what to do with a watermelon surplus

If your family is anything like mine, sometime in late July, the watermelons start piling in. They are a welcome treat at first -- so sweet as to be almost pure sugar. As the weeks go on, though, we tire of watermelon every night; yet, still they keep coming in the house. Once all the grandparents catch wind that their grandchildren love watermelon, they bring them as gifts each week. Leftovers from grillouts make their way home with us. And don't forget the Farmer's Markets watermelons! We have to buy those since the taste is incomparable to supermarket melons.

At least once during each summer, we lose a watermelon to letting it sit too long before cutting it. It's a shameful waste of food. Throwing away 25 pounds of food is embarrassing and very, very not tightwaddy. Finally, we have found a way to use these surplus melons throughout the year. We cut, de-seed & freeze any extra melons (even those not yet rotten but a little past their prime) & make watermelon popsicles.

Have you ever tried making homemade popsicles? They are incredibly easy & you can make them to suit your own diet. They can also be a great way to use up frozen fruit. Watermelon popsicles are probably the best popsicles we've ever made & they couldn't be simpler. Blend watermelon to a juice. Pour into popsicle molds. Freeze. Eat 12 hours later.

Watermelon popsicles are so sweet, you (and your friends) will be astonished that there is no added sugar in them. And if your kids like watermelon, these popsicles are a guaranteed hit.

Get Moving: Figure out what you are going to use as your popsicle molds. Consider small cups or jars covered with plastic wrap & a popsicle stick or baby spoon stuck through the plastic on top. Also, keep on the lookout for plastic pre-made popsicle molds at yard sales & thrift stores. They will be well worth your small investment!