How to carve a watermelon fruit basket
Make a delightful centerpiece for your table by carving a decorative fruit-filled basket out of a watermelon. Watermelon baskets can be shaped to look like a flower basket, baby carriage, pirate ship, whale and many other shapes to suit all kind of gatherings and themed parties. A few everyday kitchen tools are all you need to shape the juicy, red melon into a masterpiece that's sure to be the most talked about item among your friends. Use the completed basket to serve mixed fruit salad or serve your favorite watermelon punch. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Chef's knife
- Basket template
- Pencil
- Paring knife or garnishing tools
- Channel knife
- Spoon
- Plastic wrap or aluminum foil
Instructions
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1
Wash the watermelon thoroughly to remove any dirt and pesticides sprayed on the fruit. Dry with a dish towel and set aside until the watermelon has reached room temperature.
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2
Check all sides of the watermelon to determine which sides are the most attractive, if there are any flat spots that can be used as the bottom. You are looking for elements of the watermelon that work with the design of the basket you are creating. If there is no flat spot that would be suitable for the bottom, remove a thin slice of the rind to flatten the least attractive side so that the basket will sit level.
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3
Trace the template you intend to use for the basket onto the watermelon using a pencil. Alternatively, if you're not using a pattern, draw a horizontal line around the middle of the watermelon and two vertical lines where the handle will be. The two vertical lines should be approximately 2 inches apart.
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4
Use a paring knife or garnishing tools to cut along the lines, cutting the handle portion of the basket first. The cutting tool may not go all the way through the watermelon depending on the length of the lines being cut and the size of the tool. Do not cut across the portion of the horizontal line that crosses the vertical lines. This will remove the handle and the watermelon will no longer be a basket.
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5
Insert a channel knife through the cutting holes made by the paring knife or garnishing tools. This will allow you to cut all the way through the watermelon and subsequently remove the portions of the basket that are not part of the finished design. Use caution when using the knife so you don't alter the design. Set aside the pieces.
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6
Hollow out the remaining basket using the paring knife. Scrape the insides of the basket with a spoon to smooth out the basket. Leave all of the rind and a small portion of the watermelon inside the handle for stability.
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7
Smooth any cut edges of the basket with a vegetable peeler.
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8
Fill the basket with any fruits or fillings desired. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. When using the basket to serve watermelon punch, chill the basket until ready to serve then add the punch once the basket is placed on the table.
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Tips & Warnings
Use the leftover watermelon to make melon balls to fill the watermelon basket.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit IT Stock Free/Polka Dot/Getty Images
