WATERMELON BASKET

Watermelon Basket image

To make a watermelon basket, start by cutting the watermelon into shape. Then, fill it with melon balls to serve with a creamy dip. -Christine Johnson, Ricetown, Kentucky

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 32 servings (about 1-1/3 cups dip).

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 large watermelon (10 pounds)
1 medium honeydew, cut into balls
3 cups white cranberry juice
1 cup light corn syrup
2 tablespoons lime juice
FRUIT DIP:
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup 2% milk
3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons lemon juice
3/4 teaspoon ground cardamom

Steps:

Cut a thin slice from the bottom of watermelon with a sharp knife so it sits flat. Mark horizontal cutting line 2 in. above center and around the melon. , For handle, score a 1-1/2-in.-wide strip across the top of melon, connecting both sides to the horizontal line. With a long sharp knife, cut all the way through the rind above the cutting line in a zigzag pattern., Carefully lift off the side pieces. Remove fruit from both sections and cut into balls. Refrigerate the basket., In a large bowl, combine watermelon and honeydew balls. In another bowl, whisk cranberry juice, corn syrup and lime juice until blended; pour over melon balls. Cover and chill for 3 hours., Drain; spoon melon into watermelon basket. In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese and milk until smooth. Beat in sugar, lemon juice and cardamom; serve with melon.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 127 calories, Fat 3g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 8mg cholesterol, Sodium 41mg sodium, Carbohydrate 25g carbohydrate (22g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein.