One of our family’s favorite fruits reaches its peak during the summer- just in time for our Fourth of July celebrations!  While we enjoy its delicious sweetness on its own, watermelon is also terrific as a recipe ingredient.  These concoctions will have the kids (and grownups!) clamoring for more.

Watermelon Cooler

Sweet and refreshing, this beverage is like summertime in a glass.

Ingredients:

4 cups watermelon flesh, seeds removed and coarsely chopped
4 tablespoons powdered sugar
Juice and zest from one lime
ice
2 cups lemon-lime soda

Directions:

Step 1:  Puree Melon

Place watermelon, sugar, lime juice and zest in a blender; puree until smooth.

Step 2:  Finish and Serve

Fill a large pitcher half full of ice.  Add the watermelon puree and soda; stir.  Serve in tall glasses.

Makes 4 servings

Shrimp and Watermelon Salad

Ingredients

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
1 (12 ounce) package, frozen cooked shrimp (peeled with tails removed)
1 (4 to 5 pound) watermelon, cut into 1 inch cubes
1/2 cup loosely packed basil leaves, chopped
1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1 (11 ounce) bag salad greens

Directions:

Step 1:  Make Dressing

Wisk together the vinegar, powdered sugar, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper in a small bowl until sugar is dissolved.  Set aside.

Step 2:  Assemble Salad

Place shrimp, watermelon, basil and tomatoes in a medium bowl; toss.  Mound salad greens on a platter; arrange shrimp and watermelon mixture over salad greens.  Drizzle with desired amount of dressing and enjoy!

Makes 6-8 Servings

BLT Sandwiches with Watermelon and Cheese

This twist on the classic BLT is as fun as it is delicious.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 slices whole grain bread, toasted
1 leaf lettuce (butter or Romaine)
1 (1/2 inch thick) slice seedless watermelon, cut to fit the bread slice
Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
2 slices tomato, thinly sliced
1-2 basil leaves, cut into thin strips
2 slices cooked crisp bacon
1 slice cheddar cheese

Instructions:

Step 1:  Assemble Sandwich

Spread the mayonnaise over 1 side of each slice of toasted bread.  Stack lettuce and watermelon on one slice of toast.  Season watermelon to taste with salt and pepper.  Stack tomato, basil, bacon and cheese on top of watermelon.  Cover the sandwich with the remaining slice of toast, mayonnaise side down.  Cut in half and enjoy!

Makes 1 Sandwich

Besides her two favorite jobs of wife and mom, Michelle Ann Anderson is also a freelance writer, enjoys public speaking, writing cookbooks. and sharing her love of food with those around her.  Her blog can be found at www.MichelleAnnAnderson.com.