Springtime Watermelon Baskets

It's officially springtime and most of us are running around planning bbq's, parties, etc. and trying to figure out what fresh food we can serve that will be light and fun to eat. I have a solution that I am sure many of you have heard about but may not know how to accomplish. The Watermelon Basket Centerpiece!!

The great thing about this fun project is you can make it as easy or advanced as you would like.

Follow the steps below for a fun fresh addition to any party:

Watermelons come in many shapes, sizes, and varieties. If you are going to use the watermelon that is scooped out as part of the fruit salad it is probably best to purchase the seedless variety.


Special Hint: If you have any carving tools left over from Halloween it might be a good idea to bring them out!

You will need:
-Ripe Watermelon (When choosing the watermelon try and find one with a bottom that is slightly flat and won’t roll off the table)
-Sharp Knife
-Craft Knife (Exacto Blade or Halloween Carving Tool)
-Washable Marker
-Sharp Paring Knife
-Melon Baller (Optional)

--Place the watermelon on the table in a stable position where it can’t roll away. (If there are any defects on the watermelon you might want to roll the watermelon around so it won’t be seen)

--Measure the watermelon diameter and place a mark at ½ inch

--Draw the line around the circumference of the watermelon so you know where to slice. (DO NOT SLICE YET!!)

--Cut a stencil out that you would like to use for your handle. There are pictures at the bottom to give you ideas. (This is where you can make it easy or advanced)

--Place the stencil at the line you drew and tape it on so that it won’t slip.

--Trace the original stencil and remove it and re-position it until you have reached the other side of the watermelon.

--Use a large knife to slice the watermelon in half up to the point of the stencil

--Take your paring knife/exacto blade/ or carving tool and carefully carve around the stencil.

-- Carefully remove both upper halves of the melon

--Remove the flesh from those halves and place in a bowl for later use.

--These can be chopped in squares or you can use your melon baller for a different effect.

--Carefully trim the flesh from the underside of the handle (Be sure to leave it at least 1 inch thick or the handle might break)

--Carefully carve out the flesh from the inside of the basket and place in a bowl to the side for later use.

--These can be chopped roughly or you can use a melon baller for a different effect.

--Wipe off your marker lines

--Begin at the base of you handle design and carve an optional sawtooth border around the watermelon (This might be made easier with a serrated knife)

--Fill the watermelon with fresh fruit

**DO NOT LIFT THE WATERMELON BASKET BY THE HANDLE!! IT WILL BREAK!!**

See below some possible options for watermelon baskets:

Recipe and Photos courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board