Tag Archives: memories

Watermelon Smoothies – Day 6 #LivingOnTheWedge

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#LivingOnTheWedge watermelon

Come over to my house in the morning and you’ll hear the low hum of my blender – it seems to be in constant use!  My husband makes a smoothie to drink during his commute to work and I whip one up to cool down and rehydrate after a run. And, the kids love them for breakfast or as a healthy snack anytime of the day – especially when watermelon is an ingredient.  Everyone loves my recipe for this Watermelon Chia Seed Smoothie. It’s very good for you and very versatile – use the milk product of your choice and put in (or omit) protein powder based on your dietary needs.

watermelon chia frozen smoothie

Directions: Pour 6 ounces of milk (cow, soy, coconut or almond) into blender pitcher. Add 2 cups watermelon chunks and process until smooth. If desired, add one scoop (about 1/3 cup) vanilla protein powder and another 2 tablespoons of milk; process again until smooth.  Add 1 teaspoon chia sees and pulse a few times to mix through. Serves 1.

super green detox smoothie watermelonI place a priority on “eating clean” as much as I can. That being said, I’m no saint – a burger with fries or pizza with the works are two of my favorite ways to splurge. After all, as Julia Child once said, “All things in moderation including moderation”! When I need to hit the “reset” button, this Super Green Detox Smoothie from Watermelon.org helps me get back to my healthy eating plan. It’s packed with watermelon, kale, avocado, hot chile paste and other nutritious ingredients that will get your engine humming once again.    

 

watermelon coconut strawberry smoothieThis yummy Watermelon Malibu Surf Smoothie is blended with strawberries, watermelon, coconut cream and a little something extra — rum! Sure to be a popular drink at your next outdoor party. If you prefer a non-alcoholic drink or are looking for a kid-friendly version, just swap the rum for extra watermelon juice.

 

 

 

Someone special reads my blog and gave me a watermelon for my birthday!

Someone special reads my blog and gave me a watermelon for my birthday!

I’m getting toward the end of my #LivingOnTheWedge week, and I am not anywhere near running out of things to share about watermelon.  I’ve talked a lot about how the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients in watermelon can help improve your workouts and keep you hydrated during running and other outdoor, but I shouldn’t fail to mention the basics in nutrition this healthy sweet treat offers everyone.

  • Vitamin A found in watermelon promotes healthy eyes and supports your immune system by bolstering the infection-fighting ability of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell).
  • Vitamin B6 found in watermelon assists in the production of antibodies that your immune system uses to fight disease. Vitamin B6 also helps keep your nervous systems in tip-top shape, aids in the restoration of red blood cells, and synthesizes protein.
  • Vitamin C found in watermelon helps keep your body “younger” by warding off cellular damage and medical conditions that can be created by free radicals. Vitamin C also helps promote a healthy immune system ready to combat invading infections and viruses.
  • Potassium found in watermelon helps keep your electrolytes in balance and helps keep you from getting dehydrated.
  • Low in calories, watermelon fills you up and satisfies cravings for “sweet” – this can help in weight management.  A 2 cup serving of watermelon chunks has only 80 calories and no fat.

watermelon giveawayAlso, check out all the other posts on watermelon I’m featuring all week and don’t forget to enter the giveaway for a great Watermelon Prize Pack! I also have a group pinterest board to share all the #LivingOnTheWedge love — you are invited to join!

The National Watermelon Promotion Boardnofollow is providing me with compensation to share my love of watermelon. However, the opinions and content (unless otherwise noted) shared are my own and NWPB did not tell me what to say or how to say it.

Watermelon & Chocolate Recipes – Day 5 #LivingOnTheWedge

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Living on the wedge watermelon chocolate

Watermelon and chocolate are two of my favorite sweet things to eat in this world. Summery sweetness meets indulgent richness – the unusual but oh-so perfect pairing was inevitable and why I didn’t think of it sooner is beyond me! So, without further ado, I’d like to introduce you to my Whirled Watermelon Chocolate Pie – one bite and I’m sure you will also become best friends forever with this duo of deliciousness. What a lip smacking way to end a summery meal, perhaps even after a grill-up of my recipe for Grilled Watermelon Shrimp Kebabs with Sweet Spicy Glaze

frozen watermelon chocolate pie dessert

Whirled Watermelon Chocolate Pie Recipe

For Watermelon Filling:

  • 5 cups seedless watermelon cubes
  • ½ teaspoon liquid stevia
  • 2 packets unflavored gelatin
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 2 large egg whites, at room temperature
  • 1 cup cold heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon liquid stevia

For Chocolate Filling:

