How to Cut a Watermelon Like a Frog

Watermelons work well for carving.

Edible centerpieces add a festive flare to gatherings, parties and an everyday table setting. Watermelons in particular are great for serving many people and can be used to carve baskets, bowls and even frogs. Carving a frog out of a watermelon is a creative way to display fruits, while also providing a creative way to hold chunks of fruit. Using a round watermelon and other fruits, your ordinary-looking watermelon will soon be the focal point of your table.

Things You'll Need

• Round seedless watermelon
• Knife
• Large spoon or melon baller
• Bowl
• Black marker
• Toothpicks

Instructions

1. Cut the bottom off the watermelon. The flat bottom will sit on a flat surface more securely.

2. Scoop the watermelon out of the rind with a spoon or melon baller. Set the removed fruit aside in the bowl. The melon will be placed back into the "frog" when complete.

3. Place the watermelon on a flat surface, cut-end down. Draw a mouth on the watermelon rind. Frogs naturally appear to smile, so the mouth should be a traditional half-circle shape. If using the frog as a serving dish as well, make the mouth rather large. If the frog is merely decoration, it can be smaller.

4. Cut out the mouth with a knife, as you would a jack-o-lantern. Draw two circles on the rind you just removed, these are the eyes of the frog. The size of the eyes depends on the overall size of the watermelon.

5. Draw football-shaped black pupils horizontally in the center of each eye using a black marker. Permanent markers are best for dark coverage. Insert a toothpick into the underside of the eye and place it on top of the watermelon, pushing the toothpick into the watermelon. Repeat for the other eye. Both eyes should be positioned vertically on top of the frog's head.

6. Place the watermelon balls back into the frog, or arrange them around the frog on a platter.

Tips & Warnings

• To add legs for the frog, cut a papaya in half lengthwise and place on either side of the watermelon frog. Use other fruits such as strawberries, apples, pineapple, melons and blueberries to fill the frog if desired, or to place on the tray around the frog. Blueberries can also be used for the pupils.

• Adult supervision should also be utilized when using sharp tools.

References

• Beyond Jane: Get Froggy With These Centerpiece Ideas

Resources

• CBS Business Network: Chill on a Hot Summer's Day With a Watermelon Frog!