Watermelon Race Car Food

WATERMELON RACE CAR

Steps:

• In a small microwave-safe bowl, heat candy coating and shortening, uncovered, at 30% power for 3-4 minutes or until melted, stirring every 30 seconds. For eyes, coat the large cookies with candy coating; place a miniature cookie in the center of each for pupil. Place on waxed paper to harden., With a sharp knife, cut a thin slice from bottom of watermelon so it sits flat. Beginning above center at one end of melon, lightly score a horizontal cutting line (leaving a fourth of the opposite end unmarked). Repeat on other side of melon., With a long sharp knife, make a vertical cut from top of melon to end of cutting marks. Cut along the cutting mark, making sure to cut all the way through. Gently pull off cut section; cut a thin slice for a spoiler. Trim spoiler piece to fit smoothly against the end of the melon; attach with three toothpicks., Remove fruit from the cut section and from inside the melon; cut into balls or cubes and set aside., Using a sharp razor blade, carefully carve a smile in the front of the watermelon; carve a number in the side and add other designs if desired. For wheels, attach lemon and lime slices to each side of melon with toothpicks. Attach cookie eyes with toothpicks., In a large bowl, combine the cantaloupe, honeydew and reserved watermelon. Spoon into car.

ARTIE THE AIRPLANE

Steps:

• If necessary, cut a thin slice from bottom of watermelon so it sits level. Using a sharp paring knife, trace outlines of tail pieces, propeller and wings on the melon as shown in Fig. 1. Referring to Fig. 2, cut and carefully remove sections A, B and C. Remove fruit from sections, leaving 1/8 in. of fruit on the rind; set fruit aside. Set sections B and C aside for back wings. From section A, cut propeller, two side wings and two tail pieces; set aside. Carefully remove fruit from the melon to form a shell. Cut all fruit into cubes or balls. Set aside. Trim wings and tail pieces to fit smoothly against the melon. Attach wings and tail with skewers (fig. 3); trim skewers if necessary. Attach propeller with a toothpick; insert grape on end of toothpick. Place one halved kiwifruit next to airplane on either side for wheels as shown in photo. Fill with reserved watermelon cubes, a salad or dessert.