  • 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream (divided)
  • 2 pre-made chocolate pie shells (8 – 9 inch diameter)

Directions:

  1. Add seeded watermelon to blender; use wooden spoon to mash it up and get juices releasing. Puree watermelon until as smooth as possible.
  2. Measure out 2 ¾ cups of watermelon puree; any remaining can be used for another purpose. Stir ½ teaspoon liquid stevia into watermelon puree.
  3. Pour ¼ cup of the juice in a large bowl and sprinkle with gelatin powder; let dissolve for 2 minutes.
  4. Add ½ cup of watermelon puree that has been heated in microwave for about 45 seconds (near boiling); whisk into bowl with gelatin.
  5. Mix in lime juice and the remaining 2 cups watermelon juice into the bowl; place in refrigerator for approximately 30 minutes.
  6. Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites in a medium size bowl until stiff peaks form; set aside; clean and dry beaters.
  7. Beat the heavy cream in mixer until it holds soft peaks; add liquid stevia and beat for a few more seconds; refrigerate.
  8. When the watermelon mixture starts to firm up, add about one-quarter of the whipped cream and beat with electric mixer until smooth.
  9. Gently fold in beaten egg whites and remaining whipped cream with a large rubber spatula, breaking up any globs of whites or whipped cream.
  10. Transfer watermelon mixture to another bowl and return to refrigerator. Thoroughly wash and dry mixer bowl and whisk attachment to make chocolate filling.
  11. In microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and ½ cup of heavy cream by heating and stirring in 15 second intervals until smooth. Let cool for 10 minutes or until near room temperature.
  12. Add chocolate mixture and remaining 1 cup of heavy cream to mixing bowl and beat for approximately 2 minutes, until smooth.
  13. Ready the 2 chocolate pie shells. Spoon in ¼ of watermelon mixture into bottom of each. Next, spoon in “blobs” of the chocolate mixture. Repeat the watermelon and chocolate layers until pie is filled (should just be about 1 more set of layers).
  14. Use the tip of knife to create a swirled pattern. Loosely cover pies and freeze for at least 2 hours, or overnight. To serve, let partially thaw for 10 minutes and slice each pie into 8 pieces. Makes 2 pies (serves 16)!

slice of watermelon chocolate pie

By the way, please notice that this recipe makes TWO pies – if, for some unheard of reason, you are opposed to making TWO pies, just cut the amount of each ingredient in half. I also found that any leftover fillings make really good Frozen Watermelon Chocolate Pops – just pour into a frozen treat mold or paper cups.

watermelon chocolate pops

Watermelon.org also has great dessert recipes that feature watermelon and chocolate. Check out these two family favorites:

watermelon chocolate fondueWatermelon and Spicy Mayan Dark Chocolate Fondue –  I’m just looking out for your health, people! While it might look decadent, this hot fondue is rich with polyphenols found in cocoa powder – and dark chocolate is also great source for iron and magnesium. Plus, you’ll add extra potassium, lycopene and vitamins A and C to your diet with each dunk of watermelon!

 

 

 

watermelon smores dessert Watermelon S’mores — need I say more?

 

 

 

 

 

 

watermelon pinterest boardIf you have a watermelon recipe to share, please post it in the comments. Or, better yet, join #LivingOnTheWedge Pinterest board.

win wantermelon prizesAlso, check out my other posts on watermelon featured all week and don’t forget to enter the giveaway for a great Watermelon Prize Pack.

 

 

The National Watermelon Promotion Board is providing me with compensation to share my love of watermelon. However, the opinions and content (unless otherwise noted) shared are my own and NWPB did not tell me what to say or how to say it.

Watermelon, Running & Hydration – Day 4 #LivingOnTheWedge

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watermelon running hydration

First of all, happy Independence Day! I’ll be celebrating the Fourth of July by running one of my favorite races in town, the Freedom 5000.  All I’ll be thinking about while zooming through the forecasted 90 degree heat is grabbing a big slice (or two) of watermelon that is waiting at the finish line. There will be hundreds of cold, crisp watermelons served up for rehydrating refreshment – it’s pure heaven and perfect for the patriotic, post-race party. Check back tomorrow to find out if I won and how much watermelon I ate when I was done!

Jennifer Fisher watermelon selfie

I will definitely run for watermelon, any time any place! The natural carbohydrates give me plenty of energy to hit the road, take on the trail or tackle the treadmill. Because watermelon is 92% water, it is also a super way to keep my hydration levels in check before, during and after a run.

will run for watermelon

Eating 8-ounces of watermelon is like drinking almost that same amount of water – but in addition, you get natural sugars, some electrolytes, vitamin A, vitamin C, and lycopene. Research has shown that drinking watermelon juice (simply pureed watermelon flesh) aids in athletic performance just as much as consuming a sports drink like Gatorade but you also get the benefits provided by powerful antioxidents. Also, as I mention on Day 2 of #LivingOnTheWedge, the L-citrulline amino acid found abundantly in watermelon juice can also lower an athlete’s heart rate and instance of delayed-onset muscle fatigue. So, drink up!

