family fun
Patriotic Produce By Amanda Causey Baity
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here’s nothing better than biting into a juicy piece of fresh watermelon on a hot, summer day. Most of you who have Independence Day celebrations have a watermelon on the menu, but this patriotic produce is an all summer long addition in my family. Picking up a watermelon on our way to a family outing is a fond memory I have as a child. When my oldest son first tried a bite, he hated it! Devastated, I constantly tried to find new ways for him to eat one of my favorite summertime traditions. He loved watermelon flavored candies and drinks, so I started getting creative. Here are some different ways to incorporate watermelon into your picnics, parties and dinners all summer. Just a side note, he loves to eat watermelon now…once he saw me using it while making these tasty snacks.
Watermelon Sorbet Ingredients • 1/2 cup cold water • 5 cups seedless watermelon, cut into chunks then frozen • 1 1/4 cup frozen strawberries • 3/4 cup sugar • 2 tbsp. lemon juice (or according to taste) Directions Place all of the ingredients in a blender or food processor, and blend until smooth. 22 | July 2016 prince william living
Enjoy sorbet immediately or place in a Tupperware container and freeze until you are ready to enjoy. Remove from the freezer and let soften for about 5 minutes before enjoying.
Watermelon Popsicles Ingredients • 19 oz. cubed seedless watermelon (about 3 1/2 cups) • 5 1/2 tbsp. granulated sugar, divided • 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice • 1/2 cup canned coconut milk • 13 oz. kiwi (about 6 medium) • 1 tbsp. mini chocolate chips Directions Add watermelon, 2 tbsp. granulated sugar and lemon juice to a blender and blend until well pureed. Skim off foam and then carefully pour into 10 popsicle molds filling each about 2/3 full. Sprinkle the chocolate chips over tops. Then using a popsicle stick, gently push down to immerse chips (push towards sides so you can see them once the freeze). Wipe sides clean as needed. Cover with the lid and insert popsicles sticks. Freeze 3 1/2 hours. During last 30 minutes of popsicles freezing, whisk together coconut milk with 1 1/2 tbsp. sugar until sugar has dissolved; chill 30 minutes. (continues on page 24)