Cool treats for summer

Sometimes, the simplest things can offer the most flavor. Add some fresh watermelon to a favorite salsa, or use it in refreshing summertime coolers. It's all good.
WATERMELON CHAMPAGNE SANGRIA - WILL DRESS UP ANY BRUNCH OR COCKTAIL HOUR
2 cups chopped seedless watermelon
1 seedless orange, peeled and broken into sections
2 bananas, peeled and sliced just before making the sangria
1 cup seedless grapes, cut into halves
1 bottle dry champagne of choice
Toss the fruit together and divide among champagne glasses. Pour the champagne over and serve. Makes 6 drinks.
WATERMELON CILANTRO SALSA TROPICAL - A FRESH NEW SALSA
12 cups chopped seedless watermelon
8 cups chopped fresh pineapple
8 cups chopped fresh mango
2 cups fresh lime juice
6 cups trimmed and chopped scallions
3 cups chopped fresh cilantro leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
Toss all ingredients together in a mixing bowl and season with salt and pepper just before serving. Makes about 2 gallons or up to 100 servings. Great with chips or on anything grilled.
WATERMELON ICE CUBES - A QUICK IDEA
Puree seedless watermelon and pour into ice cube trays. Freeze and enjoy in your favorite beverages. Adds a light, fruity flavor to beverages from sparkling water to sodas.
WATERMELON YOGURT MINT SMOOTHIE - A REFRESHING, DRINKABLE BREAKFAST OR ANYTIME PICK-ME-UP
1 to 2 cups seedless watermelon chunks
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves or to taste
1 cup lemon yogurt
Dash cinnamon
Puree the watermelon, honey and mint quickly -- do not over blend. Pulse in the yogurt and cinnamon just until smooth. Serves 1 or 2.
WATERMELON SWEET SOUR SAUCE
1 cup watermelon puree1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons seasoned rice bran vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger
Mix ingredients together and serve as a dipping sauce. Makes about 11/4 cups.
WATERMELON HEAVEN - THE NAME SAYS IT ALL
11/2 cups sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup toasted almond slices
7 cups watermelon puree
6 slices angel food cake
In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream, vanilla and powdered sugar. Stir in the toasted almonds. Place a one-cup pool of watermelon puree on each of 6 serving plates. Place a slice of cake on each pool. Drizzle the remaining watermelon puree over the top of the cake slices and then put a dollop of the sweetened sour cream with almonds on each serving as a garnish. Serves 6.
MINCED PORK AND WATERMELON LETTUCE WRAPS - EASY WRAPS YOU CAN DO AT HOME
1 pound lean ground pork
1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic
1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 cup fresh chopped scallions
1 cup Hoisin sauce
1 cup toasted pine nuts
1 cup minced seedless watermelon
8 large Bibb (or iceberg) lettuce leaves
In a heavy, non-stick skillet over high heat brown the pork until well done. Reduce heat to medium and add the garlic, ginger and soy sauce to the pan. Stir for a few minutes and then add the scallions. Remove from heat and add the Hoisin sauce and pine nuts. Stir to mix well. Fold in the watermelon. Divide among the lettuce leaves, wrap and serve immediately.
WATERMELON DOUGHNUTS - EASY BREAKFAST FUN
Watermelon slices shaped like doughnuts
Sour cream
Sugar to taste
Vanilla to taste
Slivered almonds
Cut out doughnut shapes from 11/2-inch thick slices of seedless watermelon.
Sweeten sour cream with sugar and a touch of vanilla to taste. Frost half of the watermelon doughnut slices and sprinkle with almonds.
Add another layer of watermelon slices and top with sweetened sour cream.
Sprinkle toasted slivered almonds and serve.