In the heat of summer, a runner can become dehydrated easily, losing quarts of water through sweat. If not replaced adequately, you’ll suffer from fatigue, decreased performance, muscle cramping and worse. However, it is just as dangerous to drink too much fluid as too little. Determining your personal fluid replacement rate is a proactive way to stay hydrated and healthy. Runner’s World has a Hydration Calculator that will give you a rough estimate based on weight, temperature and pace. However, I would also suggest performing a “sweat test” for a baseline personal estimate. Before a timed run, weigh yourself with the full water you plan to carry along. Afterward, note the length of time you ran and then get back on the scale with the remaining contents of the water bottle. The weight lost is how much MORE fluid needs to be consumed during runs of the same duration in similar conditions.

So, it’s time to get juicing – I think you’ll love these ways to incorporate watermelon juice into your running routine. 

watermelon juice

Watermelon Agua Fresca – Carry along some of this refreshing watermelon goodness in your water bottle! I’ve also done a version where I added a Nuun Hydration Electrolyte Tab (they make a watermelon flavor!) for an extra boost.

 

 

 

 

 

watermelon beverageWatermelon Pomegranate Green Tea – This drink is perfect if you need a pick-me-up before or during your run. Swap the green tea for caffeinated black tea as a bit of caffeine can actually help improve sports performance. Plus, other research indicates that the bioactive compounds in pomegranate juice help reduce muscle soreness – just as watermelon juice does!

 

Come back tomorrow to check out my Creamy Watermelon Smoothie recipe, it’s so delicious and nutritious and perfect post-run or just hanging out by the pool. You don’t want to miss this one!

How are you celebrating the 4th of July, will you run or eat watermelon?  Please share in the comments below and/or join my group #LivingOnTheWedge Pinterest board to share your love for watermelon.

watermelon prize packAlso, check out all the other posts on watermelon I’m featuring all week and don’t forget to enter the giveaway for a great Watermelon Prize Pack!

The National Watermelon Promotion Board is providing me with compensation to share my love of watermelon. However, the opinions and content (unless otherwise noted) shared are my own and NWPB did not tell me what to say or how to say it.

 

 

 

 

Spicy Sweet Watermelon Shrimp Skewer Recipe – Day 3 #LivingOnTheWedge

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grilling watermelon

During the summer, don’t knock on my front door during the dinner hour – just come on through the back gate! If you were an actual neighbor, the amazing aromas wafting over the fence would serve as your not-so-formal invitation to come join me for some fantastic food ready to be pulled off a sizzling grill. Tonight I’m making a mouthwatering meal that is as healthy as it is vibrantly hued – Grilled Watermelon Shrimp Kebabs with Sweet Spicy Glaze.

watermelon kabobs with shrimp

Grilling is my go-to way to prepare healthy recipes for my family and friends. The focus on lean proteins and fresh produce eliminates any need for buttery sauces, breadings and other diet-busters. You’d be surprised at how many foods are great on the grates – fruit is one of my favorite foods to grill! A good sear from the grill caramelizes the natural sugars found in fruit, taking the flavor experience to a “whole-nutha” level. Trust me, the watermelon chunks are insanely good on these fire-kissed kebabs! Yes, you CAN grill watermelon!

summer shrimp and watermelon

Grilled Watermelon Shrimp Kebabs with Sweet Spicy Glaze Recipe

  • 6 cups 1” watermelon cubes (divided)
  • 1 tablespoon red chili sauce (like Sriracha)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 pound peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp, tails intact
  • 1 large red onion, cut into 1” chunks
  • Sea salt & coarse black pepper, to taste
  • Garnish: fresh cilantro
  1. In a blender, add 2 cups watermelon, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic and any watermelon juice that has pooled in the bowl of your watermelon prep bowl (or substitute a tablespoon of water to get blender going). Puree ingredients until smooth.
  2. Transfer watermelon mixture to small sauce pan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer on low for approximately 15 minutes, or until mixture has reduced to about ½ remaining. Set aside.
  3. Meanwhile, thread raw shrimp, onion pieces and remaining watermelon cubes onto four 12” metal or soaked bamboo skewers, alternating ingredients (may substitute eight 6” skewers). Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Heat grill or stove-top grill pan to 400 F degrees. Place skewers on grill and cook for approximately 3 – 4 minutes per side, flipping once. Near the end of grilling, use a silicon brush to glaze skewers with the sauce. Remove from grill once shrimp is cooked through and no longer translucent. Watermelon and onions should also have some nice grate marks.
  5. Drizzle with reserved sauce and serve alone, over cilantro rice (pictured) a salad or your choice of side. Serves 4.

