Thursday, June 12, 2014

Margarita Watermelon Wedges

Fresh-cut, juicy watermelon. It's a staple at many get-togethers and cookouts during the summer months. Often, it's a quickly-devoured snack that many kids enjoy. But, this is an ADULTS ONLY version and captures the essence of a margarita in simple, refreshing wedges. What could be better?
 
 
I'll first share with you my tip for easily cutting a watermelon into manageable, hassle-free wedges. It's usually the only way I cut up a watermelon for gatherings - whether serving it for kids or using it in a fun, grown-up recipe like this one.


The Easiest Way to Cut A Watermelon for Parties:

First, cut the watermelon in half. Lay the watermelon cut side down onto a cutting board. Then, cut strips all the way through about 1 - 2 inches wide. (You can choose how big you want the pieces to be. Smaller wedges are shown in the photo above and larger ones are shown in the photo below.) Turn the watermelon and cut strips in the other direction.


The result will be narrow wedges that are easy to grab and even easier to eat.

Now onto the Margarita Watermelon Wedges recipe ...

Ingredients:

1 small seedless watermelon, cut as instructed above
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup water
3/4 cup tequila
Juice from 2 limes
Lime wedges for garnish
Coarse salt for garnish

Directions:

Bring sugar and water to a boil in a small saucepan. Cook until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat. Add in tequila and lime juice. Allow to slightly cool.

Arrange watermelon wedges in an even layer in a couple of large baking dishes. Pour tequila mixture over watermelon. Cover and refrigerate for, at least, one hour. (The flavors will become stronger the longer the watermelon is allowed to marinate in the syrup.)

Remove watermelon from syrup and arrange on serving platters. Just prior to serving, sprinkle on salt. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over watermelon.

NOTE: It is, also, fun to follow this recipe using cubes of watermelon that have been either lined up on kabob skewers or simply presented as individual cubes with a party toothpick inserted at the top.

Adapted from Martha Stewart. NOTE: Martha uses a combination of tequila and Triple Sec, but I opted for just tequila. If you desire to include Triple Sec, use 1/2 cup tequila and 1/4 cup Triple Sec in the recipe.
 

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