One of the best-imagined creatures from the upcoming movie, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2, has got to be the watermelon elephant! We’ve always known that a watermelon can easily be turned into a cute serving dish, but our elephant-inspired spin kicks it up a notch. Find out how you too can create this fun server at home!
Watermelon elephant serving bowl
Supplies:
- 1 watermelon, medium size and oval shaped
- 1 serrated knife
- 2 black buttons
- 2 silk leaves (from silk flowers)
- Gum paste (about the size of a golf ball)
- Toothpicks
- Food coloring (green)
- Wax paper
- Black marker
- A small screwdriver
Instructions:
Determine the eye placement
Before you start cutting, first hold your buttons against one end of the watermelon to determine the appropriate spacing, height, etc. If you skip this step, you may wind up with a cross-eyed elephant.
Mark your lines
After you’ve determined where the eyes will be placed, use your marker to sketch their position along with the smile for the mouth and an oval on the top of the watermelon.
Cut out the top
Use your knife to cut along your sketched line at the top of the watermelon. You will be cutting at an awkward angle, so please be careful and move slowly.
Scoop out the watermelon
Use an ice cream scoop to clear out the inside of your watermelon. Scoop out as much of the melon as possible, except on the end where your eyes and mouth will be. Leave a thick layer of watermelon here to keep the contents of the serving dish from leaking out through the elephant’s mouth. This is particularly important if you plan on serving anything liquid from this dish.
Make the nose
(A) Split your gum paste into two chunks and use your food coloring to dye them. Darken one into a deeper green by adding more drops of coloring.
(B) Work quickly to roll each chunk out into a “worm,” rolling one a bit longer than the other.
(C) Twist the two “worms” together and press gently with your fingers until they are combined.
(D) Sculpt the gum paste into the shape of a bending trunk, then press the base against the table to flatten it.
(E) Stick a few toothpicks into the base of your trunk and allow to dry.
Drill a few holes
While waiting for your gum paste trunk to dry, drill out the holes for your eyes, ears and nose. To do this, simply place the tip of your screwdriver onto your mark and gently twist back and forth until you break through the other side.
Carve out the mouth
Use your knife to cut along your tracing of the mouth. Be careful not to cut too deeply here. You do not want to cut through the layer of watermelon inside, or the contents you serve may leak through.
Assemble your elephant
That’s it! Once you’ve carved out the mouth, assemble the eyes, ears and nose, then fill up your dish with the contents of your choice. Place this serving dish on a bed of ice to chill any liquids served, or leave out on the table as a fun way to serve fruit salad, sorbet and more!
More entertaining ideas
How to throw a Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs party
How to make a watermelon grill
Make your own watermelon keg
Get Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 early on digital today. Get it on Blu-ray combo pack Jan. 28.
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