Yesterday I posted grilling ideas but let’s not forget some other holiday foods. There are too many to mention. So I’ll keep it simple. How about a watermelon pig? No cooking required.

Materials
• 1 Round seedless watermelon
• 1 Pipe cleaner
• 1 Piece of pink foam craft sheet
• 3 Buttons (one large pink and two blue or substitute blueberries)
• Melon baller and a bowl
• Toothpicks or straight pins

Instructions
• Wash the watermelon. Using the round seedless watermelon, cut a ¼ inch slice off the bottom to provide a stable base.
• Cut the melon 2/3 from the bottom and about 4″ away from the front, then slice down to detach top. See picture below for an easy reference. Place this leftover rind piece to the side for later.
• Use a melon baller to cut out melon pieces from the inside of the main piece and place aside in a bowl. Gently scoop out remaining watermelon bits to create a clean “bowl” for serving the watermelon balls.
• Coil the pipe cleaner to create the tail, and cut ears from the pink foam craft sheet. You can also use a small circle of the rind for the snout, and if you prefer, top with a large pink button. Cut a small circle to mount the snout on from the leftover rind piece. Attach the tail, eyes and snout with straight pins or toothpicks.
• To make the pig hooves, cut four square shapes from the leftover rind piece. At the bottom of each square, make a triangle cut to define the hoof. Attach the hooves with toothpicks or pins.
• Fill the bowl with the melon balls. Try adding other fruits or berries for more color and enjoy!

My only problem with this recipe is that by the time I’ve cut up the melon and “sampled,” there isn’t anything to make melon balls with. Kind of like when I picked strawberries or blackberries as a kid and my Mom complained that I was eating more than I picked.

Thank you National Watermelon Promotion Board for the recipe! Follow them on Twitter.