Cooks tip:  Double the sauce recipe and save the leftovers in the refrigerator (up to a week) for a salad dressing or to jazz up a milder fish like tilapia.

If this grilled watermelon recipe appeals to you, you’ll also love my Spicy Sesame Salmon on Seared Watermelon.

salmon on watermelon plank

I also love this idea for Flash Grilled Watermelon Cheddar Burgers from Watermelon.org that replaces a juicy grilled watermelon wedge for the tomato slice. It’s a wonderful way to load up on lycopene. Although tomatoes are famous for having an abundance of this powerful antioxidant, bet you didn’t know that watermelon actually has the most concentrated levels of any fruit or veggie!

substitute watermelon for tomato on burgers

If you have a watermelon recipe or tip to share, please post it in the comments. Or, better yet, join my #LivingOnTheWedge Pinterest board.

watermelon prize packPlease come back to visit EVERY DAY this week as I talk about all things deliciously and nutritiously watermelon and don’t forget to enter the giveaway for a great Watermelon Prize Pack. 

The National Watermelon Promotion Board is providing me with compensation to share my love of watermelon. However, the opinions and content (unless otherwise noted) shared are my own and NWPB did not tell me what to say or how to say it.

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Watermelon Memories – Day 1 #LivingOnTheWedge

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Blog about Watermelon

Ready, set, make memories! Summer is in full swing and I have been living on the “wedge” since the very afternoon my children’s schools let out for break. This “wedge” isn’t the crazy-busy, over-scheduled, about-to-have-a-nervous-breakdown ledge from where I just recently teetered, holding on by only thread. Instead, this “wedge” is the sublimely sweet, slow-motion, swing-by-a-rope-over-a-creek and hang-out-with-the kids kind of attitude adjustment that was way overdue. So, what’s behind this purposeful change in perspective and ready to fuel my memory making?  Watermelon, of course! Every single day this week, I will be sharing facts, tips, recipes, and other just plain awesome uses for my favorite fruit (well, actually it’s a vegetable, but I’ll get into that later) – WATERMELON!

Fun times at the lake last weekend. Where's the watermelon? Well, not a slice left in sight for our family photo!

Fun times at the lake last weekend. Where’s the watermelon? Well, not a slice left in sight for our family photo!

Just one look at a watermelon and I feel relaxed and worry-free — it’s like a day at the lake and a day at the beach all rolled into one! Plus, when I take a big, juicy bite, it’s like being transported to the magical age of six or seven. It’s interesting how certain foods are forever associated with warm-fuzzy feelings and memories. With peak watermelon season (and National Watermelon Month) happening in July, it’s no doubt that many of you also have great memories of watermelon – fireworks, parades, picnics, seed-spitting contests, thumps and such! Watermelon also has me recalling fireflies caught in a jar, rivers traversed in tied-together ‘tubes, and permission to eat all the watermelon I wanted because “there’s no way it was fitting in the fridge.”

cupcake made from watermelonI have even more great memories interwoven with watermelon because my birthday is in July – in fact, it’s just a couple of days away! So, what is the perfect gift for the gal that has everything — how ’bout a big ole watermelon with a bow on it!

This year, I’m requesting my kiddos make me these cute and healthy Watermelon Cupcakes as their birthday gift to me.

 

 

Even though a slice of watermelon is pure heaven, I’ve also used watermelon as an ingredient in many of my healthy recipes – both sweet and savory. However, I’m terrible about organizing my recipes, so I’ve created this “Living on the Wedge” Watermelon Board on Pinterest to help me keep the memories alive so that I can recreate them again and again!  I’d love for you to follow the board and if you have recipes, tips or anything watermelon related, please follow the instructions to join as a pinner to the group!

 

watermelon pinterest board

Remember, I’ll be sharing a week’s worth of sweet ideas on how to use watermelon in recipes, running, workouts and more, you really don’t want to miss any of this #LivingOnTheWedge – so come back to visit every day!

The National Watermelon Promotion Board is providing me with compensation to share my love of watermelon. However, the opinions and content (unless otherwise noted) shared are my own and NWPB did not tell me what to say or how to say it.

Also, I’m hosting a giveaway for a fun Watermelon Prize Pack featuring all of these goodies, enter via the Rafflecopter app below.

watermelon giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway