Before I share with you this super yummy recipe (if you can even call it that, it’s so darn easy) can we have a quick coffee date/ girl talk sesh? That’d be awesome, because I feel like there’s been a lot of lemons this week and not so much lemonade. #reallife Our little town made national news because of a crazy rain storm and flash flooding. Since we’re in the middle of replacing our windows and hadn’t trimmed them out yet, our basement took a bath. So instead of framing last night, we were saving stacks of baseboards on sawhorses and tossing all the towels and blankets we own on the floor to try soak up the water. We were already behind schedule to get our suite done. Speaking of floods, our bathtub started leaking again tonight. And today our fridge stopped working… but it started again. But only after I spent two hours on the phone trying to get a service call on warranty. And I’ve spent three nights scrubbing the haze off our kitchen backsplash and am only about 1/3 of the way done. Top that off with not much sleep because my little man has been teething to the max? I don’t mean to be a downer but I’m feeling a bit worn down.
We’re also in the midst of some big changes. We’re moving churches for the first time since before Shane and I met- which is a great thing, it’s time for us- but it’s overwhelming. Plus I’ve got less than two months before I need to either go back to work or figure out some kind of income from home. Maternity leave is so close to being up. I’ve been a bit of a basket case. Having this little blog as an outlet to take my mind off things, and focus on the awesome crafty things I want to do with my spare time has been a huge help though. So thank you for reading and being so encouraging. Seriously, you rock.
Now, on with the sweet stuff! This watermelon looks like a cake (which every party needs), but is such a refreshing treat in the summer heat. I’d seen this recipe for a watermelon cake on Pinterest and was taken with the idea. When we decided we were going to do cakeballs for the Fiesta instead of a cake, I thought this is the perfect sub! The funny thing is everyone thought it was cake until I cut into it- it’s a tricky one. I followed the tutorial on how to cut my watermelon, but decided my ‘icing’ needed a bit of something something. That’s really what this post is about- I’m sure you can figure out the watermelon bit on your own. (Cut the ends off then cut the rind off like a cylinder. And as for process photos- I didn’t take any because I really hadn’t planned on posting this. I just had SO many favourable reviews on this ‘cake’ that I couldn’t keep it from you. So I hope you’ll forgive me once you try it out.
My sister-in-laws have been making this awesome fruit dip using just Cool Whip and Vanilla Pudding powder, so I started with that then added a twist- lime! I zested and juiced one lime into the Cool Whip mixture and it made the most delicious, creamy lime spread for the watermelon. I know I mentioned it in the Fiesta post, but I’ve never explained how to make something so many times. I must have shared the recipe 5 or 6 times at the Fiesta and then again at our church BBQ the next day when I brought the leftovers. It was such a hit!
Recipe:
- 1 Large Container Cool Whip
- 1 Package Vanilla Pudding Powder
- 1 Lime, Zest and Juice
That’s it. And no one will guess how little time it took you to whip this up! The most time consuming part of this was trying to get the mixture to stick to the watermelon. I’d recommend just using your fingers, and dampen them with a bit of water. the mixture is quite thick and fluffy so you need to press it into the watermelon. We garnished ours with limes and mint leaves… I’d dare to suggest you try adding some mint leaves to your icing and let me know how it turns out. Mint & Lime is a deadly combination.
If you haven’t already… check out the rest of our FIESTA! Baby shower here. Do you have any ridiculously simple recipes that are always a hit? I’d love for you to share! And, are you like me- do you think every party needs a cake (even if it’s a fake one)?
DIY Hoop Mirror: Anthro Knockoff
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Oh colleen! What a rough week :( sorry you have to deal with all of that. (for the haze on your kitchen backsplash, have you tried magic eraser?) also– good luck with church changing! That can be super rough sometimes. I hope it’s a smooth transition for your family.
my simple recipe: plain greek yogurt and frank’s buffalo wing sauce = skinny buffalo dip. yummm
Thanks Megan :) I’m having success with a microscrubber I bought, but it’s taking forever- the tile is marble so it’s pretty finicky. I probably would choose something a little less tricky next time (but it’s so pretty, so I’ll deal with it).
