Cannellini Bean and Arugula Salad
June 30, 2023
Watermelon Salad
July 4, 2023
Baguettes topped with whipped feta cheese, a mixture of tomatoes, watermelon, and cucumber, crumbled candied walnuts, and basil.
I have seen other non traditional bruschetta recipes I liked including one that used strawberries in place of the tomatoes and mint substituting the basil. I had this watermellon version at my local District Tap and just had to make this myself. After a few attempts and some liberations I have one I can make at home that I am happy with. The flavors pair so nicely and its really refreshing in the summer.
In this recipe I include how to make the whipped feta candied walnuts, and crostinis but I often save time by purchasing equiviants at the store. You can find toasted crostini at the store Try a creamy sheep cheese in the whipped feta's place and look in the nuts or candy isle for something you can use in place of the walnuts. Emerald has a Glazed Walnuts product you could just chop up smaller.
TSG hint: If you are not going to use an entire watermelon you can purchase smaller portions of already cubed watermelon in most vegetable sections of your grocery store.
Happy 4th!
To make the candied walnutes heat a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat, add the walnuts, granulated sugar and butter.
Heat over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently (with a heat proof non-plastic spatula) so your mixture doesn’t burn (especially towards the end). When the sugar mixture starts melting, stir constantly until all sugar is melted and nuts are coated. Transfer immediately onto a sheet of parchment paper and separate the nuts right away. Using two spatulas will make this task go faster. Once cool take a hand full of nuts and chopp them down to a smaller size so they will fit nicly on top of your watermellon.
To make the crustini, preheat oven to 400 and prepare a backing sheet with parchment papper. Slice the baguettes at an angle about 1/2 to 1/4 inch thick. brush olive oil onto both sides then place on the baking sheet. sprinkle the salt, pepper, and garlic, orageno on the top side. Once oven is ready place the cookie sheet in and toast the bread on oneside then the other till gloden brown. about 7 minutes. Remove from oven. and let cool slightly.
To make the feta spread, put the cream cheese and the fetta cheese into a food processor and blend until smooth. Set aside.
Stir together the watermellon, tomaotes, and cucumbers, set aside. Chop the basil.
Asymble everything starting with a crustinin, feta, then the topping, then garnish with basil and nuts. Serve!
Ingredients
Directions
To make the candied walnutes heat a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat, add the walnuts, granulated sugar and butter.
Heat over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently (with a heat proof non-plastic spatula) so your mixture doesn’t burn (especially towards the end). When the sugar mixture starts melting, stir constantly until all sugar is melted and nuts are coated. Transfer immediately onto a sheet of parchment paper and separate the nuts right away. Using two spatulas will make this task go faster. Once cool take a hand full of nuts and chopp them down to a smaller size so they will fit nicly on top of your watermellon.
To make the crustini, preheat oven to 400 and prepare a backing sheet with parchment papper. Slice the baguettes at an angle about 1/2 to 1/4 inch thick. brush olive oil onto both sides then place on the baking sheet. sprinkle the salt, pepper, and garlic, orageno on the top side. Once oven is ready place the cookie sheet in and toast the bread on oneside then the other till gloden brown. about 7 minutes. Remove from oven. and let cool slightly.
To make the feta spread, put the cream cheese and the fetta cheese into a food processor and blend until smooth. Set aside.
Stir together the watermellon, tomaotes, and cucumbers, set aside. Chop the basil.
Asymble everything starting with a crustinin, feta, then the topping, then garnish with basil and nuts. Serve!