When the word “summer” is brought up, almost immediately the words that come to mind are sunshine, and watermelon! To me, watermelon is one of the most iconic summer foods and I can hardly get enough. Going beyond taste, watermelon is very hydrating due to the high level of water and minerals it contains making it the perfect snack for a hot summer day. So, to use this beloved fruit, I created a recipe that will not only wow the adults at your next summer gathering, but one the kids will be asking for time and time again!

INGREDIENTS

1 watermelon, cut into 1 in x 2 in square blocks 1 log of goat cheese
1 large bunch of basil, cut into slender pieces
1 cup balsamic vinegar
1⁄4 cup honey
Coarse ground sea salt
Sliced basil and sea salt
Drizzle with the balsamic/honey reduction

PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS

Over medium heat, combine the balsamic vinegar and honey until the mixture comes to a slight simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for around 15-20 minutes or until the vinegar is reduced by around half.

While the vinegar/honey reduction is cooking, wash and cut the watermelon into 1 in x 2 in blocks so that two or three blocks can be stacked on top of one another.

Slice the basil into thin strips and set aside.

Take one block of watermelon and a small amount of the goat cheese and coat it as if you were buttering toast. Do this until you are 3 watermelon blocks high.

Sprinkle the basil and ground sea salt on top of each stack.

Lightly drizzle with the balsamic/honey reduction and enjoy!

If you are looking for a more casual presentation of this recipe, here are instructions for making this into more of a fruit salad.

Recipe:
Christine Forsythe RD, LD

Photo: Elena Koych