We’re so ready to move churches, we’ve been talking about it with our leadership for some time now- we’re feeling really good about the change. I’m not at all anxious about leaving, it’s the starting somewhere new!
I so appreciate all your support- and LOVE using greek yogurt for dips!
So sorry to hear that you’ve had a rough week; mine’s been rather ridiculous too. Maybe it’s the weather? And I wish you all the best on your back to work situation. I know it’s not an easy one to make, for sure, especially since you have two (adorable!) babes as well. It definitely is a huge stress maker.
I think every party needs a cake, or at least some kind of sweet treat. I lean towards homemade pie when company comes to visit, and cake (or cupcakes) when there’s a birthday or anniversary.
My simplest recipe is probably my Greek salad dressing: 3:1 red wine vinegar to EVOO, plus a good sprinkle of salt and a generous amount of oregano. Super easy, and I like it better than the stuff in Greek restaurants.
The weather, RIGHT!? My goodness, Kara- how ridiculous has it been here?
I’m going to have to try your greek dressing… I always go for the bottled stuff because I thought it was difficult to make my own!
I am so sorry to hear about all of that water and hope it doesn’t cause too much damage. I love your watermelon cake and how you used old cans for pots. So creative! I would love to have you link it up to my Feature Friday Link Palooza!
Danielle @ Blissful & Domestic
http://www.blissfulanddomestic.com/search/label/Feature%20Friday%20Linky%20Party
Thanks Danielle, we were able to save everything- we’re in the process of framing down there so most things were cleared out already which helped! The watermelon cake was SO delicious, you should definitely try it. I’ve hopped over and linked up, thanks for the invite!
So sorry to hear you have had a rough week. That water leaking sounds like a nightmare, and I am right there with you on the teething = no sleep for anybody thing. I hope you guys have a semi restful weekend even though it sounds like you might still be cleaning up. As for the cake, it is adorable! I saw some fresh fruit cakes in a magazine last month, and I have been dying to try one. I am not really a cake fan in general, but I do think every party should have one for aesthetic purposes. Ha! They are just so pretty!
We were lucky we had most of the area cleared since we’re framing, we are just trying to dry out the stack of MDF baseboards we had down there but I think we were able to salvage them. I’m so glad you relate on the teething note… not that I wish it on you, but it’s nice to know my kid’s not the only one! Haha
For ‘aesthetic purposes’ is the best way to describe the need for a cake! They never seem to disappear as fast as cupcakes but they are so darn pretty, you’re right.
On the upside, the less than two months you have left is about the total time that most women get here in the US…however…I doubt that makes you feel much better! But girl, you have so many talents, I’m sure you can find a way to make money at home! I’ll be emailing you shortly about these things! :)
Only Two months!! I can’t believe that’s all you would get… wow!
I can’t wait for your email… you’re pretty talented yourself :)
What a fun idea to ice the watermelon! Looks good.
Thanks so much Rachel- the icing is to die for!
I’m so sorry things have been so tough! Flooding is SUCH a horrible thing to go through. I am so sorry. My son is getting his molars right now too, and I know how hard it is to be on in when you aren’t getting good sleep. Hope things get better soon. You are awesome!
Aw, thanks so much Alexis! You’re so sweet- we’re really lucky that we are just in the middle of framing the basement so there wasn’t even flooring or drywall to get damaged down there- really it was just a headache but no loss. I love your support :)
I’m so sorry to hear about your basement flooding! I can’t imagine! I hope everything works out and you get to catch your breath. I’ve been meaning to try this watermelon cake thing! It’s such a cool idea. I love the twist you put on it too!
Aw thanks Julia, I appreciate that- we’re heading camping this weekend so it will be a nice break :) The watermelon cake is so much fun- I’d love to see photos if you try it!
Yum! What a fun and refreshing dessert option! Thanks for sharing at On Display Thursday, come again this week!