Now that watermelons are at their peak, it's not hard to find chins and fingers sticky and striped with sweet, red juice

By Deborah Garrison Lowery - photography by Preston Crosby

 

Watermelon-Jicama Salsa

This fiery salsa from The Crescent City Farmer's Market in New Orleans is great served with grilled fish, chicken, or pork. You can make it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator, but let it come to room temperature before serving for the optimum flavor. For more recipes from the farmer's market, check their website at www.crescentcityfarmersmarket.org.

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Makes 4 cups -- Preparation time: 30 minutes -- Chill time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

• 6 cups seeded watermelon, diced in 1/4-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup (1-inch by 1/8-inch) strips peeled jicama
• 2 kiwifruit, peeled and diced in 1/4-inch pieces
• 3 green onions with tops, cut in 1/8-inch slices
• 3 tablespoons finely diced yellow bell pepper
• 1-3 tablespoons finely diced jalapeno pepper
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2-3 tablespoons tequila (optional)
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground pepper
• Juice of 1 large lime (2 tablespoons)

Directions

1 - Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, stirring gently to mix.

2 - Cover and chill for at least one hour

3 - Bring to room temperature before serving with grilled chicken, pork, or fish.

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Watermelon Gazpacho

 

Watermelon Smoothie

 

Watermelon-Jicama Salsa

 

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• watermelon gazpacho
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other uses for watermelon

Picked by Deborah Garrison Lowery

Another summer advantage of watermelon is that it can be used to help you entertain in some unexpected ways. Here are just a few ideas:

1 - Grease a watermelon and let the kids play with it to see who can hold onto it the longest before it drops and bursts.

2 - Let some watermelons float in a pond or pool for a great way to keep them cold.

3 - Play "keep away" with a watermelon and a group of friends in your pool.

4 - Cut a watermelon into finger-sized sticks to store in the fridge for an easy snack (Leave some rind on one end for holding the stick).

5 - Slice enough of the bottom from a small watermelon so it will sit flat. Stick meat or fruit kabobs inot the top of the watermelon for a unique buffet serving idea. After the meal, cut and serve the watermelon.

6 - Cut a watermelon in half lengthwise and cut out the fruit, leaving a small amount next to the rind. Slice the bottom to sit flat, then used the carved out watermelon half for a punch bowl.

7 - Carve a melon into a basket and use it as a serving container for a mixed melon salad. (It makes a beautiful centerpiece.)