Kabobs...With Fruit

 

Fruity...is probably not the word you'd use to describe a kabob...that is unless of course the main ingredient is Watermelon!  Today, Amy Riolo, who wrote The Ultimate Mediterranean Diet, came by Tonia's Kitchen to talk about her Cyprian-inspired Watermelon kabobs, that are a wonderful treat for outdoor picnics or barbeques.  Amy told Tonia she takes a traditional Cypriot cheese called Halloumi and places it on a kabob with basil leaves and watermelon.  Then she drizzles it with olive oil.  It's a fresh, healthy snack that's colorful and fun to eat!  Amy told Tonia the kids love it, and so will you!   A word about Halloumi cheese, it is available in most gourmet supermarkets, but if you can't find it, Amy tells Tonia Feta Cheese will do. 

An Ice-Cold Drink for a Hot Day

This drink just screams summer picnic! How about a refreshing blast of watermelon, followed up with the cooling sensation of cucumber? Amy Traverso, who's the Senior Food Editor at Yankee Magazine took both of them, along mint and a little sugar altogether in a blender, and created a drink that cools you down just by thinking about it. Amy told Tonia her watermelon cooler is even better when you serve it, as she adds seltzer and a splash of vodka. It's delicious, refreshing and, most important, it's cooling!

• 2 ¼ pounds peeled watermelon, cut into large chunks

• ½ medium cucumber (6 ounces), peeled and cut into large chunks

• 1 ½ cups water

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• Juice of 2 limes

• 2 tablespoons packed fresh mint leaves

• Seltzer

Instructions

In a blender, combine the watermelon, cucumber, water, sugar, lime juice, and mint leaves. Blend on high until the mixture is very smooth and liquid. To serve, fill a cup three-quarters full with the watermelon mixture, then top with a splash of seltzer.