National Watermelon Day: Celebrate with 6 recipes

National Watermelon Day 2013? That’s today. And we have 6 cool ways to help you celebrate on a hot summer day.

Maybe you’re looking for a chilled salad with watermelon and feta cheese, or perhaps soup with pureed watermelon, peaches and blueberries. Or maybe you simply want to toss cubed watermelon bites with a touch of mint and lime to brighten the flavors. Perhaps you’re craving candied watermelon....

We even have a refresing agua fresca -- fresh watermelon and lime juice sweetened with a touch of agave nectar is a perfect way to forget the summer heat.

Watermelon agua fresca

Total time: 15 minutes

Servings: Makes 2 1/2 quarts

Note: Agave nectar is available at most well-stocked supermarkets.

1 medium seedless watermelon, rind removed and cut into medium pieces (about 6 pounds)

2 tablespoons agave nectar

1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 3 limes)

Sea salt

1. In a blender, purée the watermelon with 4 cups of water and the agave nectar, in batches.

2. Strain through a coarse strainer or mesh sieve, discarding any solids. Stir in the lime juice and a generous pinch of sea salt.

3. Adjust the seasoning and consistency to taste: agave nectar for sweetness, lime juice for tartness, sea salt to enhance flavor, and water to thin. Serve over ice. Garnish each glass with a slice of lime, if desired. This will keep for 2 days, refrigerated.

Each 8-ounce serving: 57 calories; 1 gram protein; 15 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram fiber; 0 fat; 0 saturated fat; 0 cholesterol; 7 mg. sodium.