Watermelon Ribbon Basket Salad

in Guest Recipe Book

Average Rating:

(total ratings: 1)

Servings: 12-15

Comments:
This beautiful watermelon ribbon basket makes a beautiful presentation to serve at a picnic or barbeque, or even at an outdoors brunch. It's makes a wonderful centerpiece for your 4th of July table. It's filled with melon balls, grapes, and strawberries, and goes well with a glass of champagne or sparkling cider. Making it is not as difficult as it looks and everyone will really love it.....Diana, Diana's Desserts

Ingredients:

1 large oval shaped watermelon, weighing about 15 pounds
2 cantaloupe melons
2 honeydew melons
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons orange flavored liqueur, such as Grand Marnier (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
2 teaspoons finely grated lime zest
3 cups sliced fresh strawberries, washed, hulled and halved
2 cups green or red seedless grapes, washed and dried

For Garnish, Optional
Whipped cream or frozen whipped topping, thawed
Ice Cream (vanilla flavor goes well with this melon salad)
Mint sprigs

Instructions:
PREPARING THE WATERMELON RIBBON BASKET:
1) Select an oval-shaped watermelon. If necessary, cut a thin slice from the bottom of the watermelon so it sits level.

2) Draw a straight line (just above the middle) lengthwise around the watermelon for the baskets edge.

3) Draw a handle diagonally across the top as shown in the photograph.

4) Draw a bow as shown on the photograph so that one edge of the bow is connected to the baskets edge.

5) Cut and remove the top sections leaving the handle and the bow intact.

6) Scoop out the flesh from inside the watermelon with a melon baller leaving a trace of red on the inside of the watermelon. Drain the watermelon before filling.

PREPARING THE FRUIT SALAD:
Slice the melons in half, and scoop out seeds. With a melon baller, scoop out flesh from cantaloupes and honeydews (or other melon types, if using).

In a large bowl, combine sugar, lime juice, lemon juice, vanilla extract, orange liqueur (optional) and lime zest. Stir well.

Add all melon balls (including the watermelon balls), strawberries and grapes and toss to combine.

Allow fruit to chill in refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Just before serving, transfer fruit salad to watermelon basket.

Serve the watermelon fruit salad in dessert cups or glass goblets as a refreshing and colorful summer dessert, or as a special dish for a mid-day brunch or an afternoon or early evening barbeque.

Top each serving with a scoop of whipped cream, or ice cream, and garnish each with a mint sprig.

Tip: It is important to purchase watermelons that are fully ripe, since they don't continue to ripen once they have been picked. A ripe melon feels heavy for its size and has a sweet, fresh fragrance.

Serves: 12-15

Source: DianasDesserts.com

Date: November 10, 2002

Reviews

Reviewer: nafesa
Rating:

Review:
guests were very excited. lovely masterpiece & very attractive.delicious.

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