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Carved Watermelon Table Topper

Carved Watermelon Table Topper
Ripe from the craft patch, this easy-to-carve watermelon truly says "summer." Unlike other versions that simply feature a scalloped edge, this includes a unique fruit design on the side and an easy handle at the top. But you don't need to stock up on supplies to make it. Just grab a few basic tools from your kitchen and craft area and start carving. In no time, you'll have a handy bowl that has al
1 ServingsPrep/Total Time: 45 min.

Ingredients

  • Materials needed:
  • 18-20 pound Watermelon
  • Long thin kitchen knife
  • Waxed paper
  • Pen or pencil
  • Toothpicks or T-pins
  • Short pairing knife
  • Damp cloth
  • Paper towels
  • Plastic wrap
  • Masking tape

Directions

  • Level the bottom of the watermelon by cutting off a very thin slice.
  • Sit melon upright.
  • Tear a sheet of waxed paper long enough to go around the melon. Trace
  • the scallop pattern onto the entire length of waxed paper, repeating
  • as needed.
  • Position the waxed-paper pattern on the melon one-third of the
  • distance from the top (allowing at least 8 inches from the bottom
  • for the design area), with the scallop meeting at one side. Tape
  • into place.
  • Using a toothpick or T-pin, prick through the pattern and melon rind
  • at 1/4-inch intervals around the melon. (For a more defined
© Taste of Home 2013

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Carved Watermelon Table Topper (continued)

Directions (continued)

  • pattern, trace the scallop with a knife point
  • if desired.) Remove pattern.
  • To create handle, use a long thin knife. Cut straight down from 1
  • inch to the right of the stem to the scalloped design. See Fig. 1.
  • Repeat the cut, starting 1 inch from the left of the stem to the
  • scalloped design.
  • Cut out the scallop with a short paring knife, using a rocking motion
  • around the curves. Do not cut scallops where the handle
  • is attached to the melon. Remove the two melon sections between the
  • scalloped edge and the handle.
  • Trace the fruit pattern onto waxed paper. Center the pattern on the
  • front of the melon between the sides of the handle and top and
  • bottom of the melon. Tape into place. Using a toothpick or T-pin,
  • prick through the pattern and melon at 1/4-inch intervals around
  • the melon. (For a more defined pattern, trace the design with a knife
  • point if desired.) Remove pattern.
  • Carefully use the small paring knife point to form a narrow groove
  • for the outer edges of leaves, stems, ribbon and heart. Using the
  • flat edge of the knife blade, scrape away the green rind inside pear
  • and apple designs. Wipe off designs with a damp cloth.
  • Carefully scoop out the flesh and seeds from inside the melon,
  • reserving flesh to be cut up and served in melon or setting aside
  • for another use.
  • Cover the cut edges with wet paper towel and wrap tightly with
  • plastic wrap. Chill melon until ready to serve. (Watermelon may be
  • carved a day in advance.) Place melon in a shallow bowl of ice and
  • fill as desired with fresh fruit. (Note: Keep your centerpiece
  • refrigerated after you get home from the picnic and you can use it
  • the next morning for brunch!) Yield: 1 Watermelon Basket.
© Taste of Home 2013