Wonderful Watermelon: A Sensational Summer Tribute

Labor Day is this Monday and with it comes the unofficial end of summer. We’ve had a glorious couple of months, but we all knew it couldn’t last forever. As summer vacation comes to a close, we’d like to encourage folks to send this wonderful season off in style.

Not sure how you should mark the occasion? Celebrate Labor Day weekend with the epitome of summer foods: watermelon. This tasty treat can be done up in hundreds of unique and delicious ways. Grill it, mash it, blend it, chop it, and more – friends and family will be thrilled. Check out our fun recipes below and say goodbye to summer with a salute to watermelon.

With Feta – Not only do these appetizers look and taste amazing, they’re also exceptionally easy to make. Chop your watermelon, add a sprig of mint, cube your feta, and skewer. You can drizzle with balsamic vinegar if you want to knock your guests’ socks off (or not, it’s your call).  

Image via Bites Of Bri

With Prosciutto – Here’s a dish you don’t see every day: melon and prosciutto salad. Another sweet and savory creation (if you haven’t noticed, feta and watermelon pair very well together) this is a lovely summer meal. It’ll keep everyone cool and satisfied.

Image via Lynsey Loves Food

With Chicken & Blue Cheese – Not one for feta or prosciutto? They aren’t for everyone. That’s why we’ve got this tasty chicken, blue cheese and watermelon creation. Placed on a bed of spinach this is a delicious and healthy combination.

Image via Pinch Of Yum

With Basil – Expecting vegetarian, vegan or gluten intolerant visitors? We’ve got you covered. This watermelon basil salad has the crunch and flavor to satisfy many, while keeping most dietary restrictions in mind. Plus, it’s a snap to make!

Image via Oh, Sweet Basil

Jerky – You’ve heard of beef jerky and pork jerky, but watermelon jerky? This is definitely one of the most creative ways we’ve heard of cooking with watermelon. But it’s also incredibly simple and yummy. All you need is a food dehydrator and a watermelon and you’re good to go.

Image via Dash Of Butter

Grilled – Have you ever grilled a watermelon before? Something sort of magical happens. This recipe calls for the melon to be grilled with mandarins and honey, which caramelizes as it heats up (yum!). Sprinkle with granola and yogurt if you want, or just eat this sweet treat on its own.

Image via Capture By Lucy

Sorbet – The final days of summer always seem to be the hottest. You think the end of August and beginning of September will start to see chillier temperatures, but it just gets hotter. If you’re trying to beat the heat this weekend here’s a recipe that’s sure to help. Watermelon sorbet is so simple. All you have to do is freeze a cubed watermelon, blend it, let it set in a pan, and refreeze it.

Image via Pure Wow

Sangria – Watermelon, strawberries, lemons, wine, and vodka combine to create a sensational summer cocktail. Sipping these bad boys on your porch is the perfect way to say goodbye to summer.

Image via Show Me The Yummy

Mojitos – Sangria not your thing? Try making watermelon mojitos. We already know from our salad and skewer recipes that watermelon and mint make a lovely couple. Add a little rum and see what happens! (As Martha would say, it’s a good thing!)

Image via Martha Stewart

Jell-O Shots – We saved the best for last! These Jell-O shots are totally adorable and delicious. They’re a bit more work than some of our other recipes, but you can be sure they’ll add a splash of fun to every party!

Image via BuzzFeed

We hope these fun and flavorful watermelon recipes help you celebrate the last long weekend of the summer in style. If you try your hand at any of these dishes make sure to share snaps of your creations with @HomeShows on Twitter and Instagram!

Some of you may be dreading fall’s arrival, but we’re excited. Summer is fabulous, but fall means the start of home show season! To celebrate the start of this lovely time, we’re offering 2-for-1 tickets to the Marketplace Events homes how of your choice! Visit our Facebook ticket deals to learn more! Happy Labor Day from our family to yours!

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VIDEO TUTORIAL: Watermelon Pizza

We're taking pizza to a whole new level, and a much healthier one too!  The latest must-have appetizer this summer is our savory watermelon pizza.  No cooking required!  All you'll need is a ripe watermelon, some feta cheese, and your choice of finely chopped vegetable toppings.  Take a look at our DIY video below and see how you can create this masterpiece for your upcoming backyard bash! 

Check out the video tutorial below! 

Enjoy!

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Summertime Recipe: Watermelon Salad

4^th of July Summertime Inspired Recipes

Recipe courtesy of Emily Ellyn, Retro Rad Television Chef, EmilyEllyn.com

Prep Time:  15 minutes

Refrigeration Time:  30 minutes

Total Time:  45 minutes 

Yields:  Party Size

Ingredients:

1/4 cup champagne vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt or sea salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

3/4 cup olive oil

3 cups watermelon; 2-inch cubes

1 cup cherry tomatoes; halved

1 cup crumbled feta cheese

1/2 red onion, sliced very thin

¼ cup fresh mint julienned

2 Tablespoons fresh cilantro minced

Coarsely ground black pepper to taste

Directions:
In a medium bowl mix the vinegar and Dijon mustard in a bowl. Then, add the, salt, and pepper into the mixture. Slowly stream the olive oil into the dressing while  whisking vigorously. Place the dressing in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Combine the watermelon, tomato, feta cheese, red onion, mint and cilantro in a large bowl; toss lightly to mix. Season with the coarsely ground black pepper. Pour half the dressing over the salad; gently toss to coat. Refrigerate the salad at least 30 minutes. Drizzle the remaining dressing over the salad just before serving. 

Enjoy as salad or as a topping for fish or shrimp tacos in substitution for a salsa. 

Rad Tip:  Use as a delicious accompaniment for fish or shrimp tacos!

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