Culinary Arts

Watermelon Panzanella

Serves two to four

Ingredients

3 cups one-inch watermelon chunks 4 cups halved grape tomatoes 1 cup thinly slide shallots 8–10 torn basil leaves 2 cups croutons, preferably homemade 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds 1–1½ cups dijon chive vinaigrette

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in mixing bowl. Gently toss with a spoon to coat everything with the vinaigrette. 2. Mix 30 minutes before serving, allowing the croutons to soften a bit. 3. Add more vinaigrette if you like.

Dijon Chive Vinaigrette

Makes about 1 cup

Ingredients

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon chopped garlic ½ cup extra virgin olive oil ¼ cup white wine vinegar ¾ teaspoon dried chives 1 tablespoon raw honey 1 tablespoon sugar Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Combine all ingredients in blender. Mix until smooth and emulsified.

Watermelon Smash

Serves four

Ingredients

½ cup hot water ½ cup sugar 8 cups diced seedless watermelon (1 pound) 2 limes, juiced 1¾ cup blueberries 1 bunch fresh mint, with 4 sprigs reserved for garnish 1½ cups tequila

Directions

1. Sugar syrup: Dissolve sugar in the hot water. Set aside to cool. 2. Watermelon juice: In a blender, puree watermelon until smooth.

Strain puree and discard the pulp. 3. In a large pitcher, combine lime juice, blueberries and mint leaves. Lightly muddle using a wooden spoon. 4. Add sugar syrup, watermelon juice and tequila to the pitcher.

Refrigerate until chilled. 5. Pour the Watermelon Smash into your favorite ice-filled glass.

Garnish with mint sprigs and sip!

Best in the Business

Summer is set for corporate events. Trust our award-winning team to make your business our business: Book your event June through August and you’ll enjoy 10% off your room rental when you use Meijer Gardens Culinary Arts & Events for your food and beverage services. Summer is a great season to host a corporate event—and there’s no better backdrop than Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. From the indoors out, we offer unique spaces sure to energize and delight your teams and guests alike. Escape the office and enjoy the comfort of our fully equipped Hauenstein and Pfeiffer Rooms, which include outdoor patios overlooking breathtaking gardens, wetlands, and nature trails. We meet your corporate needs with creative catering options, certified technical specialists and professional event coordinators to pull it all together. No matter the size of your outing or event, we will develop a custom, carefree experience that includes convenient, complementary parking and admission to open gardens and exhibitions during your rental time. Our winding paths are the perfect place to stretch your legs and take in the fresh air during teambuilding or mid-day breaks. Better yet, book a Tuesday meeting and stay after to catch a live performance from local artists in our outdoor Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater. For personalized attention, for a private tour or to check availability, call 616-975-3146.