Watermelon treats for Hounds and Humans!

 

Next time you're having a party why not include your best mates!  These simple healthy recipes turn a whole watermelon into delicious dog friendly treats plus a human friendly summer punch that looks incredible and tastes even better. 

We are going to start with the dog treats since you'll need to prepare these the night before. 

FROZEN WATERMELON DOG TREATS. 

 

Ingredients 

1. Round watermelon
2. Coconut cream (you'll only need 1/4 can) 
3. Blueberries
4. Strawberries
5. Mint
6. *Optional sweetner - Honey etc

(These treats are great for little humans or adults as well so you can add a tiny amount of sweetner too. We didn't think it needed it. ) 

 Steps

•  Cut your watermelon.

If you are also going to make the punch cut about 2 thirds of the way up and keep the larger half aside to use as a punch bowl. You'll also need to shave a small flat section on the bottom of each half so they stand nicely and don't wobble over. 

• Scoop out the flesh from the smaller watermelon bowl into a large mixing bowl (seeds and all as you'll strain it next)  We used an ice cream scoop but a tablespoon also works just fine.

Leave a little pink watermelon around the side for aesthetics  

• Blend everything you scooped out well until you get a runny pulp.  (This is where you would add your sweetner if required so it blends in nicely) 
• Set your watermelon bowl aside in the fridge.  

• Push the pulp and juice through a strainer to separate the seeds. Some pulp will get left behind but that's ok 
• Add 1/4 can of coconut cream (the more you add the more it makes and the less sweet it will be. 
• Roughly chop a generous handful of mint and add to the strained juice with coconut. 

• Remove the green from your strawberries and chop into small pieces. 
• Then add to the mix with your whole blueberries.  

• Mix well then ladle into your ice trays.  We only had boring normal ice trays, shaped ones like bones or dogs etc would look even better. 
• Freeze overnight.  Or until very solid
• Once fully frozen remove from trays and add back into your smaller watermelon bowl - Ready to serve! 

Now for the big kids! . . .

WATERMELON VODKA PUNCH!  

(This can also be made without the vodka for a kid friendly punch) 

Ingredients 

• The larger watermelon section
• Vodka ( your adding this to taste... needless to say we put in almost the whole bottle.)
• One lemon for garnish
• A few strawberries and blueberries for garnish
• 2 Limes 
• Angostura Bitters 1 tbsp or to taste  * Optional but adds a bit of spice, leave out for a non alcohol version
• Soda water

Steps

• Scoop out the flesh and seeds, blend well and strain pulp and seeds as you did with the dog treats. Put the empty watermelon bowl in the fridge to chill while you mix the other ingredients. 
• In a large mixing bowl add Vodka and bitters to taste. Add the juice of 2 limes, this is optional but helps cut through the sweetness of the watermelon.  
• .......  Next you have to make a decision.  This straight mixture (without soda) can pack a punch, all puns intended and can be a bit sweet if your drinking a few glasses.  You need to decide if your going to set some mixture aside for another day and add your soda with the mixture to the bowl or leave the bowl full of straight mixture and let people add soda as required to their own glasses?   We did the latter. 
• Now pour your blend with or without Soda back into the cold watermelon bowl, be sure to leave a little room for ice cubes and garnish
• Garnish with berries and lemon slice 
• Ready to serve!