Easy Entertaining for Beginners

Cooking for a crowd this summer? Try these refreshing watermelon recipes to help you celebrate summer.

Watermelon/Lime Agua Fresca

3 cups watermelon, seedless, chopped
4 cups water
¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup fresh lime juice (6-8 limes)
Watermelon wedges or lime slices for garnish.

Puree the watermelon with 2 cups water in the blender. Pour the mixture in a strainer over a bowl and strain well. Use the back of a spoon to push the liquid through, but not the solids. Pour strained watermelon liquid into pitcher. Add remaining 2 cups water, sugar and lime juice. Stir well until sugar is dissolved. Refrigerate for two hours before serving.

To serve, stir and pour into glasses and garnish with watermelon wedges or lime slices. Enjoy!

OPTION: For a cocktail, add 1 cup white rum to pitcher.

Watermelon Salsa

2 cups watermelon, seedless, chopped
½ cup jicama, peeled and chopped
½ cup cucumber, seedless, chopped
2 tablespoons sweet onion, such as Maui, chopped finely
1 large jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped finely
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Zest of 1 lime
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients in bowl and salt and pepper to taste. If you cannot find the jicama, you may use 1 cup of cucumber. Serve with chips or as an accompaniment with any type of seafood.