WATERMELON: Three Ways! 

August brings us the last, heavy dregs of summer heat, before the cool promise of fall arrives. Back to school is inevitable and, whether we believe it not, Halloween is right around the corner.  Here are some tasty treats from Gracie’s recipe vault to enjoy as the days grow shorter and the bounty of summer harvest dwindles.

Spiked Watermelon Slices 

  • 1 small seedless watermelon, quartered, cut into 1″ thick wedges 
  • 1 cup simple syrup (1 cup sugar and 3/4 cup water—microwave on high for 2 minutes, stir, keep heating until sugar dissolves.)
  • 1/2 cup Tequila 
  • 1/4 cup triple sec or other orange flavored liquor
  • Fresh limes 
  • Flaky salt 

Thoroughly blend liquids together in a pitcher or large measuring cup. Arrange watermelon slices in two 9”x12” glass baking dishes. Pour liquid mixture over watermelon slices. Cover, refrigerate for several hours. For serving, remove watermelon slices from liquid, squeeze lime juice over melon and add a sprinkling of salt to taste. Delicious as a “cocktail” or dessert. 

Watermelon Spritzer

  • Watermelon, seedless—approximately 4 cups, cubed
  • Fresh mint leaves
  • Club soda or sparkling water 
  • 4 teaspoons honey
  • Juice of 2 limes and additional lime slices for garnish. 

Fill a blender with cubed watermelon—save extra for garnish. Add mint leaves and honey. Blend until smooth. Add more honey to taste. Strain mixture through fine mesh strainer.  

Fill serving glasses with ice. Add 1/2 cup watermelon mixture to each glass. Add a chunk or two of unblended watermelon.   Fill each glass with sparkling water, stir, top with additional mint leaves and lime quarters for garnish. 

Approximately 2 servings. 

Chocolate Dipped Watermelon

  • 1 small seedless watermelon, cut into small 1/2″ slices
  • 2 – 3 oz. Dark chocolate bar for melting, at least 70% cocoa solids
  • 2 to 4 teaspoons coconut oil
  • Flaky sea salt 
  • Chopped nuts (optional) 

Line a baking sheet with wax paper. Place watermelon slices on the baking sheet, cover and freeze overnight. When ready to assemble the next day, melt dark chocolate on stove or in microwave. When melted, stir in a small amount of coconut oil to thin slightly (this makes a “magic shell”). Cool chocolate mixture slightly but don’t allow to harden. Dip each slice of watermelon into the chocolate mixture, sprinkle with nuts and flaky sea salt, as desired. Serve immediately, or place on parchment paper, cover and return to freezer for up to 2 days.

Three Excellent Episodic TV Series Based on Best Selling Books

Lessons in Chemistry

by Bonnie Garmus: 8 episodes, historical fiction/drama/comedy, 2023, AppleTV+ 

In the 1950s, Elizabeth Zott becomes a scientist, societally challenged for her gender. She takes on the doubters, teaching a nation of housewives way more than the science of recipes. Highly entertaining.

The Queen’s Gambit

by Walter Tevis: 7 episodes, coming-of-age fictional drama, 2023, Netflix 

Set during the Cold War era, Beth Harmon, a prodigious introvert, struggles with addiction while rising to the top of the chess world at age 16. A timeless and victorious tale. Intense.

Presumed Innocent

by Scott Turow: 7 episodes, Thriller, 2024, AppleTV+

A horrible Chicago murder upends the prosecutor’s office. The suspect is one of its own, who now struggles to keep his family and reputation together. Twisty, riveting, suspenseful. 

Each series is highly watchable and critically acclaimed. Movie Magic gives all 4.5 out of 5 Moons. (Nobody’s perfect!)