6.20.2011

Chilled Watermelon Steaks with Feta and Basil Vinaigrette

Flip flops, tank tops, lemonade, sundresses, swimming pools, etc.  Summer is supposed to be pleasant, isn't it?   Let me tell you about summer in Dallas.  It ain't no picnic.  Really - no picnics in June, July or August.  Parched grass, too many mosquitoes, and everything melts and loses it's original form.  Pita chips are safe though.  You can have pita chips...with warm hummus....by yourself. 

My plants are begging for mercy from the heat, and if I step outside for 2.5 minutes to water them, I come back inside smelling like outside.   There isn't a Bath and Body Works mist, spray, lotion, or candle that can conceal it.  "Lilacs n Lillies" doesn't cover up "Texas Sweat 'n Grass". 

Don't dare go to the grocery store between 11am and 6pm in the summer because all of your diary products spoil on the way home.  You can't keep the car cool enough unless you have a subservient husband to chauffeur you around and keep the car running at $5/gal of gas. 

It's 104 today.  I'm thinking about serving a crushed ice casserole tonight.  Don't think anyone will complain.

Chilled Watermelon rescues me on days like this.  After the sun siphons the energy out of me, I want to move as little as possible.  This is a very quick and easy salad which you can enjoy with any light meal.  And this is man-tested and approved too.  They licked their plates clean.


Chilled Watermelon Steaks with Feta and Basil Vinaigrette

Ingredients:
6 slices watermelon 4" x 4" x 3/4" 
2 Tablespoons crumbled Feta cheese
15 leaves fresh basil, chopped (or chiffonade)
1/8 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
1. Arrange watermelon "steaks" on a plate, as desired.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, basil, salt, pepper and garlic.  (Alternatively you can blend these ingredients in a small food processor to emulsify the mix...but I really don't use big words so early in the week.  I usually stick to four-letter words or less on a Monday. 
3.  Drizzle balsamic dressing over watermelon steaks. Sprinkle with feta crumbles.

13 comments:

  1. Yumm...sounds SO refreshing! great idea!

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  2. I have a watermelon and this recipe is written all over it! YUM :)

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  3. this is so pretty and looks divine! (and while i wish the weather was more comfortable for you, you are quite entertaining in talking about the heat!)

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  4. Oh yum I love these "steaks" and the contrast of the sweet melon with feta -- amazing!

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  5. Rosa - thanks! Please try it out
    avgbetty - Thanks for stopping by! Good to hear from you!
    Valentina - ha! I'll live. I've been in TX most of my life but I'll still complain. :)
    Xiaolu - yes, the hint of a salty bite really compliments the sweet watermelon! Thanks for your comment!

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  6. Love the steak idea and your crushed ice casserole! You need to move to CA like I did! Who can stand it in Big D this time of year? (is the "D" for Death by heat stroke?)

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  7. sounds amazing..can't wait to give it a try..
    first time here..love your space..very interesting posts..
    glad to follow u..;)
    do stop by mine sometime..
    Tasty Appetite

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  8. My parents broke down and left the heat in Texas to enjoy the 30º cooler temperatures here in San Diego - come on over! Your watermelon looks like a terrific way to cool down!

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  9. Lentil - It totally does stand for "Deathby Heatstroke!" funny!

    Jay - Thanks Jay for visiting! I would love to check out your site. thanks for sharing!

    Family Spice - Your parents are smart! One day I will make it to somewhere on the west coast!


    thanks for the comments everyone!

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  10. just spotted this on TS! beautiful!

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  11. AnonymousJune 29, 2011

    You should try with halloumi cheese. That's how we eat it here in Cyprus.

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  12. Valentina - Thanks! I'm learning!
    Anonymous - Great suggestion! Halloumi is supposed to be very versatile!

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  13. AnonymousJuly 09, 2011

    Gorgeous pic!!!

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