Edible Decor: Carving Watermelon

[Melissa Burnell]

I know you’ve probably carved a pumpkin, but have you carved a Watermelon? Very Inexpensive, edible Decoration, lots of fun for the family.

The Ship Use your imagination to decorate the ship of your dreams! Materials: [*]Watermelon [*]Sharp pointed utensil [*]Sharp knife [*]Large spoon [*]Long wooden skewer [/list]Directions: Choose a large, oblong watermelon for this project. Cut a thin slice from the bottom to provide a stable base. Draw the outlines for the ship as shown in the pattern image. Use a knife or decorating tool to cut along the lines of the pattern. Cut all the way through the rind. Remove the top section of rind; it may be easier to make a deep cut across the top section and remove it in two pieces. Cut the sail from a section of the rind you removed. You can write a message on the sail with a water-soluble black felt tip marker. Attach the sail to the ship with a long wooden skewer Fill with approx. 3 cups of fruit salad, depending on the size of the melon. Serves 2-3 The Baby Carriage A fun, easy project … perfect for a baby shower or a child’s birthday party! Materials: [*]Watermelon [*]Sharp pointed utensil [*]Sharp knife [*]Large spoon [*]Toothpicks [*]Orange Slices [*]Strawberries [*]Kiwis [/list] Directions: Almost any shape watermelon will work for this project. Cut a thin slice from the bottom to provide a stable base. Draw the outlines for the carriage as shown in the pattern image. Use a sharp knife to cut out the section to be used for the handle. Cut all the way through the rind. Use a decorating tool or knife to cut the fancy edges of the carriage. Remove the top section of rind. Hollow the carriage and attach the handle with toothpicks. Attach wheels made from orange slices and hubcaps made from strawberries and kiwis. Fill the carriage with approx. 4 cups of fruit salad. Serves 3-4 The Swan A graceful centerpiece for any special occasion … easy enough to make for the family! Materials: [*]Watermelon [*]Sharp pointed utensil [*]Sharp knife [*]Large spoon [/list]Directions: Any Shape watermelon can work. Pick one that’s right for your table. Cut a thin slice from the bottom Draw the outlines for the swan as shown in the pattern image. Use a sharp knife or decorating tool to cut along the lines of the pattern. Cut all the way through the rind when cutting the top portion that will be cut away. Be careful to leave the beak attached to the feathers for stability. Use a knife to hollow out an eye. To remove the top section, first cut it into quarters. Hollow the melon and trim the features so they are not too thick. You can use a melon baller to remove the remaining melon. Fill with approx. 1 cup of fruit salad, depending on the size of the melon. Serve remaining fruit salad in another bowl. Serves 1 – 2 The Whale An easy first project that kids will love! Materials: [*]Oblong watermelon [*]Sharp pointed utensil [*]Sharp knife [*]Large spoon [*]Dried flowers [/list]Directions: Choose a large, oblong watermelon for this project. Cut a thin slice from the bottom to provide a stable base. Draw the outlines for the whale as shown in the drawing above. Use a knife or decorating tool to cut the decorated edges on the side, and a knife to cut the tail and head. Cut all the way through the rind. Remove the top section of rind; it can be cut into pieces to make removal easier. Carve the mouth and eyes, cutting only into the green outer layer. Cut a small, deep hole for a blowhole; inserting dried flowers for the water spout. Hollow the shell; fill with approx. 4 cups of fruit salad. Serves 3-4 The Peacock Use as a centerpiece or fill with your favorite salad, salsa or desert. Refer to photograph for placement of lines and fruit. Materials: [*]1 evenly shaped watermelon [*]21 slices kiwi fruit (each ½ in. thick) [*]18 blueberries [*]7 green grapes [*]14 red grapes [*]7 bamboo skewers (each 10-12 inches long) [*]4 wooden picks [/list]Directions: Almost any shape watermelon will work for this project. If necessary, cut a think slice from one end for a stable base. Draw a straight line (about 1/3 of the watermelon’s length above the level end) around watermelon for the peacock’s edge. Draw the peacock’s head and neck above the straight line. On the opposite side, draw a half circle tail base above the straight line. Cut and remove the top section of the watermelon, leaving the head, neck and tail base intact. Scoop out the flesh, leaving just a trace of red. Alternate kiwi fruit, blueberries and grapes on bamboo skewers as shown in photograph. Insert skewers into tail base in fan shape. Use wooden picks to attach blueberries to head for eye and crest. Preparation Time: 45 min. “The Peacock carving will receive rave reviews from your guests when filled with a watermelon dessert, salad or punch. It’s so simple to fix and you can serve the skewered fruit with your entree.” Jeannetta Davis – Media Chef & Home Economist – Houston tx watermelon vase Materials: [*]Watermelon [*]Sharp pointed utensil [*]Sharp knife [*]Large spoon [*]Fresh flowers and greenery [/list] Directions: Select a symmetrical oblong watermelon. Measure 9 inches from one end of watermelon. Cut crosswise for vase. Reserve shorter section for your favorite watermelon recipe. If necessary, cut a thin slice from end of watermelon vase so it sits upright. Remove about 1-inch layer of flesh from top of watermelon vase to form rim. Place watermelon vase on small plate to protect table surface. Arrange your choice of flowers and greenery in watermelon vase. The watermelon flesh will hold them in place and provide moisture. To complement party and holiday themes, add special touches, such as small American flags for Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. Preparation Time: 15 min. Pig-out Carving Materials: [*]Watermelon [*]Sharp pointed utensil [*]Sharp knife [*]Large spoon [*]Rounded wooden picks [*]2 kiwifruit [/list]Directions: Using rounded watermelon, cut opening in top of watermelon leaving section to cut tail; remove cut-out rind. Cut spiral tail from tail section by removing small strip. Using cut-out section, cut a 2-inch circle for snout and 2 triangles for ears. Scoop out fruit from watermelon leaving just a trace of red showing; chill well. Invert watermelon and drain; place on serving platter. Decorate outside of watermelon using round wooden picks to attach reserved circle for snout and triangles for ears. Cut 2 kiwifruit in half crosswise; remove small vertical wedge from each half to form hoofs; attach with round wooden picks to lower side of watermelon for feet. Use container for punch, fruit salads or desserts. Source: The National Watermelon Board (Yes, there really is such a thing!, lol) © 2001 Watermelon.org. All rights reserved. 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