Try Strawberry Watermelon Soup for National Watermelon Day!

If you missed July’s National Watermelon Month you can still celebrate National Watermelon Day on Monday, August 3. Now you might reasonably ask yourself why National Watermelon Day doesn’t occur in July? My guess is that someone was too late to celebrate the National Watermelon Month of July and decided to name August 3 as a special day for watermelon. In any event, on Monday why not celebrate with watermelon? If you want more than just a cold slice of watermelon check out the ideas below.

Messina Hof Strawberry Watermelon Soup

Ingredients for Soup Base

Watermelon puree
Strawberry puree

Directions for Soup Base

1. Mix and chill
If you need a little sweeter add a small amount of simple syrup to your taste

Ingredients for Crème Fraiche

2 c heavy cream
¼ c buttermilk

Directions for Crème Fraiche

1. Mix together and cover.
2. Allow to sit overnight on counter. It will naturally thicken on its own.

For the soup add 2 tbsp dry basil and ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese.

Recipe provided by Messina Hof Winery & Resort in Bryan, Texas.

Texas Legato Sangria

Ingredients

2 cups Texas Legato Sweet Surrender (a Merlot)
2 cups cranberry Juice
2 cups Sprite
1 ½ cups orange juice
Add any fruit you enjoy

Notes from Texas Legato

We paired this during our Picnic Road Trip with watermelon and goat cheese. Fresh goat cheese is available 1/4 mile on CR 111 at the Bradley Goat Farm. This is great on a hot day as a pool side cold beverage or to take on a picnic.

Provided by Texas Legato, Lampasas, Texas.

Fruit Salad in Strawberry Wine Syrup

Ingredients

1 c Duplin Scuppernong
½ c water
¼ c Duplin Winery Strawberry Rhubarb Preserves
¼ c sugar
1 T honey
2 c watermelon (Large dice)
2 c cantaloupe (Large dice)
2 c honeydew (Large dice)
1 c grapes
1 c strawberry (halved)
1 T fresh mint leaves (minced)

Directions for Vinaigrette

1. In medium saucepan, whisk together the Duplin Scuppernong, water, Strawberry Rhubarb Preserves, sugar and honey.
2. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, remove from heat and allow to cool.
3. Chill in refrigerator for at least 30-45 minutes.
4. Fold chopped melons, grapes and strawberries into strawberry wine syrup.
5. Garnish with some minced fresh mint and enjoy accompanied by nice glass of Duplin Scuppernong.

Provided by Duplin Winery, North Carolina.

How are you planning to celebrate National Watermelon Day?

Watermelon Fun Fact: Watermelon is 92% water.

Cheers!
Kathy