Grilled Watermelon Appetizer

I'm still trying to eat through our 18lb watermelon.  After hauling it to our cabin I was set on using it up... Nothing says summer like eating huge slices of watermelon and spitting the seed over the deck to the bushes below.  And nothing says summer like BBQ.  So why not BBQ some watermelon!?

I cut some watermelon in to one or two bite triangle shapes and put on a hot grill for a few minutes per side.

I topped each grilled watermelon slice with pancetta and a sprinkling of crumbled blue cheese.  I added a dash of fresh cracked black pepper and a touch of salt.  This created a heavenly summer appetizer.  Plus, it doesn't get much easier than this!  Smokey, juicy watermelon topped with salty and creamy goodness.  I will definitely make this appetizer again.

Watermelon and Goat Cheese Appetizer

Ever been asked to provide an appetizer for a summer party and can't think of anything?  Well, anything besides chips and salsa?  I was reading a magazine that gave a few watermelon based appetizers... with a whopping 18lb watermelon sitting in my fridge this was the answer! 

My husband is hosting a pool party for a bunch of his fraternity brothers tonight.  Smoked ribs, beer, baked beans and tempuratures in the upper 90's.  I figured adding a watermelon appetizer to his spread wouldn't hurt.

I cut a portion of my monster sized watermelon in to about 24 small cubes, about 1 1/2"*.  Then I used a melon baller and took out just a tiny scoop on the 'top' of the watermelon cubes.  I then set these aside with a paper towel on top (to soak up excessive watermelon juice).

Next, I grabbed a small package of plain goat cheese, about 5oz and mixed in a few tablespoons of finely chopped fresh basil.  Using a small spoon I put little scoops of the goat cheese mix on to the top of each watermelon cube.  I garnished with the tiny leaves from the tip of the basil plants in my yard.  This appetizer can be made a few hours in advance, just make sure to store in the fridge!   

*Side note... I prefer these to be a one or maybe two bite appetizer.  Cut a sample watermelon cube and pop it in your mouth.  If its too big, cut a smaller size and test it.  Darn, you have to eat fresh summer watermelon while making this?  Things could be worse.

Steamers

We dug almost eight pounds of clams at our cabin this weekend.  Typically I just steam the clams and we eat them alongside some good bread and melted butter.  What is your favorite way to prepare clams or shellfish?

Garden

Look what I found in my garden today!  Carrots that are in love with each other...

 And a mega sized zucchini!

Now its time to start making lots and lots (and lots) of zucchini involved stuff....