I seriously might enter...

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I am starting to consider searching out local watermelon eating contests this summer - it's a bit shocking how much and how quickly I can consume one.  As discussed before, fruit has seriously NEVER tasted better and I have never craved watermelon quite like I do right now.  It was so funny to see a few of you mention this on my previous cravings-related post.  I guess watermelon consumption is a shared pregnancy-related talent come the summer months.

While I've recently just been chowing down on straight-up watermelon, I'm anxious to try out the following recipes to mix things up. First, for a refreshing cocktail replacement I'm loving the idea of a watermelon mojito (minus the booze for now).  I've yet to try out the following recipe, but pieced it together based on a few great suggestions online along with the abundance of pineapple mint in my garden. 

- pretty pics via google images -

"Mommy-To-Be" 

Watermelon + Pineapple Mint Mojito

4 C frozen seedless watermelon cubes*

1/2 C freshly squeezed lime juice

1/3 C pineapple mint simple syrup (recipe below)

1 C Perrier / seltzer water (if you can ADD RUM instead)!

*To start off, you'll want to chop up the seedless watermelon and freeze the cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.  Freeze for 2-3 hours, or until firm and frozen throughout.  The frozen watermelon will give your cocktail a nice slushy texture - kind of like a margarita. YUM.  If you'd rather have the quick version without the slushy consistency, simply blend the watermelon and strain through a sieve (you'll want about 3 C of watermelon juice for the recipe above).  

Next, to make the pineapple mint simple syrup you'll need the following:

1 C fresh pineapple mint leaves (any type of mint will really do, this is just my personal favorite)

1 C granulated sugar

1 C water

the zest and juice of 1 whole lime

Combine all of the ingredients in a sauce pan and bring to a boil.  Stir together and continue to boil for 3 minutes.  Remove from the heat, cover, and allow the simple syrup to "steep" for 8-10 minutes.  Finally, pour the mixture through a strainer and set the mint-flavored syrup aside, discarding the mint leaves. I like to store simple syrup in a mason jar where it will last for up to 1 month in the fridge.  

OK, so now for watermelon-mojito assembly!  Just combine all of the ingredients listed above (frozen watermelon, fresh lime juice, pineapple-mint syrup and Perrier) into a blender.  Pulse until all of the ingredients are combined and smooth.  If you are not using frozen watermelon, just combine all of the ingredients (substituting 3 C of watermelon water for the frozen cubes) and shake well, then pour over ice. Garnish with a few sprigs of mint and find yourself a comfy seat in the hot sun...enJOY!

A few other recipes on my never-ending list:

* Watermelon Sorbet

* Watermelon-Lime Popsicle

* Watermelon, Fig, Feta + Arugula Salad

* Watermelon + Balsamic Caprese Salad

Any other favorite watermelon recipes out there???