Transform a favorite summertime fruit into a party centerpiece.
Carve a watermelon or cantaloupe into the shape of a basket and fill the basket with your favorite fruits. Carving the fruit is an easy task and provides a stunning centerpiece display for the food table at a party. You can make the decorative serving dish for an outdoor summer party or make one in the middle of winter to bring a little bit of summertime flair indoors. For an edible decoration on a budget, fill the baskets with the fruit removed during carving and a variety of in-season fruit.
Instructions
1. Cut off about 1/4 inch of one long side of the watermelon or cantaloupe to create a flat surface. Lay the fruit with the flat surface facing downward.
2. Cut off the top 1/3 of the watermelon or cantaloupe. Try to remove the top in a single piece so that you can make a basket handle from it later.
3. Scoop out all of the fruit from the remaining 2/3 of the cantaloupe or watermelon. Use a melon baller to remove the fruit and set it aside in a large mixing bowl.
4. Carve a jagged or wavy edge around the top of the fruit. Begin by drawing the jagged or wavy line around the top edge of the fruit and then use a sharp knife to cut off the excess fruit above the line.
5. Cut out a handle from the discarded 1/3 of the fruit. Cut a 2-inch-wide section from the fruit. Draw a wavy or jagged line down each long side and cut along the lines with the knife.
6. Insert toothpicks into the bottom ends of the basket handle. Insert the other ends of the toothpicks into the basket, at about the center mark.
7. Mix together some fruit to add to the basket. Add some blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and pineapple chunks to the mixing bowl with the watermelon or cantaloupe. Add a tablespoon of sugar and 2 tbsp. lemon juice and mix.
8. Pour the fruit salad into the watermelon or cantaloupe basket.
Tags: watermelon cantaloupe, basket handle, flat surface, handle from, jagged wavy
