You almost need nothing but a big, juicy slice of watermelon, dripping down your chin as you slurp it down, on this list. My only regret is that seedless watermelon has rendered the seed-spitting contests of my youth obsolete.
Sometimes, though, I just feel the need to get creative. Yeah, I know you’ve figured that out by now. There are some really fun and easy things you can do with watermelon that not only enhance the flavor, but keep you from getting bored.
1. Paula Deen’s watermelon salad has intrigued me from the moment I first saw the recipe: it seems as though it’s perfect. How can anything with fresh mint, feta, a delicate and simple vinaigrette and sweet onion be anything less? Well, you combine all that with a sweet fruit. I know I shouldn’t be a doubter, but it just seems a little strange to me, and the moment I try this recipe, my hot little fingers will type out a report to you.
2. Chop it into chunks and serve it in a bowl with a fork. I know that seems a little lame to count as a number on my list, but if you’ve got a kid, you will save countless shirts by avoiding the whole slice slurp. Trust me — the summer of age two-and-a-half is marked with watermelon-stained memories. You’re welcome.
3. Perhaps Paula Deen has a watermelon fetish, because she’s also got a great recipe for a watermelon cooler, blended with lemon sorbet. Personally, I don’t think watermelon needs any added sugar, so this watermelon cooler recipe with fresh mint and optional honey appeals more to me.
4. How about a creamy dip for watermelon and lemon skewers? The rich dip balanced by the light fruit seems as though it would be a delightful combination.
5. Rachael Ray has a great recipe for watermelon sorbet, except for the fact that she adds a whopping 1/2 cup of light corn syrup to the mix. Um… yuck! Instead, add raw organic agave syrup. It’s got to be better than that processed corn goo, even though there are mixed reports on the healthy aspects of agave.
6. These prosciutto-wrapped watermelon and brie fingers are so simple, yet so elegant. The salty prosciutto with the sweet and juicy watermelon is a perfect pairing, don’t you think?
OK, see anything there to curb your boredom?