Melon Mayhem: How to Carve a Watermelon Basket

 Summer is the time for swimming, sunbathing and eating summer foods like hot dogs, hamburgers and your favorite summertime melon; watermelon. If you're like me, when you cut open a watermelon, you cut it down the middle and slice it into smaller pieces. That's a perfectly fine way to cut a watermelon, but if you want to get creative, try making your very own watermelon basket. There are many things you can create out of a watermelon, including a jack-o-lantern, fish, flower or rabbit, but the ever-popular item is the fruit basket. The fruit basket is a fruit favorite and is the perfect food item to bring to backyard barbecues or parties.

Here are some pointers on how to make the ultimate fruit basket and how to carve a watermelon:

1. Choose an oblong watermelon and slice ¼ inch off the bottom lengthwise.

2. Use a pencil to draw lines for handle placement and basket opening. Cut the handle first, as wide as you'd prefer, then make zig-zag cuts with a paring knife, all the way through the rind.

3. Carefully remove the watermelon, cutting pieces into 3x3-inch squares and putting aside in bowl.

4. Use an ice cream scoop or spoon to carve out any remaining watermelon.

With those four simple steps you will not only know how to carve a watermelon, but you'll also know how to make a cute and trendy basket to put your fruit salad in. Now that you know how to carve a watermelon and make a basket, perhaps you would like some fruit salad recipes you can fill your watermelon basket with.

Easy Watermelon Recipes:

• Fruit Salad with Watermelon: This great watermelon recipe is easy and the whole family will love it! It includes watermelon, cantaloupe, strawberries, pineapple chunks and seedless grapes.  
• Jellied Melon Salad: This unique and delicious jellied melon salad combines the sweet taste of gelatin with three different kinds of melon. 
• Watermelon Congealed Salad: Gelatin and watermelon combine in this recipe for a rich, fruity taste everyone will enjoy. 
• Cheshire and Watermelon Salad:  This delicious recipe with watermelon is perfect for the summer months when watermelons are at their peak. Enjoy the light flavor of the watermelon and the sharpness of the Cheshire cheese in this wonderful salad.

For more handy kitchen tips, check out our free eBook, The Ultimate Kitchen Guide: How-Tos, Cooking Tips & Essential Kitchen Knowledge.