Watermelon Penguin

Watermelon Penguin

Recipe is from the National Watermelon Promotion Board.

1 medium- to large oval or oblong watermelon, seeded or seedless

Kitchen knife

Paring knife

Cutting board

Green dry erase marker or 3/4-inch or 1-inch thick painter’s tape

Vegetable peeler

Large bowl and spoon

Blueberries

Toothpicks or straight pins

Blue gelatin cubes for water

1. Wash the watermelon under cool running water and pat dry.

2. On a cutting board, place the watermelon on its side and cut off 1/4 to 1/2 inch from the stem end. This will provide a sturdy base.

3. Stand the watermelon upright on the base. Use a dry erase marker to do a simple outline of a penguin’s body, head and wings, using the front half of the melon.

4. A third of the way from the bottom of the melon, draw a straight line around the back, being careful not to go through your penguin outline. This will create your serving bowl.

5. Use the knife to carefully cut away from and around your outline, leaving just the bowl and penguin attached. Hollow out the watermelon serving bowl with a spoon, reserving the pieces to make diced watermelon for filling.

6. Use a vegetable peeler or paring knife to carve away the green skin of the watermelon, exposing the white rind to add detail for the face, cheeks and belly.

7. Use the scrap watermelon pieces to fashion a beak, bowtie and webbed feet. Affix these features with toothpicks or pins, then pin on blueberries for eyes.

8. Fill the bowl with cut fruit and place on a serving platter with blue gelatin cubes.