French Watermelon Recipes

Steps:

• Cut a small seedless watermelon into 3-by-1/2-inch sticks. Mix 1 teaspoon chili powder with 1/2 teaspoon each ground coriander and cumin and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Sprinkle all over the watermelon. Stir 1/2 cup sour cream with the zest and juice of 1 lime and a pinch each of ground cumin and salt. Serve with the watermelon fries.

Steps:

• Make a balsamic sysrup by pouring the vinegar and honey into a small saucepan and simmering over medium heat just long enough for it to reduce and have a thick, running consistency - about 5 minutes. Set aside, as it will thicken further as it cools.
• Assemble each salad on its plate. First 1/2 cup arugula. Drizzle 1 T. olive oil on arugula. Then place watermelon plank on its side on top of arugula, put a slice of goat cheese on its side, then watermelon slice again, then another goat cheese slice, ending with another slice of watermelon. You will end up with a layered salad on its side.
• Season with cracked pepper.
• Drizzle balsamic reduction over watermelon, goat cheese slices.
• Serve immediatley.

Steps:

• Gazpacho:
• Purée watermelon, tomato, cucumber, jalapeño, oil, and vinegar in a blender until smooth.
• Transfer gazpacho to a large bowl; season with kosher salt and pepper. Cover and chill at least 1 hour before serving.
• Do ahead: Gazpacho can be made 1 day ahead. Keep chilled.
• Crema and assembly:
• Preheat oven to 350°. Toast almonds on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing occasionally, until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. (Alternatively, you can do this step in a dry small skillet over medium heat.) Let almonds cool, then coarsely chop.
• Mash feta into sour cream in a small bowl until mostly smooth, then whisk in milk.
• Divide watermelon and cucumber among bowls and pour gazpacho over. Top with crema and almonds, drizzle with oil, and season with sea salt and pepper.
• Do ahead: Crema can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.