FRUIT SALAD BASKET

Fruit Salad Basket image

Provided by Rev BJ Friley

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 14

FOR THE FRUIT SALAD
1 large watermelon (about 15 pounds)
2 cantaloupe melons
2 honeydew melons
1/2 c sugar
1/2 c fresh lime juice
1/4 c fresh lemon juice
2 tsp grated lime peel
3 c sliced fresh strawberries, washed, hulled and halved
2 c black or red seedless grapes, washed and halved
SPECIAL AIDS
water-soluble marker
melon baller
vegetable peeler

Steps:

1. CARVING THE BASKET: Lay a dampened dish towel on a counter or table and place melon on top to prevent it from rolling.
2. With a water-soluble marker, draw outline of basket onto melon, making sure the handle is at least 1 1/4 inches wide.
3. Using a large sharp knife, carefully cut melon along marker line.
4. Remove excess rind and set aside. With a melon baller, scoop out all the watermelon flesh and place in a large glass or ceramic bowl; set aside.
5. With a vegetable peeler, even out scalloped edges of watermelon. Cover watermelon basket with clear plastic wrap and set aside.
6. MAKING THE FRUIT SALAD: With a melon baller, scoop out flesh from cantaloupes and honeydews.
7. In a large bowl, combine sugar, lime juice, lemon juice and lime peel. Stir well.
8. Add all melon balls, strawberries and grapes; toss to combine. Allow fruit to chill in refrigerator for 30 minutes.
9. Just before serving, transfer fruit salad to watermelon basket.