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Warm Up Winter with Watermelon Fun

Warming up with family-friendly activities starts with a versatile (and delicious) option like watermelon, which can be your sweet superstar all year long. As a centerpiece for evenings at home or gatherings and get-togethers, its versatility creates zero food waste with endless creative uses in the kitchen, from rind-smile snowmen to handheld snacks.

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Last Updated on July 14, 2024 by Daily News Staff

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(Family Features) The cold chill of winter may have you feeling trapped indoors with nothing to do and nowhere to go, but fun activities fit for the whole family can add excitement and chase away those wintertime blues. Paired with an appetizing snack, at-home crafting provides a relaxing way to keep your mind and body moving.

Warming up with family-friendly activities starts with a versatile (and delicious) option like watermelon, which can be your sweet superstar all year long. As a centerpiece for evenings at home or gatherings and get-togethers, its versatility creates zero food waste with endless creative uses in the kitchen, from rind-smile snowmen to handheld snacks.

When this year’s first snowfall offers a canvas for creativity and entertainment, gather your loved ones to make this Watermelon Snowman. Fresh-cut and personal-sized watermelons are the predominant options in wintertime, and they’re perfect for putting together this festive work of art. All you’ll need is a collection of kitchen knives, an ice cream scoop, melon ballers, skewers, some decorative “clothing” and blueberries for a fruit salad served right out of the snowman.

While you’re hard at work, ease your appetite with a quick and easy snack like Watermelon Glazed Meatballs. Start with a homemade watermelon puree mixed with barbecue sauce then saute frozen meatballs and top with the sweet glaze for a perfect wintertime treat. Along with delicious taste, watermelon is also a nutritious hydration source, which is just as important in winter as during warmer months, and provides an excellent source of vitamin C with 25% of the daily recommended value in each 2-cup serving to support immunity.

These tasty morsels also make for a simple, shareable appetizer while hosting throughout the season. Just lay them out on a serving tray and pop toothpicks into each meatball so guests can grab and go while mingling.

To find more family-friendly crafts and sweet snack ideas, visit Watermelon.org.

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Watermelon Snowman

  • Kitchen knives
  • 1 round seedless watermelon
  • 2 personal-sized watermelons, one larger than other
  • ice cream scoop or large spoon
  • melon baller
  • mini melon baller or paring knife
  • blueberries
  • large wooden skewers
  • y-shaped sticks
  • scarf
  • hat
  1. Using knife, cut 1/4-inch slice off bottom of round seedless watermelon and both personal watermelons to provide stable bases. Use smallest melon for head, second largest for torso and largest for lower body. Set aside smallest watermelon.
  2. Cut tops off large and medium watermelons to create bowls. Using ice cream scoop or large spoon, scoop out flesh.
  3. Using melon baller, scoop eyes out of smallest watermelon. Invert melon balls and reinsert.
  4. Using mini melon baller or paring knife, scoop out holes for nose and mouth. Carve one piece of watermelon into triangle for nose and fill mouth holes with blueberries.
  5. On platter, using large wooden skewers, connect all three watermelons.
  6. Insert y-shaped sticks in middle watermelon for arms.
  7. Fill bottom sections with fruit salad of melon balls and blueberries. Decorate with scarf and hat.
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Watermelon Glazed Meatballs

Servings: 8

Watermelon Puree:

  • 1 fresh watermelon
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 24-36 frozen prepared mini meatballs
  • 1 cup prepared barbecue sauce
  • 1 cup watermelon puree
  1. To make watermelon puree: Remove seeds from watermelon and cut into large chunks. In blender, process until smooth.
  2. In large, heavy saute pan over medium-high heat or electric skillet set to 325 F, heat oil.
  3. Saute mini meatballs until browned and hot. Reduce heat to low.
  4. Mix barbecue sauce and watermelon puree. Pour over meatballs and simmer 2-3 minutes. Serve hot.

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SOURCE:
National Watermelon Promotion Board

At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.

Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience.

https://stmdailynews.com/category/food-and-beverage

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    Rebecca Jo is a mother of four and is a creative soul from Phoenix, Arizona, who also enjoys new adventures. Rebecca Jo has a passion for the outdoors and indulges in activities like camping, fishing, hunting and riding roller coasters. She is married to Rod Washington

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Rebecca Jo is a mother of four and is a creative soul from Phoenix, Arizona, who also enjoys new adventures. Rebecca Jo has a passion for the outdoors and indulges in activities like camping, fishing, hunting and riding roller coasters. She is married to Rod Washington

recipes

Serve a Plate of Pasta Salad to Round Out Spring Picnics

If clear skies and bright sunshine have you dreaming of a fresh meal outdoors, a picnic may be just the solution. Rounding out your spread of sandwiches and cold refreshments doesn’t have to be a trick – instead, treat yourself to a light, simple side like this Picnic Pasta Salad.

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If clear skies and bright sunshine have you dreaming of a fresh meal outdoors, a picnic may be just the solution. Rounding out your spread of sandwiches and cold refreshments doesn’t have to be a trick – instead, treat yourself to a light, simple side like this Picnic Pasta Salad.

(Feature Impact) If clear skies and bright sunshine have you dreaming of a fresh meal outdoors, a picnic may be just the solution. Rounding out your spread of sandwiches and cold refreshments doesn’t have to be a trick – instead, treat yourself to a light, simple side like this Picnic Pasta Salad.

Cooked rotini is mixed with fresh veggies, tossed with Italian dressing and topped with crumbled feta cheese for a zesty complement to your favorite al fresco meals.

Visit Culinary.net to find more ways to round out a perfect picnic lunch.

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Picnic Pasta Salad

Recipe adapted from “Budget Bytes

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 8 minutes

Servings: 10

  • 1          pound rotini pasta
  • 1          English cucumber
  • 2          bell peppers
  • 10        ounces grape tomatoes
  • 1/2       red onion
  • 2          tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
  • 1/4       cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1          bottle (16 ounces) Italian dressing
  • 1/4       teaspoon salt
  • 1/4       teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain in colander and rinse with cool water; drain well.
  2. Slice cucumber into half-moons, chop bell peppers, halve tomatoes, thinly slice red onion and chop parsley. Set vegetables and parsley aside.
  3. Transfer drained pasta to large bowl. Add chopped vegetables, parsley and feta cheese.
  4. Pour dressing over pasta salad and toss until evenly coated. Add salt and pepper then refrigerate until ready to eat.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

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SOURCE:

Culinary.net

At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.

Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/

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Recipe of the Week

Dive Into Healthy Eats with Mediterranean-Inspired Dishes

Mediterranean-Inspired Dishes: Inspired by the vibrant flavors and traditions of the Mediterranean, the aptly named Mediterranean Diet zeroes in on nourishing foods long touted as some of the healthiest by dietitians and health organizations.

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Dive Into Healthy Eats with Mediterranean-Inspired Dishes

(Feature Impact) The warm weather season offers a perfect opportunity for a meal reset. Inspired by the vibrant flavors and traditions of the Mediterranean, the aptly named Mediterranean Diet zeroes in on nourishing foods long touted as some of the healthiest by dietitians and health organizations.

Inclusive of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans and other legumes, as well as low-fat or fat-free dairy products, non-tropical vegetable oils and nuts, poultry and fish – such as Genova Wild Caught Yellowfin Tuna – Mediterranean-focused dishes fit beautifully into a colorful, healthy diet. The Mediterranean Diet has also been associated with many benefits, as it includes key nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids that support brain, eye and heart health. Because this way of eating also prioritizes fiber and lean protein, it also can support a healthy weight, which can fuel overall health and well-being for years to come.

Packed with protein and omega-3s, Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil is wild-caught and inspired by the flavors and traditions of the Mediterranean. Free from additives and preservatives, this convenient protein makes an easy and delicious addition to meals inspired by the region’s fresh, vibrant ingredients.

