Making the holiday season special is an important tradition for many families, and it’s likely to take on heightened importance this year with gatherings, celebrations and festivities taking on a different look than years past. One family-favorite way to create holiday magic is through delicious desserts that can be made and enjoyed together.
Don’t be afraid to try something new this year by turning to foods typically associated with warmer weather. For example, watermelon is available year-round and makes a surprisingly nutritious, flavorful addition to your seasonal spread, whether it’s the main ingredient or included in recipes from entrees to sides and drinks to desserts.
For a kid-friendly, tasty treat, ask your little ones to help make these Holiday Watermelon Cutouts. Because they only require a few ingredients and plenty of creativity, they’re perfect for getting the whole family involved. Or try this Watermelon and Blueberry Cheesecake as the highlight at your dessert table with its creamy, fruity flavor and eye-popping looks.
To find more holiday dessert solutions and other sweet recipe ideas, visit watermelon.org.
HOLIDAY WATERMELON CUTOUTS
1/2 watermelon, cut into 1/2-inch thick disks
Vanilla frosting or yogurt
Sprinkles, for decorating
(Source: National Watermelon Promotion Board)
WATERMELON AND BLUEBERRY CHEESECAKE
Servings: 12
Cheesecake:
Nonstick cooking spray
1/3 cup graham cracker crumbs (2 graham crackers)
24 ounces fat-free cream cheese, at room temperature
8 ounces low-fat cream cheese, at room temperature
1 cup white sugar
3/4 cup no-calorie sugar substitute
3/4 cup fat-free half-and-half
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons lemon peel, finely grated
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups liquid egg substitute (equivalent of 6 eggs)
Watermelon-blueberry sauce:
3 cups watermelon juice, with pulp
6 teaspoons cornstarch
6 tablespoons lemon juice
3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons no-calorie sugar substitute
1-1 1/2 teaspoons lemon extract
2 cups diced watermelon
3 cups blueberries
(Source: National Watermelon Promotion Board)
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 40 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 40 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
