How to Make a Swan With Watermelon

Cutting a watermelon into a swan design is easier than you might think.

Cutting watermelons into different shapes has been a way that fancy restaurants have entertained guests for many years. One of the most often used shapes is the outline of a swan. A watermelon swan looks impressive, but it is actually not hard to design. The best way to make this design is to use a plain swan outline and cut carefully and slowly to keep from cracking the watermelon rind in the wrong place.

Things You'll Need

• Sharp carving knife
• Swan outline
• Masking tape
• Permanent marker

Instructions

1. Cut off the small end of one side of the watermelon. Cut off about 2 inches of melon to create a flat end. Cut off about 1inch of melon from the other end.

2. Tape the outline of a swan to the side of the watermelon when it is standing on the 1-inch-cut end. Draw the outline of the swan onto the watermelon with a permanent marker. Taper the outline toward the back of the melon to make wings.

3. Cut around the outline with a sharp carving knife. After outlining the swan's head and body, bring the knife down from the top of the melon to meet the cut outline. Go slowly, so that you do not break the rind.

4. Cut out the chunks of rind with the sharp carving knife. Scoop out the watermelon flesh with an ice cream scoop. Leave 1 or 2 inches of flesh in the bottom of the watermelon to prevent spills.

5. Carve any additional details into the rind after scooping out the flesh to remove any permanent marker lines or other mistakes from the swan outline. Take care not to break the rind in the swan shape.

6. Fill the watermelon with fruit or other food just before serving.

Tips & Warnings

• Store the swan in the refrigerator for up to two days before the event.

References

• You Tube: Carving Watermelon Swan
• Vegetable Fruit Carving: Melon Swans