By By Lisa Tindell
When you think of the Fourth of July, what springs to mind?
For me it means fireworks, barbecue, ice cream and watermelon.
Watermelon is not one of my favorite foods, but I still think it is high on the list for celebrating anything during the long, hot days of summer. If you agree, you may find these recipes interesting.
I had seen this first dish prepared once on television and thought it a little odd.
But since I do love onion and feta cheese, it must be pretty good.
You can give it a try and see for yourself.
Watermelon Summer Salad
Three-fourths cup halved, thinly sliced red onion
1 tbsp. fresh lime juice
1 and one-half quarts seeded, cubed watermelon
Three-fourths cup crumbled feta cheese
One-half cup pitted black olive halves
1 cup chopped fresh mint
2 tbsp. olive oil
Place the onion slices in a small bowl with the lime juice. The acid of the lime will mellow the flavor of the raw onion. Let stand for 10 minutes. In a large bowl, combine the watermelon cubes, feta cheese, black olives, onions with the lime juice, and mint. Drizzle olive oil over it all, and toss to blend.
If you are planning a party of any sort during the summer, you almost find it mandatory to have watermelon on the menu. If you don't &#8220relish” the thought of having to lay one of those big old melons on the table, here's an idea you may find refreshing.
Watermelon Salsa
2 cups seeded and coarsely chopped watermelon
2 tbsp. chopped onion
3 tbsp. seeded, chopped hot pepper
2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
One-fourth tsp. garlic salt
In a serving bowl, mix together the watermelon, onion, and pepper. Season with balsamic vinegar and garlic salt. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to blend flavors.
This salsa, even though a little out of the ordinary, is great served with traditional tortilla chips.
You may even consider serving pita chips or something similar.
For a cool refreshing dessert, try this wonderful pie. I asked around, and you can get watermelon gelatin for this recipe.
If you like the pie, you may want to get a few boxes of the gelatin when you go to the store. Apparently, the watermelon-flavored gelatin is just as seasonal as it's &#8220fresh” counterpart.
Watermelon Pie
1 (9 inch) prepared graham cracker crust
1 (3 ounce) package watermelon flavored gelatin
One-fourth cup water
1 (12 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
2 cups watermelon
Mix together the watermelon gelatin and water. Fold gelatin mixture into the dessert topping.
Add cut watermelon. Pour mixture into graham cracker crust.
Cool in refrigerator for about 3 hours.
I certainly hope that you have a great holiday planned for next Tuesday.
It's sure to be a hot one and these cool recipes may be just what you need to add a little refreshing touch to your gathering.
Until next week, Happy Cooking.
If you have a cooking tip, question or recipe, contact Lisa Tindell at lisa.tindell@brewtonstandard.com.