Watermelon: Slice it. Scoop it. Chunk it. Love it.
Watermelon is not only a sweet summer staple, it's an excellent source of the powerful antioxidant lycopene and vitamins A, B6 and C. Ninety-two percent water, it's also a natural hydrator that will help you beat the heat. Cholesterol-free, virtually fat-free and very low in sodium, watermelon is so much more than sugar and water. Discover new and creative ways to incorporate this nutrient dense food into your diet with these recipes:
Benedict Watermelon
Yields: 4-6 servings
This recipe is an incredible presentation and very easy to create. You can also make an elegant brunch tray of slightly smaller versions.
• 1 1/2 cups low-fat granola of choice
• 1/3 cup honey at room temperature
• 4 to 6 (3-inch round and 3/4-inch thick) circles of seedless watermelon
• 4 to 6 (1/2-inch thick) slices of peeled kiwi fruit
• 1 cup low- or non-fat creamy lemon yogurt
• 2 or 3 purple grapes, sliced in halves, seeded, for garnish
Directions:
- Mix the granola with the honey by drizzling the honey evenly over the granola as you stir. On a serving plate, make three-inch circles of granola in even thickness, dividing the granola/honey mixture evenly among the servings. Top each of the granola circles with a watermelon slice and place a slice of kiwi on each watermelon circle. Spoon the yogurt over the kiwi and watermelon as though it were hollandaise sauce on eggs benedict. Top each watermelon benedict with a grape half; skin side up as a garnish reminiscent of the olive slice on eggs benedict.
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Smoked Mozzarella Watermelon Pumps
Yields: 8 appetizer sandwiches
• 1/4 cup honey Dijon mustard
• 8 small Hawaiian or soft pumpernickel rolls, split
• 8 (1/4-inch thick) slices smoked mozzarella cheese*
• 8 slices seedless watermelon the same size as the cheese slices, drained to remove excess moisture
• 1 cup fresh alfalfa sprouts
Directions:
Spread the mustard on each of the cut sizes of the rolls. Place a slice of cheese and watermelon on top of each roll bottom and divide the sprouts over the watermelon slices. Place the top of the roll over the sprouts.
* Smoked fresh mozzarella cheese can be found with specialty or gourmet cheeses at most supermarkets. It comes in ovals about three inches in diameter, which is the perfect size for this recipe. If the smoked mozzarella available in your market is larger, cut in half and use half-moon shapes. Plain fresh mozzarella can be substituted but the smoky flavor is terrific in the recipe. If you use plain fresh mozzarella cheese, add a drop or two of liquid smoke to the honey Dijon.
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Watermelon Pie a la Mode
Yields: 6 servings
A new twist on a classic favorite
• 6 (1/2-inch thick) pie wedge-shaped slices of pound cake
• 6 (3-inch thick) wedges of seedless watermelon the same size of the cake slices, drained to remove excess moisture
• 6 vanilla-flavored frozen yogurt scoops
• About 1 cup strawberry syrup
Directions:
Place the cake slices on 6 dessert plates. Top each cake slice with a watermelon slice. Place a scoop of the frozen yogurt on top of each "pie" slice and drizzle the syrup over the top.
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