Cool and Refreshing Watermelon "Cake"

Almost everyone loves watermelon and those who don't need to see me. I am sure I can convince them to be persuaded. Summer calls for cool refreshing foods and dishes are lighter in texture and taste. Yet, we still long for a delectable, delicious cake or pie occasionally. So I created a watermelon cake recipe.

But first......

Watermelon is a fruit, but has a hearty texture so it holds its own in full flavored recipes. Additionally, it is very beneficial to the body as it provides many nutrients including lycopene. The phyoto-nutrients in watermelon react with naturally occurring compounds already in the body and trigger positive reactions that increase healthy responses.

Watermelon also contains citruline which functions to relax blood vessels. A popular little blue pill does the same thing. So you may wish to serve watermelon the next time you have date night with your beloved.

The conversion process is complex but to put it into layman's terms, watermelon is a heart healthy, immune boosting, low fat, vitamin rich food which is ninety two percent water. It is a high source of Beta-carotene, Vitamins A, C, Magnesium, Potassium, and many more.

Cut watermelon does not quickly lose it's nutrient value like many other fresh fruits do. Research studies show that watermelon, properly stored retained high concentrations of antioxidants more than a week after being cut.In fact it actually increased in Carotenoid levels when stored at 69 degrees Fahrenheit and increased lycopene and beta-carotene levels.

For most of us though, watermelon is just a great summertime food. They are easy to grow and take up very little garden space. The vines are easily controlled and can be moved around to make the most of your available space. The optimum soil conditions can be achieved by adding lime if necessary. The best PH level is 6.0-7.0 and lime can be added if necessary. Surprisingly, watermelons can get sunburn and some varieties are more delicate than others. But if the vines remain leafy and full, the melons are protected from Old Sol.

However, some of our four legged friends adore watermelon as much as we do and will clean out the garden if allowed. We had a dog when I was a child and that guy loved watermelon so much that he took them right off the vine. Once he stole a slice of melon from baby James who crawled after him and the two lay side by side on the ground happily munching watermelon. Well, that is until Mama saw them and then the seeds hit the fan! She screamed which made me jump and my own watermelon fell right onto the baby's head so he had a little watermelon cap. That made Mama scream even more (something about the baby's soft spot) and she jerked him up and began to hug him. James cried and tried to wriggle out of her arms to retrieve his share of the melon. Old Spot took the opportunity to run off with the whole thing and now tradition prohibits dogs at family picnics even decades later.

But back to the issue at hand....

Store watermelon on the counter until cut to preserve and enrich the natural benefits. Wash before cutting as the rind encounters many potentially dirty places before reaching your kitchen. After the melon is cut, it should be stored in the refrigerator for maximum protection and enjoyment.

Speaking of enjoyment.......Here is the promised recipe.

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A heavier but delicious frosting can be made from whipping cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract and Cool Whip.

Just place all items in a cold bowl and use a mixer to combine until smooth and thick.

Other topping can include:

• mandarin orange slices
• coconut
• almond slivers
• nonpareils (sprinkles)
• paper thin apple slices
• Use premade, canned frosting when the cake will be outside on a hot summer day. It will hold up better.

Whipped cream will sometimes separate and become watery. Keep this cake very cold until time to serve it. Placing the melon cake on an upside down serving dish will allow for any water to drain away on the bottom plate.