Watermelon

Active time: 1 hr Start to finish: 3 1/4 hr (includes chilling)

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 30 min

This light, spicy soup is delicious hot or chilled. The sautéed aromatics turn the broth a rich red-orange, more reminiscent of tomato than watermelon. See if your guests can guess the main ingredient. Active time: 1 hr Start to finish: 1 hr (3 hr if serving chilled)

This tangy, spicy chutney is a twist on southern pickled watermelon rind. Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 25 1/2 hr (includes chilling)

Here is an old southern favorite that is delicious as a condiment or great added to tuna, chicken and shrimp salads. Begin preparing the pickles at least three days before you plan to serve them.

Soaking the leek in vinegar and water helps to pull out the dirt and sand. Be sure to rinse well.

Most kids will like the dressing, but you might want to put it on the side just in case. Serve pink lemonade to the kids; the grown-ups might prefer iced tea or sangria.

Serve Champagne with this starter.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Because watermelons vary in size and shape, your yield from the following recipe may differ from ours. We began with a fourth of a large watermelon. When slicing the watermelon, aim for a minimum of four slices but be aware that you could have as many as six, depending on the configuration of your melon; a long, narrow watermelon will give more slices than a fatter, rounded one.

This refreshing salad is delicious and ideal as a snack or light dessert in the heat of summer. This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A light and pretty treat with intense fruit flavors.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Seedless watermelons are on the market these days, but I prefer the old-fashioned ones with big black seeds — easy to see and remove. Then proceed with the recipe.