Watermelon Loves Feta

Miss O LOVES watermelon. She dribbles it down her shirt, rubs her sticky hands usually down my shirt and isn't bother in the slightest by red juice drooling down her chin and neck. It makes economic sense to buy a whole Watermelon rather than the chopped pieces in the store. Thankfully watermelon is a great partner for one of my favorite cheeses - Feta. Here are some ideas for all that lovely jubbly fruit and it's salty partner.

Watermelon and Feta Salad

 (From One Little Project at a Time)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 a watermelon, so about 4 lbs worth (and yes, I used our baby scale to weigh it!)
• 1 small package of feta cheese, crumbled (about 4 to 6 oz)
• 1/4 of a white onion
• 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 3 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 Tbsp of chopped fresh mint leaves
• salt and pepper to taste

Cut the watermelon into bite size cubes.  Slice the onion as thin as you can get it and add it to the watermelon.  Crumble the feta on top. For the dressing, mix together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper and mint leaves. Add the dressing to the salad and toss gently until the salad is coated. Serve immediately (although I have to say that the leftovers are delicious the next day).

Strawberry Watermelon and Feta Salad

(From FoodieCrush)

Serves: Serves 4 as appetizer, 2 as main course

Ingredients:

• 3 cups seedless watermelon, chopped into ½ inch pieces
• 3 cups strawberries, sliced
• ¼ red onion, sliced very thinly
• 4 cups spicy arugula
• ¾ C fresh basil, chiffonade (optional)
• ½ C crumbled feta cheese or more to taste
• ⅓ C fruity extra virgin olive oil
• 1½ T balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp agave syrup or to taste
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

In a large bowl, gently combine first five ingredients. Mix together olive oil, vinegar and agave and taste for sweetness and dress strawberry mixture. Top with feta cheese, salt and pepper and serve.

Watermelon and Feta Guacamole

(From Two Peas and Their Pod)

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 3 large ripe avocados
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1 small jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 cup diced watermelon
• Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
• Tortilla chips, for serving

Cut each avocado in half lengthwise. Remove the pit from the avocado and discard. Remove the avocado from the skin, and place the avocado flesh in a bowl. Smash avocado with a fork until desired consistency. Add the cilantro, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, feta cheese, watermelon, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Stir to combine. Serve immediately with tortilla chips.

(I found out after I posted this blog that Monday August 3rd was National Watermelon Day! Who knew!!)

Saturday Digest: June 27th, 2015

We're hosting a church BBQ brunch today and trying out these recipes:

> Chicago Dogs and Taco Dogs from the Food Network

> Patriotic platter of strawberries, bananas and blueberries

> Cucumber, avocado and feta salad

And for your enjoyment in a week when I've been terribly homesick for the Motherland - "Once" the musical, comes home to Ireland with a gift to the shoppers on Grafton Street, Dublin.

"Guy meets Girl in the SMASH-HIT, MULTI-AWARD WINNING MUSICAL ONCE
Winner of 8 2012 Tony Awards® including BEST MUSICAL, ONCE is a truly original Broadway experience. Featuring an impressive ensemble of actor/musicians who play their own instruments onstage, ONCE tells the enchanting tale of a Dublin street musician who’s about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young woman takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs. As the chemistry between them grows, his music soars to powerful new heights… but their unlikely connection turns out to be deeper and more complex than your everyday romance. Emotionally captivating and theatrically breathtaking, ONCE draws you in from the very first note and never lets go. It’s an unforgettable story about going for your dreams and the power of music to connect us all."