Melon Sign-off

     Well, it's the end of another week, and what a week it has been! We started the whole "potty training" thing for my youngest, and after a day or so of chaos, it was mostly successful. I would be tempted to even say he was one of my easiest...but shhh! I don't want to jinx myself. We also had some hot hot Texas days, and I must say nothing goes better with "small town" post grad pre-summer season, then our first baseball game with the boys, and a finally open apartment complex pool to take away dreary crowded 700sq ft apartment madness. Love it. To top it all off? Memorial weekend, no work or school, and appliance sales for our new home! *sigh* Money really can be fun to spend. If only there were more of it...

     Now onto the main point of today's post. I have a nice little article from Better Homes and Gardens (BHG) with some great tips on choosing a fantastic melon (check the Mad About Melons link below), and then a great additional suggestion/reminder for your empty melon after working it for this next fabulous dish...so here goes!

Mad About Melons

This was a great article on http://www.care2.com about watermelon, and then of course a great way to eat it, in a salsa for dipping! Once again, try serving in a 'carved out' watermelon bowl.

Tropical Watermelon Salsa Recipe

posted by Annie B. Bond Feb 17, 2004 8:12 am

Adapted from a recipe by Chef Harry Schwartz.

The big news is that cool, refreshing watermelon contains significant amounts of lycopene, a potent cancer-fighter. The juicy pink melon is also rich in vitamins, but with no fat or cholesterol. Chef Harry, star of a popular PBS cooking show, says that he lost 100 pounds eating organic foods, including lots of sweet, juicy watermelon–and now he wants to spread the word about the benefits of that classic summer treat. The best news of all is that his watermelon-based recipes are simply delicious.

This light, refreshing tropical-inspired salsa–with pineapple, mango, and zippy lime along with watermelon–is a natural with chips but it also makes a great partner with grilled foods of all kinds. Quick to make, loaded with zesty tropical taste, and good for you, too!

INGREDIENTS

2 cups chopped seedless watermelon
1 cup chopped fresh pineapple
1 cup chopped fresh mango
Juice from 4 fresh limes
1 cup trimmed chopped scallions
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Salt and pepper to taste

1. Place all ingredients in a mixing bowl and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste just before serving.

Makes about 4 cups, enough to serve 8 to 12 people.