A simple, elegant Flatbread Nicoise lets tuna take center stage, melding together fresh, foolproof ingredients like baby potatoes, green beans, baby arugula, kalamata olives and red onion on top of a warm, doughy crust. Or take the taste of the Mediterranean further at lunch time with this Mediterranean Tuna, Feta and Dill Salad. It combines the big, bright flavors and textures of arugula, cucumber, feta, fresh dill, lemon and tuna to give your tastebuds a happy zing and keep you satisfied until dinner.

For more information, including recipes, serving suggestions and a product locator, visit GenovaSeafood.com.

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Flatbread Nicoise

Total time: 50 minutes

Servings: 4

  • 4          ounces baby potatoes, well-scrubbed
  • 2          tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1          pound store-bought pizza dough, at room temperature
  • kosher salt, to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2          ounces green beans or haricot verts, trimmed
  • 1          can (5 ounces) Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil
  • 1 1/2    teaspoons red wine vinegar
  • 1/2       cup baby arugula
  • 1/2       cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4       cup pitted kalamata or nicoise olives, halved
  • 1/4       small red onion, thinly sliced
  1. Preheat oven to 450 F. Using mandolin, thinly slice potatoes.
  2. Drizzle 9-by-13-inch baking sheet with 1 tablespoon olive oil and spread pizza dough to edges. Shingle potatoes over dough, leaving 1/2-inch border. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and drizzle with remaining olive oil.
  3. Bake pizza until cooked through and crust is golden, about 25 minutes. Remove and let cool slightly.
  4. Bring small saucepan of salted water to boil. Add green beans and cook until bright green and crisp tender, about 3 minutes. Strain, rinse with cool water and drain well. Transfer to work surface and cut each bean into thirds on bias.
  5. Strain oil from tuna can into small bowl and whisk vinegar into oil. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  6. Sprinkle slightly cooled pizza with arugula, tuna, tomatoes, olives, green beans and red onion. Drizzle with vinegar dressing then slice and serve warm.
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Mediterranean Tuna, Feta and Dill Salad

Total time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4

  • 3          cups arugula
  • 1          cup cherry tomatoes, each cut in half
  • 1/2       English cucumber, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
  • 1/2       cup feta cheese chunks
  • 1/4       cup sliced red onion
  • 2          tablespoons chopped fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill, plus additional for topping (optional)
  • 2          cans (5 ounces each) Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil

Dressing:

  • 2          tablespoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice
  • 1          tablespoon fresh chopped dill
  • 1/2       teaspoon salt
  • 1/4       teaspoon ground black pepper
  1. In large bowl or on platter, lay arugula. Place cherry tomatoes, cucumber, feta, red onion and dill over arugula. Top with tuna; reserve oil from cans.
  2. To make dressing: In small bowl, combine lemon juice, dill, salt and pepper. Whisk in reserved olive oil from tuna cans until mixture is well blended.
  3. Before serving, drizzle dressing over salad and top with additional chopped dill, if desired.
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SOURCE:

Genova Tuna

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Food and Beverage

Easy, Creamy Spring Goodness

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Last Updated on April 20, 2026 by Rod Washington

spring

(Family Features) For a soup that smells as divine as it tastes, warm up your home with the fresh scents and flavors of Creamy Asparagus Soup. Pair with chicken salad croissants for a simple weeknight meal without the hassle then visit Culinary.net to discover more spring soup solutions.

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Creamy Asparagus Soup

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy
Servings: 4-6

  • 2 asparagus bundles
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 3 cups broth of choice, divided
  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 2 teaspoons celery salt
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste
  • chicken salad croissants, for serving
  1. Chop asparagus into bite-size pieces. In large pot, place asparagus, butter, onion powder, garlic powder and 1 cup broth. Cook over medium heat until asparagus gets tender.
  2. Transfer to blender with 1 cup broth and blend until smooth. Transfer back to pot and, over medium heat, mix in cream cheese, remaining broth and Parmesan cheese. Add celery salt and Italian seasoning. Cook while stirring, blending seasonings in well, then add heavy cream.
  3. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve with chicken salad croissants.

 

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Culinary.net

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