Whether served as an amuse-bouche or a dessert, these mini melons with a touch of lime make folks smile. The recipe has a number of possible variations, including going alcohol-free by using watermelon juice or water instead of vodka when making the Jell-O.
Number of servings varies depending on the size of the limes
Ingredients:
1 3-ounce box watermelon* (or strawberry) Jell-O mix
1 cup boiling water
1 cup vodka (hmm, or why not use watermelon-flavored vodka?) or
1 cup watermelon juice (to make them non-alcoholic) or 1 cup water (to make them non-alcoholic)
About 5 -8 limes (to create 10-16 lime shells)
Black sesame seeds**
Preparation:
Slice the limes in half lengthwise. Using a sharp knife, cut carefully around the inside of each lime. You want to loosen the pulp from the skin but not poke through the skin (so the Jell-O won’t leak). Using a spoon or your finger, pry out all the pulp and save in a small bowl. Set the lime shells aside in a flat-bottomed bowl or plate; make sure they sit flat and aren’t tilting***
Reserve the lime pulp and juice to make limeade or use in some other recipe.
In a medium bowl, mix the Jell-O and boiling water until Jell-O is fully dissolved.
Stir in vodka (or watermelon juice or water)
Pour Jell-O mixture into the lime shells. Refrigerate until set, about 4 hours.
Place 6-8 black sesame seeds on each Jell-O shot to resemble watermelon seeds.
*Yes, Virginia, there is watermelon Jell-O. If it’s not sold locally, it can be ordered online, where it’s usually sold in in packets of 3.
**These need to be the black type of sesame seeds so they look like watermelon seeds.
*** If you have a deviled egg plate or tray, it will work especially well.
Recipe tested by Ellen Ficklen; email questions to hello@watermelontimes.com