Created by noted Southern cookbook author Virginia Willis, these refreshing “party bites” (otherwise known as appetizers) combine fresh summery flavors with creamy goat cheese.
Ingredients:
1 small seedless watermelon
1 (4-ounce) goat-cheese log, softened
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Garnishes: fresh basil and freshly ground pepper (optional)
Preparation:
Cut the watermelon in half. Cut each half into 1-inch thick slices.
Using a 2-inch round cutter, cut the red flesh of the slices into rounds.* Using a melon baller or a small round spoon, scoop just enough melon from the top of each round to form a small indentation.
In a small bowl, stir together the softened goat cheese, the chopped fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Spoon a small bit of the mixture into each of the indentations.
Refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours, or until well chilled. Garnish, if desired.
*The number of rounds will, of course, depend on the size of the watermelon.
–Slightly adapted from a recipe by Virginia Willis in Southern Living
Recipe tested by Ellen Ficklen; email questions to hello@watermelontimes.com