August 3rd is National Watermelon Day! To celebrate, Thousand Trails would like to help you enjoy this fantastic fruit in some of the tastiest and most original ways possible.
For the thirsty camper:
Watermelon Lemonade
Ingredients:
2 ½ cups fresh-squeezed lemon juice
2 cups sugar or sugar substitute (this may vary depending on how sweet you like your lemonade)
12 cups water
A Watermelon, seeded
First, you will need to make 12 cups of lemonade. While lemonade concentrates will work, it is much better to use homemade lemonade.
Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, pour in the sugar until dissolved, then immediately add the lemon juice. Stir. Put the mixture in a heat safe pitcher and place in the refrigerator to cool.
While your lemonade is cooling, cut up your watermelon, and blend it until it has a juice like consistency. You will need 5 cups of watermelon juice. Once you have enough blended, add the juice to your lemonade. Stir.
For presentation’s sake, you may float a few slices watermelon and lemon in with the ice in your pitcher. This refreshing drink is great for all ages, and is a great way to battle the summer heat!
Source: http://sugarandcharm.com/2013/06/watermelon-lemonade.html/
For the sweet tooth:
Dark Chocolate Dipped Watermelon Wedges
Ingredients:
8 oz. Dark chocolate, finely chopped
5 lb seedless watermelon, finely chopped
Sea salt (optional) for sprinkling
To begin, slice your watermelon into 1” wedges, and place them on a plate. Take the chocolate, and place it over a bowl of simmering water. Mix until the chocolate has completely melted.
Take the watermelon slices, and dip them into the chocolate, covering the bottom third of the wedge. Place the wedge on parchment paper to dry.
As the chocolate is drying, sprinkle chocolate covered wedges with sea salt, if desired.
This tasty and easy recipe yeilds 25 wedges, making it great for any party!
For the glamper:
Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Reduction
You’ll need:
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
6 cups diced seedless watermelon
4 ounces crumbled goat cheese (substitute asiago, if desired)
1/4 cup mint leaves
2 tablespoons olive oil
To make the balsamic reduction, add balsamic vinegar to a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil until thick and reduced, about 4-5 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine watermelon, goat cheese, mint leaves and olive oil.
Serve immediately, drizzled with balsamic reduction.
This spin on watermelon is sure to turn heads. The multitude of flavors makes it a must have at any gathering!
Source: http://damndelicious.net/2013/07/11/watermelon-salad-with-balsamic-reduction/
Celebrate National Watermelon day with these amazing recipes. It would be a shame if August third wasn’t filled with these wonderful summer treats!