May 30, 2006

Watermelon Puree and Juice

One of the things I love about throwing parties is inventing signature cocktails for each one, based on the theme of the party. For a Watermelon-Themed Party, watermelon puree is a necessity.

To make watermelon puree, all you need is the fruit and a good blender. Simply whiz chunks of melon in your blender until they're nice and smooth. The resulting puree will be a little bit slushy, thanks to the texture of the watermelon.

If you want to make watermelon juice, use the same method as you would to make puree (above), and then pour the puree into a very fine sieve and place the whole shebang over a mixing bowl. Let this sit in the refrigerator for several hours, and you'll have watermelon juice in the bowl and a thick puree in the sieve. Both can be used as your culinary heart desires.

You can add mint, lime juice, or fresh ginger to the blender as well to give your puree a bit of kick, or stir it in afterwards to taste. If you're using ginger after blending, cut off a few thin slices of fresh ginger root and add it to the puree. Refrigerate for a few hours, then fish out the ginger and discard.

Try using watermelon puree in margaritas, or just add your favorite spirits and mixers to come up with your own tasty concoction. Watermelon juice can be used as a mixer itself, or add some gin or vodka for a cool watermelon martini. Fruit-flavored liqueurs are also nice additions to pureed watermelon.