Watermelon Lime Mint Cocktails Food

LIME COCKTAIL WITH WATERMELON ICE CUBES

Steps:

• For the watermelon ice cubes: Puree the watermelon, honey and lime juice in a blender until smooth. Pour into a square ice cube tray. Freeze until firm, 3 to 4 hours.
• For the simple syrup: Combine the sugar and 3/4 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer and shut off the heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Cool.
• For the cocktails: Mix the vodka, lime juice, mint leaves and 2 ounces simple syrup in a pitcher filled with ice. Top with club soda. Put 3 watermelon cubes in each of 2 highball glasses and pour the cocktail over.

PICKLED WATERMELON RINDS

Steps:

• In a glass bowl, stir together the water and salt until the salt has dissolved. Add the watermelon rinds and any additional water needed to cover them. Cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight.
• Drain the watermelon rinds from the salted water, and place into a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Cover with fresh water, then place over high heat and bring to a boil. Boil rinds for 30 minutes, then drain and set aside.
• Meanwhile, tie the cloves, mustard seed, and cinnamon sticks in a piece of cheesecloth. Place into a large saucepan or Dutch oven along with the vinegar and sugar. Bring to a boil over high heat, then remove from the heat and let stand for 15 minutes. Stir in the drained watermelon rind, then return to the stove over high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer until the rind is transparent and the syrup is slightly thickened, 45 to 50 minutes. Remove and discard the spices after 40 minutes. Stir in the food coloring if desired.
• Ladle into hot sterilized 1 pint jars, leaving 1/2 inch head space. Seal jars with new lids and rings, making sure you have cleaned the jar's rims of any residue. Process jars under 1 inch of water in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Let cool overnight, then press down on the lids to make sure they are sealed before storing. Store any unsealed jars in the refrigerator and enjoy those first.