Carve a Smile on a Watermelon



A watermelon basket, filled with various fresh melon balls, always brings a smile to those who see it. This watermelon is smiling right back at them. Watermelon is a healthy fruit and a welcome addition to any meal, Make Cinnamon and Sugar Apple Slices or snack.

Steps

  1. Use a round watermelon and be sure to slice 1/2 inch (just over 1 cm) off the end to provide a stable base which you will really need . Determine the desired height of your carving and, using a pencil, draw a line all the way around the watermelon.Also you may use a black washable marker by Crayola.
  2. Use the knife to remove the top portion of the watermelon to create the flowers with a flower cookie cutter.
  3. Remove the flesh with a melon baller then make the fruit salad.
  4. Draw a smile with a pencil, making adjustments in scale to your particular watermelon. Use a paring knife to carve out eyes and mouth.
  5. Cut 1/4" (just over 1/2 cm) slices from the rind of the removed top portion, and cut with flower shaped cookie cutters.
  6. Attach the flowers to the head with sturdy round toothpicks. Attach decorative melon balls on top of flowers to form the buds.
  7. Fill the carving with a salad of watermelon, honeydew, and cantaloupe balls. Place on the center of the table as a centerpiece.
  8. Finished.

Tips

  • After you’ve drawn the design on the rind, insert toothpicks in key places to use as guides for your cuts.
  • Consider using a channel knife for certain cuts and to hollow out larger areas.
  • Set this on the table as a dessert for a formal dinner also. After the plates are cleaned from the table, bring out the Smiling Watermelon, with cookies, cake and assorted nuts, for a pleasing dessert that can be enjoyed by anyone.
  • Choose a flat working surface on a solid base.
  • Use a sharp knife with a pointed tip – the sharper the knife, the easier and cleaner the cuts will be. Be careful!
  • Watermelon pairs well with a platter of cheese on the table for a casual gathering of friends.
  • Instead of using a knife, you can also drill a small hole and pass through a fine scroll-saw or coping-saw blade for cutting designs more safely and accurately.
  • For better grip and to help protect your hands, use a fresh, new thick pair of gardening gloves with gripper palms.
  • For more detailed designs, draw a template first on a sheet of white paper with a marker or pencil. When finished, transfer the image to the watermelon surface by taping the paper to the melon and tracing along the design with a pencil, making the design right on the watermelon surface.
  • Have the whole watermelon at room temperature when you carve. The cuts will be easier to make when the watermelon is not cold. You can chill the watermelon in the refrigerator after cutting and before serving.
  • Stack small plates and utensils on the table as well as a large serving spoon for removing the fruit.

Warnings

  • When attaching cut pieces on the watermelon to make your design, use round toothpicks or skewers. Flat toothpicks will often break due to weight of the piece or the thickness of the rind.
  • Always be careful when using the knife!

Things You'll Need

  • Round Watermelon
  • Various fresh melons
  • Knife
  • Pencil or permanent marker
  • Toothpicks
  • Paring knife
  • Mellon Baller/ice cream scoop

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  • Watermelon.org. Original source of this article. Shared with permission. View the site for many more ideas.
Retrieved from "https://kipkis.com/index.php?title=Carve_a_Smile_on_a_Watermelon&oldid=295686"