Peaked my Pinterest: Watermelon Cake

The minute I came across this image on Pinterest, I knew I had found the ultimate recipe for our annual 4th of July party. I have been out of control obsessed with watermelon lately -- like, I'm concerned I might sprout seeds if I eat one more piece (#sorrynotsorry). It's so refreshing and makes such an easy lunch when combined with arugula, feta cheese and balsamic dressing...my mouth is watering just typing about it!

You can usually count on me for a party dessert (cupcakes specifically), so I wanted to stick with a healthier option this year, as I knew there would PLENTY of sweets to go around. How cool that this looks like a typical cake from the outside but provides a shock factor when you cut in and realize it's made of fruit...

Check out how easy this process was...

1) Cut off all watermelon rinds

2) Cover whole watermelon in lite whipped cream (or if you have more time, make this vanilla version)

3) Coat entire watermelon in sliced almonds

4) Add blueberries on top of watermelon for festive red, white and blue look

 If you're skeptical of this strange combination of flavors, don't be! The sweet, juicy watermelon; crunchy almonds; tart berries; and fluffy whipped cream taste refreshing and light together. It was the perfect summertime dessert! 

What do you think of this recipe? What is your fruit of choice this season?

Blog of the Month: Skinnytaste

I am always on the hunt for healthy recipes and ways to increase the nutritional value of meals we already love and of my favorite resources is Skinnytaste. Gina's blog is amazing for easy to follow recipes that don't skimp on flavor. I like that you can search by meal type, special diet, holiday, etc and she is constantly surprising me with new combinations that I would have never thought to put together. 

This Grilled Shrimp and Watermelon Chopped Salad is perfect for summer (but isn't anything with watermelon?) 

Grilled Shrimp and Watermelon Chopped Salad

Skinnytaste.com
Servings: 4 • Size: 1 salad • Old Points: 7 pts • Points+: 8 pts
Calories: 293 • Fat: 18 g • Carb: 12 g • Fiber: 2 g • Protein: 22 g • Sugar: 7 g
Sodium: 257 mg • Cholesterol: 121 mg

For the dressing:

• 2 1/2 tbsp DeLallo golden balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp water
• 1 tbsp chopped shallots
• 1/8th tsp kosher salt
• pinch fresh black pepper
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

For the shrimp:

• 10 oz shelled and deveined (about 24) large shrimp
• 1 clove garlic crushed
• seasoned salt, to taste (I used Montreal Steak Grill Mates)

For the Salad:

• 8 cups chopped romaine
• 4 cups diced watermelon
• 4 ounces soft goat cheese

Directions:
In a small bowl, combine vinegar, water, shallots, salt and pepper. Gradually add olive oil, stirring until incorporated.

For the shrimp:

If cooking outside on the grill, soak skewers at least 30 minutes.

Season shrimp with seasoned salt, then mix in crushed garlic. Thread the shrimp onto the skewers.

Light the grill or indoor grill pan on medium to medium-high flame, when hot spray the grates with oil and grill the shrimp about 1 to 2 minutes on each side. Set aside.

In a large bowl toss the romaine with the dressing. Divide between for plates and top with watermelon, goat cheese and grilled shrimp.

What are your go-to recipe sources?