Island Entertaining

Stay Cool with Watermelon!

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY KAREN MILLER

By the time August rolls around in Florida, we’re all getting a little weary of the heat. It’s almost too hot to fire up the grill, but a garden fresh, chilled watermelon will help you and your family keep your cool this summer. There are so many things you can do with watermelon, including main dish salads, soups, and drinks.

Watermelon is ninety two percent water, and a great way to stay hydrated on hot days. The state of Florida is one of the world’s largest watermelon producers, although Cordele, Georgia claims to be the Watermelon Capital of the World. In any case, watermelon is one of the Southeast’s favorite foods, and weighing in at less than 50 calories per cup, you can eat watermelon all day, all summer long.

My favorite watermelon dish is Watermelon Salad with Feta, Mint, and Basil. The sweet-and-salty nature of this dish is divine, and it makes a great summer salad for lunch or dinner. I like to drizzle it with a balsamic glaze, which you can purchase at most grocery stores. You can also make your own by combining two cups of balsamic vinegar with a half-cup of brown sugar, then gently simmering the mixture in a pan until it’s reduced by half. After chilling the mixture, drizzle it over your watermelon salad. It’s also great with strawberries and figs!

WATERMELON SALAD WITH FETA, BASIL, AND MINT Ingredients 6 cups cubed seedless watermelon 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese 2 Tbs. torn mint 2 Tbs. torn basil Half of an English cucumber, thinly sliced 3 Tbs. balsamic glaze Sea salt

Preparation Place first five ingredients in a bowl and toss gently. Mound the salad on a large platter. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over all it, then sprinkle with a bit of sea salt. Serve immediately. Makes 5 to 6 servings.

Another favorite is Watermelon Sangria, which makes a light, refreshing, signature cocktail to serve your guests at a backyard barbecue. And Watermelon Soup makes a delicious dessert!

WATERMELON SANGRIA Ingredients 4 cups cubed watermelon 1 cup green grapes, halved 2 Tbs. sugar 1 bottle dry white wine 1/2 cup orange liqueur 1 lime, sliced Handful of mint leaves

Preparation Place watermelon in a bowl and mash coarsely. Place in a large pitcher, and add grapes, sugar, wine, and orange liqueur, stirring well. Chill in the fridge for about 2-hours. Add lime and mint, then serve in chilled glasses. Makes about 6 to 8 servings.

WATERMELON SOUP Ingredients 4 cups cubed watermelon 1/3 cup apple juice 2 Tbs. lime juice 1/2 tsp. minced ginger 1 Tbs. honey Vanilla yogurt

Preparation Place first five ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Chill in the refrigerator until serving. Serve in bowls or mugs with a dollop of vanilla yogurt. Makes 4-5 servings.