Community Newspaper Special Sections Bergen County Fall Dining Guide | Page 38

36 2016 FALL DINING GUIDE CARVING TIPS • Prior to carving, read through all of the directions. • Cuts are easiest when the watermelon is at room temperature. Once your handiwork is complete, chill the carving and contents before serving. • After drawing your design on the rind, insert toothpicks in key places to guide your cuts. • A sharp knife with a pointed tip makes the easiest, cleanest cuts. • Remove excess flesh in large pieces, when possible, to allow for easier melon ball or cube creation. • Use round toothpicks or skewers to attach pieces to your design as flat toothpicks are not strong enough to bear the weight or stand up to the thickness of the rind. CHOOSING A WATERMELON With a thick rind covering the fruit inside, you may wonder how to choose the best watermelon at the market. Here are some tips for picking the perfect one: • Look it over. Look for a round, oval or oblong shaped watermelon that is free from bruises, cuts or dents. • Lift it up. The watermelon should be heavy for its size. On average, a 5-pound watermelon yields 15 cups of edible fruit. • Turn it over. The underside of the watermelon should have a creamy yellow spot from where it sat on the ground and ripened in the sun. MUMMY SUPPLIES AND TOOLS: Oval or round seedless watermelon Cutting board Kitchen knife Small bowl Dry erase marker Paring knife Melon baller, fluted or regular Scoop Assorted peelers Cheesecloth Straight pin Battery-operated candle or light Candy eyeballs or blueberries Wash watermelon under cool running water and pat dry. On cutting board, place watermelon on its side a