Fresh Watermelon Cake {Literally}

 



This cake is made out of watermelon... quite literally!  Topped with freshly whipped cream and garnished with colorful fruit, this cake is unique, beautiful, and delicious.  And I was surprised to find it pretty much satisfied my sweet tooth, too.  We celebrated my mom's birthday a couple of weeks ago, and she requested no birthday cake.  No birthday dessert, not even a cookie.  Now that goes against the grain for me.  I mean, I am my mother's daughter.  Although she apparently went on strike this year, I can't remember a single birthday in our family up till this one that did not include cake, candles, and hearty birthday singing.  I couldn't come to terms with no birthday cake... and that's when it hit me.  I remembered seeing a watermelon shaped into a cake on pinterest months ago.  I didn't even pin it, so I can't tell you who's idea it was.  But I made my own version of watermelon cake for my cherished mother's birthday, and she loved it!  It was beautiful, yummy, and totally guilt free.  Not to mention the easiest birthday cake I have ever made. I'm thinking this is going to be a fun way to dress up barbecues this summer, girls' brunches or luncheons, and definitely baby and bridal showers.

Fresh Watermelon Cake {Literally}

Author: Mindy

Ingredients

• 1 watermelon, rind removed and cut into the shape of a cake


• 1 cup whipping cream, whipped with 1/4 cup powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla (double if you want to "frost" the whole watermelon cake)


• fresh fruit to garnish


• sliced almonds also look pretty

Instructions

3.2.2802

Italian Pasta Salad

I have had several requests for this recipe that I had pictured with my weekely menu on my Melandboys blog. It is super simple, so I almost feel silly posting it as a recipe. It comes together super fast and my family LOVES it, so maybe yours will too. This is a throw together pasta dish, so I have never measured. I just put in the amounts I think we would like. I love an easy quick dinner, don't you?!

*I was asked to teach a cooking class next month on how to make family dinners easier. I would love to hear of any ideas/recipes that work for you. Leave a comment here or email me at melandboys@gmail.com. Thanks so much!!

Italian Pasta Salad
submitted by Melanie

1/2 -1 package of bowtie pasta
broccoli florets--bite size pieces
sliced pepperoni (cut in half)
sliced olives
mozzerella cheese-cubed (or just slice up cheese sticks like I did)
cherry tomatoes (I was out so they are not pictured)
favorite italian dressing (I like the good seasonings dry packets, made with red wine vinegar and add a TB or so of fresh parmasen)

Boil the pasta in water according to the package directions. For the last minute of cooking add the broccoli florets. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Add to a bowl with the pepperoni, olives, cheese and tomoatoes. Toss with your favorite italian dressing. Remember that the pasta will soak in some of the dressing so put in a little more than you think. Or add some right before serving, so it is not too dry. Chill and enjoy!