Using a melon baller makes quick work of creating melon balls for this recipe. In addition, the recipe can easily be adjusted depending on the size of your watermelon and the number of people you want to serve, so feel free to play with the proportions.
Ingredients:
Serves 6-8
½ of a medium watermelon
1/3 cup water
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup light rum
1/3 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1 teaspoon grated lime peel
Preparation:
In a small pan bring the water to a boil. Stir in the sugar and simmer for 3 minutes.
Remove the pan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool somewhat. Add the rum, lime juice, and grated lime peel. Set aside and let the mixture continue to cool.
Using a melon baller, cut the watermelon into balls, placing the balls into a large bowl as they’re created. Pour the lime-rum syrup over the melon balls. Mix gently. Cover and chill for several hours before serving.
–Adapted from a recipe from the National Watermelon Promotion Board
Recipe tested by Ellen Ficklen; email questions to hello@watermelontimes.com