Happiness is a cold watermelon on a hot summer day.
Unknown
Late July and early August is the peak of summertime heat, sometimes shockingly hot with humidity, depending upon the part of the country you’re in. Heat bears down on you from the intense white-hot rays of the sun, and the humidity makes it hard to breathe. These are the days when simply walking to your car causes perspiration to surface on your forehead, your cheeks, and the bridge of your nose, which starts to run down your face. No one really looks good in this heat. It’s just that hot!
All this heat makes us grasp for anything refreshing, even cold water feels like the greatest luxury on earth. These are the best days for a cold watermelon. In whatever form you enjoy, it is pure happiness.
I looooove watermelon. For me, it’s truly one of the most refreshing treats to enjoy during the summertime. It makes me feel like a kid again, sitting on the front stoop eating watermelon straight off the rind, juice running down my face and onto my top. Simpler times, for sure.
As with other summer fruits, watermelon has many health benefits. Some of the perks are:
- Extra hydration. Watermelon is 92% water. In the summertime—or anytime—who doesn’t need help with extra hydration?
- Nutrients. In the fruit family, watermelon is among those containing the lowest in calories, even lower than berries. It also contains amazing antioxidants like Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Potassium, and Magnesium.
- May help with cancer prevention. Studies are showing watermelon can reduce cancer risks by lowering the insulin-like growth factor that involves cell division.
- It may increase heart health and lower inflammation and stress.
- May help with Macular Degeneration.
- It can relieve muscle soreness.
- A great boost for skin & hair care because of the heavy concentration of Vitamins A & C.
- Can improve digestion because of the water and fiber content.
Watermelon makes me even happier knowing I’m eating good food that is also good for me.
All of these recipes are super easy with few ingredients. Low on time, and high on cool, colorful refreshment!
Sharing recipes is another one of my favorite things, so I hope you’ll enjoy some of these eating and drinking summer beauties.
Watermelon Margarita
Equipment
- Large baking sheet
- Blender
Ingredients
- 4 cups watermelon frozen (or fresh if serving on rocks)
- 1/2 cup silver Tequila
- 1/4 cup Triple Sec or Cointreau
- 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 cup ice
- Tajin for rim
- Limes cut in wedges for garnish, optional
- Watermelon cube with rind for garnish
- Fresh Mint for garnish
- 1 tablespoon Simple Syrup optional
Instructions
- Cut up watermelon and freeze on a baking sheet for at least six hours. If you are making the margaritas on the rocks, you can skip this step.
- Add watermelon, tequila, triple sec, lime juice and ice to a blender. Leave out ice if making on the rocks.
- Blend until completely smooth.
- Pour into a glass rimmed with Tajin. Garnish with a slice of watermelon, mint sprig or lime slice.
Boozy Watermelon Bites
Equipment
- Melon Baller
Ingredients
- 1 medium watermelon
- 2 cups Vodka
- 1 bunch fresh mint
Instructions
- Using a melon baller, make watermelon balls.
- In a large bowl, combine watermelon balls and 2 cups of vodka, making sure the fruit is completely submerged. Place in refrigerator to soak for one hour.
- Remove from refrigerator and drain, reserving alcohol, if desired. Serve on skewers or in a bowl. Garnish with mint leaves.
Watermelon, Tomato & Feta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 medium watermelon
- 1/2 cup fresh mint
- 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 12 ounces heirloom grape or cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice freshly squeeze
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- Crumbled Feta
Instructions
- Remove rind from watermelon and cut watermelon into 1-1/2" thick triangles. Arrange on a platter.
- Top with mint, red onion, tomatoes.
- Combine olive oil, fesh lime juice, honey, and salt & pepper in bowl. Spoon over watermelon.
- Top with crumbled feta.
Watermelon Cake
Ingredients
- 1 large watermelon approximately 5-6 pounds
- 8 ounces Cool Whip or fresh whipping cream, whipped
- Assorted Berries for Topping
- Fresh Mint for garnish
Instructions
- Cut 2-inch thick slices from both ends of a watermelon; discard trimmed slices. Stand watermelon on cutting board. Starting from top of melon, use long, thin, sharp knife and carefully cut between the rind and the fruit all around the watermelon to separate the rind from the fruit. Remove and discard rind.
- Pat melon with paper towels to dry. Place on platter. Frost with Cool Whip (or fresh whipped cream).
- Decorate as per photo with assorted berries, or decorate as you wish for the occasion.
