Receta Margarita Watermelon for #PullUpAChair with the Food Network
I was asked to participate with other bloggers in an event with the Food Network; really a pretty simple task. Would I like to participate in their Back to School Edition post highlighting lunches for kids or adults. My kids are now both grown so I responded; tongue in cheek…sure if you think the Mom’s could use a cocktail! The response was to get the link to them in time and that would be fine. OK, I was kidding!!
Then I had a brainstorm; I know Mom’s might actually like to either celebrate with a cocktail or drown their sorrows with one (trust me you will one day be celebrating) when their kids first start school and these are perfect for that occasion. The lovely Sarah who did the organizing for this Food Network event did ask if I meant Watermelon Margarita…nope, it really is Margarita Watermelon! Not really a cocktail but an offering that could be served to friends at a ‘The Kids are Back in School‘ get together. Get together meaning more than one…I don’t recommend you eat this entire boozy watermelon alone; invite me at least!
I’ve had this watermelon treat on my blog for a very long time; it’s one of those I brought over from the old website and it has been buried deep in the archives with no photo and has remained pretty much invisible to any food blog reader’s eye. Without that photo it was not quite so loveable. When that response came in and I had an adorable little, sweet, baby watermelon on the counter that had been delivered to me by Door to Door Organics…how could I not make it the star? It helped that this was simply the best watermelon I’ve had in a long time…look at that color!
I just love this grown-up version of a favorite summer fruit with margarita fixings though my mantra remains the same – use the same quality ingredients that are in the margaritas I love. Reposado Tequila and Orange Liqueur infuses watermelon slices which are then finished with lime juice and a sprinkling of coarse salt. The longer the watermelon soaks, the more flavorful it becomes.I don’t waste that liquid either…it gets poured over the slices in the bowl before they are finished with lime juice and salt. Be sure there are napkins or bib available. I know your guests are going to do what we did…oh yes we did slurp that stuff out of the bowl! No? Really…you wouldn’t? Your nose is growing!!
I was a good girl. I waited for my lovely neighbors to get here but then we had our first bite and they basically evaporated. Have one or two even, for yourself to either celebrate or commiserate…either way you’ll enjoy these. I Promise.
If you’re in the mood for a different celebration, be sure to visit this coming Friday.
One full year of cocktails every week deserves a party don’t you think?
Margarita Watermelon
A fun alternative to an actual cocktail; watermelon slices are stepped in a mixture of tequila, sugar and orange liqueur and served plated.
Ingredients
- 1-inch-thick wedges of seedless baby watermelon; I cut mine into 16 small wedges
- 1 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup tequila
- 1/4 cup orange liqueur
- 2 limes, cut into fourths
- Course or sea salt (I love the look of Maldon Flaked Sea Salt)
Preparation
Bring sugar and water just to a boil and cook just until sugar is dissolved; about 1 minute. Remove from heat and pour sugar syrup into a glass container.
Add the tequila and orange liqueur and let cool slightly.
Arrange the watermelon slices in a single layer in two large baking dishes.
Pour the simple syrup over the watermelon slices and refrigerate until cold; at least 1 hour.
Flip the watermelon over every 30 minutes.
Remove the watermelon from the syrup, and either arrange for serving from a platter or on single serving plates. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the melon and lightly sprinkle with the salt..
2.0
http://www.creative-culinary.com/2012/09/margarita-watermelon/
This recipe brought to you by © Creative Culinary | A Food and Cocktail Blog | Website: www.creative-culinary.com
This recipe is participating in Food Network’s virtual Back to School party, The Communal Table. Check out more terrific recipes below. What are you making for back to school? Tweet us @CreativCulinary @FoodNetwork #pullupachair and let us know! While you’re at it? Take a peek at the Let’s Go Back to School Pinterest Board.
Tidy Mom: Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Peanut Butter Cookies
Napa Farmhouse 1885: Back to School Roasted Chicken Legs
Made by Michelle: Almond Butter and Banana Sandwiches
Bacon and Souffle: Gruyere Grilled Cheese With Apple Salad
Chez Us: Healthy Tuna Salad
Zaika Zabardast: Fresh Corn Cakes With Black Bean Salad Tossed in Cumin Vinaigrette
Adult options:
This Girl Can Eat: Cashew-Curry Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Jeanette’s Healthy Living: Spicy-Korean “Ramen” Noodle Soup
Haute Apple Pie: Edamame Hummus
Creative Culinary: Margarita Watermelon
Feed Me Phoebe: Deviled Egg Salad Sandwiches