Watermelons!

Carving isn't just for pumpkins at Halloween. Summer is a great time to create watermelon lanterns for graduation parties, picnics and garden weddings! Watermelons are carved in the same manner as pumpkins, keeping the following in mind:

• Since watermelons won't stand up on their own, it is best to cut off the bottom, as described in the Techniques section.
• To remove the fruit, use a melon baller or ice cream scoop. To remove larger pieces more quickly use a soup ladle. (For this technique, you will probably have to bend the handle of the ladle.)
• Scrape the inside walls clean for your carving to glow yellowish white (like those pictured here). A copper scouring pad running under the tap will make it easier to achieve a smooth surface.