What About Watermelon?

AN INTERVIEW WITH THE 2015 NATIONAL WATERMELON QUEEN

In February, the National Watermelon Association convened for its annual convention in La Quinta, California. The five-day agenda included many important topics, but among the most important was the selection and crowning of the 2015 National Watermelon Queen. Seven contestants competed for the … [Read more...]

10 Facts I’ll Bet You Didn’t Know About Earth Day

The other day while I was at the farmer’s market, I came upon a small fruit stand. Lined with canning jars full of jams and jellies, the stand was heaping with delicious-smelling, fresh produce. Just behind the oranges, I saw two bright, friendly eyes staring back at me with a smile. The man belted … [Read more...]

RECIPE: WATERMELON LEMONADE CREAM PIE

There aren’t many things more refreshing on a warm spring or summer day than a slice of watermelon. The only thing that comes close is a tall, cold glass of lemonade. It really should become the official drink of summer (if it isn’t already). So, why not combine watermelon and lemonade into what … [Read more...]

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION UPDATE: WATERMELON PIE A LA MODE

Last month’s attempt to make a New York Cheesecake with Watermelon and Blueberry Sauce was so successful, I made another cheesecake two weeks later. It’s true! Oh sure, I gained about five pounds over those two weeks, but it was totally worth it. For this month’s attempt to keep my new year’s … [Read more...]

ROYAL TRAINING: A RECAP OF THE ANNUAL WATERMELON QUEEN TRAINING WEEKEND

The 2015 National Watermelon Queen, Emily Brown of Vincennes, Indiana, was crowned earlier this year at the National Watermelon Association’s annual convention (look for an interview with Emily in an upcoming blog entry). The national queen stays very busy throughout the year, but did you know that … [Read more...]

MARCH PRIZE: WHICH OF THESE TWO PRIZE OPTIONS WOULD YOU CHOOSE?

Maybe it’s the view outside my window (a front lawn covered in grass and NOT snow) or the anticipation of warmer, sunnier weather to come, but I’m feeling extra generous this month. That’s why I’ve decided to make this month’s prize your choice between TWO different watermelon-related options. As … [Read more...]

THE EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FLOWER AND GARDEN FESTIVAL HAS FLOWERS…AND WATERMELON!

Each March, I get excited when I see one or two tulips poking out of the ground in my front yard. Now multiply that excitement by 30 million, and that’s the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival(which features 30 million blooming flowers). The annual festival is held each year at … [Read more...]

FIVE WAYS TO EAT RIGHT DURING NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH (AND ALL YEAR LONG!)

Did you know that February is National Nutrition Month? It’s true! There’s a website for it and everything. Turns out, National Nutrition Month has been happening each February for the past 40 years, with the goal of helping people eat right and exercise more. I’ll be the first to admit that I … [Read more...]

SECOND SLICE: THE JAPANESE TRADITION OF SUIKAWARI (WATERMELON CRACKING)

In Western culture, the piñata has become a party favorite. After all, who doesn’t love beating the stuffing out of something with a stick now and then? It’s also yielded more than its fair share of hilarious videos. Any time you put a stick in the hands of a five-year-old, blindfold him, spin him … [Read more...]