Watermelon Fruit Basket

This instructable will show you how to make a Watermelon Fruit Basket, which can be used as a centerpiece for your next brunch.  With just a few easy steps you can create this delicious conversation piece in no time.  

1 large watermelon
sharp paring knife
1 melon baller
1 ball point pen( a color light enough to see but unobtrusive helps.  We used Green)
1 large bowl
various fruits prepared and cubed ( I used honeydew melon balls, fresh pineapple, and peeled orange segments)

Begin by tracing an outline of the shape of the basket you want to form.  Be sure to make the base of the handles at least 3 or 4 inches wide.  If the base of the handles is to narrow the pressure of the melons insides will cause the handle to pop off the basket.  A hard lesson for me on my first attempt!  It is better to use a basic pattern such as a zig-zag with a straight handle, it is much easier to cut than other types.  With practice and the right tools you can learn to carve more intricate or personal designs. 

Next begin carefully cutting along the guidelines you drew on the watermelon.  Cut one side completely but leave intact until you have completely cut the entire pattern out on the melon.  Then, begin to cut the pieces out in segments, breaking each piece away until you have revealed your basket.

Now begin to remove the melon flesh to completely hollow the melon.  I use a melon baller at first to remove pretty pieces that I can put back in the basket later.  Once the melon is mostly removed I switch to an ice cream scoop.  Its a more efficient way to scrape the inside clean of the leftover melon.  You will most likely have to pour the juice out several times so that you can see what your doing.  If you check out the photos you can see how it is easier to work through the top to open some space to finish the bottom.

Next you can clean up your cuts and make your basket prettier by trimming any excess and smoothing the lines with a paring knife.

Now  that your basket is prepared you can finally fill it.  I like to add in about half the watermelon first, as you will always have the most watermelon.  Then begin to mix the fruits in the basket, spreading the colors around to give the best appearance.  Place it on the table with some toothpicks or swords and just wait for your compliments.  It is always a crowd pleaser.  As a final note, you should never carry your basket by the handle.  It is fragile and even though it might hold, it also might not.  No one likes a project to get wasted on the floor.  Always support it from the bottom...