A carved watermelon swan is the perfect centerpiece for a casual lunch, a romantic picnic or a buffet for a wedding reception or cocktail. It can be filled with bits of melon, grapes or other fresh fruit, which guests can take as they like with a spoon. Carving a swan in watermelon will be a breeze by following these steps.
Ingrediants
- Watermelon
- Fresh fruit like grapes, cherries, pineapple chunks, and more to suit your taste.
Steps
Step 1. Buy a watermelon
Choose the shape based on what you would like to see on your table.
- Before carving it, wash it thoroughly to reduce the risk of contracting salmonella. Make sure you use a clean cutting board and knives.
- Make sure the watermelon is at room temperature, it will be easier to carve if it is not cold.
- If necessary, cool the watermelon in the refrigerator after cutting it and before serving.
Step 2. Cut a thin slice from the base of the watermelon
It will make it more stable and prevent it from tipping over. When you are done carving it, place the swan-shaped basket in a serving dish to protect the surfaces it will be placed on.
Also, before you begin, choose a work surface that is flat and stable
Step 3. Draw the contours of the swan
Draw them onto the skin of the watermelon using a sharp pencil or marker with a thin or medium, water-resistant tip.
- After drawing the outlines on the peel, fix some toothpicks in key points: they will guide you during the cut.
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In the following photo you can see a close-up of the final result.
Swan_75
Step 4. Use a sharp knife or food decorating tool to cut along the lines of the design, as shown in the image
Cut the peel all the way down when you are at the top of the swan design. The watermelon above this line will be removed as soon as the drawing is complete.
For a better grip and to protect your hands, use a new pair of thick gardening gloves with non-slip palms
Step 5. Take care to leave the beak attached to the feathers when carving it
It is essential for the stability of the drawing.
Step 6. Use a knife to gouge the eye
It is best to do this before removing the top because it is a delicate cut and the weight of the watermelon, which makes it stable, will help you do it right.
Step 7. Remove the top of the watermelon
Cut it into quarters, then gently push them away one at a time. Keep an eye on the parts still attached that need an additional cut to be able to remove the skin and pulp. Cut straight instead of tearing to avoid breaking the design.
Step 8. Empty the watermelon
Refine the lines so they aren't too thick or uneven.
Use an ice cream scoop to remove the watermelon pulp. These balls will then be added to the fruit in the basket once finished
Step 9. Fill the carved watermelon swan with a cup of watermelon balls and grapes, or any other type of fruit
The exact amount will depend on the size of the watermelon: a cup, more or less, may be enough. Serve the remaining fruit, including the watermelon balls, in another bowl or carve another.
Small sandwiches, coffee and assorted cheeses will complete the centerpiece
Step 10. Finished
Advice
- When sticking the cut parts onto the watermelon to create your design, use rounded toothpicks or skewers. Flat toothpicks usually break due to the weight or thickness of the peel.
- For more detailed drawings, first draw the outline on a sheet of paper with a marker or pencil. Once finished, transfer the image to the surface of the watermelon by placing the sheet on the fruit and tracing the borders with a pencil to create the design directly on the skin of the watermelon. Also, for more control, you could drill a hole and use a hacksaw to cut the peel.
- Consider using a carving knife for some cuts and for digging deeper areas.
- Use a sharp, pointed knife: the sharper the knife, the more precise and easier the cuts will be. But be careful!
- It is recommended to make it when the watermelons are in season: the peel will be slightly thinner, and it could make a difference!
