Have You Tried Making a Watermelon Basket?

[byrd1956]

?????Has anyone made a watermelon basket? Any pics? Any advice??

 

[IAmChefJ]

Hubby does these at work.

Basically -- design before you stab. Take the edge of a steak knife and sketch out where you want to cut before you cut it.

 

[pampermejolene]

Here are pics of a happy watermelon race car I made for a friends 25 birthday.




lemon and lime slices (and toothpicks) were used for the wheels, white chocolate dipped oreos and mini oreos for the eyes. It was filled with watermelon balls, raspberries, plums, and grapes (the recipe said to fill it with assorted melon balls but my friend is allergic).

Good luck!

 

[straitfan]

I take a string and tie it around the melon and then measure to make sure it's the same height all the way around, then trace the string to make a "line" to follow with the v-shaped cutter. (That way the edge of the basket is level). Haven't done one for a long time, that's the extent of my helpful hints for tonight!

 

[IAmChefJ]

Jolene that is the CUTEST!

 

[cochef]

I have found that a rubber band tends to stay in place better than string. You could also trace that line with a pencil and remove the rubber band or string. The V-shaped cutter works well to make a simple design.

 

[byrd1956]

Thank you all for your help! :thumbup: Cochef, I like your idea of using a rubber band....just wonder if I can find one big enough! Jolene, your race car is awesome! I figured the v-cutter would be the tool to use! My sister-in-laws all decided I was the one to do a watermelon basket for their dad's 80th. surprise birthday....along w/a big banner, etc. (what do they think I am, an art teacher??)

 

[pampermejolene]

Here's a pretty basket that uses a V cutter. It's different than any I have seen.

If you Google watermelon basket you'll get tons of stuff.

http://www.fabulousfoods.com/index.php?option=com_resource&controller=article&category_id=160&article=18831

Here's some cool stuff too! I like the watermelon peacock in the bottom right corner
Fruit & Vegetable Carving - Ideas & Patterns for Watermelons, Pumpkins & Other Foods

 

[Jenni]

Didn't make it but here is a picture... google it!

 

[zmom58]

Four or five years ago we had "Show Stoppers" and there was instructions for a watermelon "luminaria." You used the v-shaped cutter to make stars (5 cuts that made your star) on your small round watermelon. You made about 10 stars on your melon. Where you cut the top out (to scoop out your melon) you would flip that over and that would be your flat bottom that you put on top of a small candle or votive. There were also directions for doing a diamond shaped luminaria with a cantaloupe. I did them before I went to my shows and they are so pretty. I am not sure if this information is still on consultants corner. Maybe another consultant has this info in their archives on PC info.
Deb

 

[byrd1956]

I have to do this tomorrow...it was almost impossible to find a long oval watermelon!!! Should it be refridgerated before carving??????

 

[Stephaniecafe]

Don't need to be refridgerated before carving. I did these all the time as the main "carver" at a resort here. If you do cheese sculptures they need to be cold. Good luck! Wish I had seen this thread sooner. My favorite is a wishing well watermelon. They look really cool. Anyway. Let us know how it turns out

 

[zmom58]

Here is a picture of my daughter's HS graduation watermelon. I got it from a Pillsbury mini cookbook-the kind at the check out stand. I used stick-on numbers-like the ones you use for a mail box, to trace the numbers. Maybe you can check Pills. website. I am sure yours will be beautiful no matter what because it's made with love.:love:
Have a great day!
Deb

 

[zmom58]

P.S. We did fill it with fruit salad...fresh pineapple, strawberries, apples, bananas, and grapes with an apricot glaze: 1 c. sugar 1 Tbl. cornstarch, and 2 cans (5 1/2 oz. each) apricot nectar and 1 tsp vanilla...cook until thickened. This is the best fruit salad and it is nice for those who don't actually like melons. We served the watermelon separately.
Yummy!
Deb

 

[byrd1956]

Have not started the basket yet...it will probably be very plain. I have been cutting fruit.....should I mix all the fruit together today and keep it in the fridge overnight. Or should I keep it all separate (like I have it now) and mix it tomorrow before filling the basket? I'm gona keep the cut basket in the extra fridge in the basement overnight; should I put fruit mix in it overnight???

 

[ChefBeckyD]

P.S. We did fill it with fruit salad...fresh pineapple, strawberries, apples, bananas, and grapes with an apricot glaze: 1 c. sugar 1 Tbl. cornstarch, and 2 cans (5 1/2 oz. each) apricot nectar and 1 tsp vanilla...cook until thickened. This is the best fruit salad and it is nice for those who don't actually like melons. We served the watermelon separately.
Yummy!
Deb

That's the same recipe I use! I got it from Taste of Home several years ago. I have found that I can cut the sugar in half, and it is still just as good.:chef:

Be sure and let the glaze cool completely before mixing with the fruit!

 

[lacychef]

Here's one my mom made:

 

[byrd1956]

Here is a picture of my daughter's HS graduation watermelon. I got it from a Pillsbury mini cookbook-the kind at the check out stand. I used stick-on numbers-like the ones you use for a mail box, to trace the numbers. Maybe you can check Pills. website. I am sure yours will be beautiful no matter what because it's made with love.:love:
Have a great day!
Deb

WoW! looks great :thumbup:

 

[zmom58]

Chef Becky D,
Yes, my recipe is from TOH mag. Thanks for the reminder to cool the apricot glaze. I spaced that small detail. It is from TOH July 2000. Also, forgot...you add the vanilla after your glaze has thickened, then you chill it while you cut your fruit. Here's the proportions of fruit: 6 large red apples, cut, 8 firm bananas sliced, 1 p/a chunked, 1 qt fresh strawberries-quartered, and 2 c. green grapes. You can adjust the fruit to your liking too.
Deb

 

[byrd1956]

The big 80th. BD party for DH's dad is over...a very long day and of course we forgot our camera so no pic. of the watermelon basket. But everyone loved it. Thanks to everyone for their input. I appreciate how sharing and helpful you all are!