GOOD EATS
Sweet, Refreshing
All-American Snacks
T Watermelon.

Its sweet,
cool and
refreshing flavor also
makes it a
favorite for
all ages.

here’s no time like a
hot summer picnic to
let your patriotic spirit
show. These all-American snacks
featuring a classic favorite fruit
– watermelon – are the perfect
solution for nearly any summer-
time celebration.

Watermelon is a patriotic pic-
nic staple for countless reasons,
not the least of which is that it’s
a beloved treat that many people
associate with memories from
childhood. However, nostalgia
isn’t the only reason adults are
just as likely to gravitate toward
watermelon at a summer event.

Its sweet, cool and refreshing
flavor also makes it a favorite for
all ages.

From a practical standpoint,
watermelon is also quite porta-
ble, versatile and easy to serve,
and with a composition of 92
percent water, it’s a simple way
to sneak in some extra hydration
on a hot day. Another benefit is
its value; watermelon is one of
the best values in the produce
section among fruit, and just one
watermelon can feed up to three
dozen people.

Serving watermelon at a party
can be as simple as slicing wedges,
or you can prepare a dish such as
these below:
• A fruit basket, with the rind
serving as a colorful bowl
to hold the watermelon and
other fresh fruits.

• A charcuterie board with
a selection of fruit, cheese
and protein for simple
snacking. • Creamy parfaits, perfect for
a summery brunch or alternative
to more traditional desserts.

• A creatively colorful and
patriotic “cake” that makes
for a tasty centerpiece on the
dessert table.

Easy Summer
Thirst Quencher
A simple fruit-infused water can give your
summer event an instant upgrade in no
time at all. Add extra dimension and com-
plexity to the flavor by adding some of your
favorite herbs like basil and mint.

RED, WHITE AND BLUE
WATERMELON PARFAIT
WATERMELON-INFUSED WATER
2 cups watermelon balls
or cubes
1 cup other fruit, such as berries
herbs, such as basil
or mint
PHOTOS COURTESY OF
FAMILYFEATURES.COM AND GETTY IMAGES
Place watermelon, fruit and herbs in
pitcher and cover with water. For best
flavor, allow to chill in refrigerator at
least 30 minutes before serving.

36 WashingtonFAMILY JULY 2019
1 cup blueberries
1 container (6 ounces) Greek yogurt (vanilla,
lemon or coconut)
1 cup watermelon, plus three pieces diced
watermelon whipped cream, for serving
In pint canning jar, layer blueberries, yogurt and
1 cup watermelon. Top with whipped cream and
garnish with three diced watermelon pieces.

Note: To make ahead or make thicker, drain Greek
yogurt on paper towels to absorb some liquid.




GOOD EATS
PATRIOTIC FRUIT SALAD
1 watermelon
honeydew blueberries
Slice 1/4 inch off bottom of
watermelon, lengthwise, to
create stable base.

Use pencil to draw zig-zag
lines for basket opening.

Using paring knife, make cuts
through rind.

Carefully remove top section,
pull out large chunks of flesh
and cut them into 3-by-3-inch
squares. Trim 3/4-inch thick slices off
squares to use for cutting out
stars with 1 1/2-3-inch, star-
shaped cookie cutters.

Use ice cream scoop to
remove flesh from inside
basket and cut scoops into
quarters for fruit salad. Place
in bottom of basket. Add
honeydew and blueberries;
stir to combine.

Cut out white stripes from
honeydew. Garnish top of fruit salad with
watermelon stars, honeydew
stripes and blueberries.

PATRIOTIC CHARCUTERIE BOARD
½ medium seedless watermelon, cut into wedges
½ cup fresh raspberries
1 ½ cups fresh blueberries
10 strawberries (dipped in white chocolate, if desired)
5 ounces fresh goat cheese
½ cup toasted, salted cashews
2 ounces cured meats like prosciutto, pancetta, coppa,
salami, soppressata, sausage or pepperoni
1 Honeycrisp apple, cored and sliced
lemon juice
fresh basil leaves
FLAG KEBAB CAKE
On large board or platter, arrange watermelon, raspberries,
blueberries, strawberries, cheese, cashews, meat and apples.

Drizzle fruit with lemon juice. Garnish with basil leaves
before serving.

Thread five blackberries on
each of five skewers, followed
by alternating watermelon and
cake cubes.

1 pint fresh, washed
blackberries 12 wooden skewers
1 seedless watermelon, flesh
cut into 1-inch cubes
1 angel food cake, cut into
1-inch cubes (white part only)
dips, such as yogurt,
chocolate, caramel or
marshmallow (optional)
On remaining skewers,
alternate watermelon and cake
so first and last cubes are
watermelon. Place skewers
on platter; fruit and cake will
create stars and stripes when
lined properly.

Serve with dips, if desired.

Find more ideas for
incorporating watermelon into
your summer festivities at
watermelon.org. — Family Features
WashingtonFAMILY.com 37