If you're like many residents of apartments in Chicago, IL, you look forward to the month of August every year because that's when ripe watermelons begin showing up the supermarkets. Few things taste better than a fresh slice of cool watermelon on a hot summer day. However, there are many delicious ways to enjoy fresh watermelon, so if you'd like something besides a traditional slice every now and then, consider the following three options.
Watermelon Sorbet
This one's much easier to prepare than it sounds. You won't need an ice cream maker — you can make this right in the freezing compartment of the refrigeration unit in your apartment. Just bring agave nectar, lime or lemon juice, crushed mint leaves, and sugar to a boil in a saucepan on the stove. After the mixture has cooled, stir in pureed watermelon, pour the mixture into a shallow baking pan and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Spoon the mixture into sorbet cups and freeze for a minimum of three hours. This makes a great grand finale to a cool summer salad when outdoor temperatures are soaring.
Watermelon Fruit Bowls
Watermelon fruit bowls make charming accents for casual summer parties, particularly if you use mini-watermelons. Simply hollow them out and fill them with the fruit of your choice, such as berries, grapes, peaches and, of course, watermelon chunks. You can also fill them with fruit juice or cocktails for a variation of this idea.
Watermelon Salsa
Traditional tomato-based salsa is a staple of summer snacks, but if you're in the mood for something different, consider making watermelon salsa instead. All you really need to do is replace the tomato in your favorite salsa recipe with watermelon pieces chopped up with onions, peppers and lime juice. If you want to give it an extra burst of summer flavor, add items such as pomegranate arils and fresh herbs.
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