great ideas in honor of National Watermelon Day.
Watermelon Lanterns
If you are planning a luau or summer party that will go into the evening hours, you can create dramatic, glowing watermelon lanterns much like a Halloween Jack-O-Lantern – but prettier! Your carved watermelon can be beautiful by day and night. Here are photos showing a carved watermelon that I made before and after turning it into a lantern. You can light your watermelon with a flashlight, or other battery powered light. You might try lighting with battery powered candle type lights. You can even light with a real candle as long as you open up the top or create
holes to allow enough oxygen so that the flame will burn.
Besides carving, there are so many other things you can do with watermelon. Here are a few delicious, fun, unusual and downright silly watermelon ideas you may want to try.
Frozen Watermelon Pops
These refreshing and low-calorie icy treats are perfect for hot summer days.
- Put thick slices of watermelon on a popsicle stick and freeze. OR
- Puree watermelon, pour into a papercup or ice-pop mold, add a popsicle stick and freeze.
Watermelon Cut-Outs
Slice watermelon ½ inch thick and cut with different shape cookie cutters to serve to kids. They’ll love it.
Watermelon Cocktails.
Here are a couple of delicious, refreshing, adult treats.
1. Watermelon Mojitos – Experiment with watermelon juice or puree mixed with a bit of lime juice, sugar or simple syrup, fresh mint and rum. Serve with a lime wedge on the edge of the glass.
2. Watermelon Martinis – Mix fresh watermelon juice or puree with vodka, shake with ice and pour into a martini glass. Garnish with a wedge of watermelon on the rim of the glass.
Unusual and Interesting Watermelon Recipes
Feeling adventurous and want to try out something different? Take a look at 7 recipes that include Watermelon Tomato Appetizers, Sicilian Watermelon Pudding, Watermelon Gazpacho, Watermelon Ginger Punch and even Watermelon Curry. I have not yet tried them myself but they sure sound interesting. You’ll find them here http://www.yumsugar.com/7-Unconventional-Watermelon-Recipes-1832020?page=0,0,0#3
You can also check our an unusual idea for grilling watermelon at http://www.yumsugar.com/Grilled-Watermelon-Salad-Recipe-8945813
Watermelon Hats
Here is a totally silly watermelon helmet made by a fan of the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
If you are curious how the watermelon hat got started you can learn more about the origin of the Saskatchewan Roughriders watermelon hat here – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mo7KG2vsq3E
Seed Spitting Contest
Having a picnic with seeded watermelon? Have some silly fun with a seed spitting contest. You could reward the contestant that spits their seeds the farthest with a silly watermelon hat.
Complete Watermelon Themed Summer Party
If you were so inspired, you could even throw a whole watermelon themed summer party and use all of the watermelon ideas above. Add a watermelon carving contest and you could light the carved watermelons as lanterns when the sun sets.
Whether you simply enjoy a slice of watermelon or are inspired to try any of the ideas above sometime soon, I wish you a Happy “National Watermelon Day”!
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