Even if melon WERE acidic enough to can, heating almost totally destroys the flavor. I tried making watermelon jelly once -- as soon as the juice is heated, the flavor changes. The end product tastes like zucchini or grass, more or less -- yuck. The only successful watermelon preserved product I made was a raw freezer jam -- that was pretty good, actually. Actually, I think frozen watermelon and regular melons are pretty good. I believe that the frozen fruit mixes and frozen fruit balls sold in grocery stores contain canteloup, honeydew, and sometimes watermelon (can't vouch for this, don't buy these products as I grow my own, but I've seen them in stores and at parties a few times). Dried melon is also very good. Yield is low, of course, especially with watermelon, but it is tasty.

Good morning! I've been up since way-too-early-for-me-usually. LOL I was invited to visit the Methodist church here in town, so I went to the 8:30 service, then attended my friend's Sunday school class. I felt right at home even though it's been 40 years since I last attended a Methodist service. Ironically enough, all the hymns today were old familiars to me! I enjoyed the women's Sunday school class, too. I'll definitely return next week if all goes well around here. McPeg, so glad to read that you're healing inside and out. I think it's natural to remember things about your mom. My mom passed away almost 9 years ago, and there are times when I feel like it was just the other month. Memories are sometimes painful, but mostly, they're cozy and comforting. Patti, sounds like you had another good crafting weekend! I need to pack my bag with my tools for this afternoon's card-making class. I'm so looking forward to going, learning new techniques, and making new friends. This making-new-friends business is really growing on me, and I'm very thankful. Internet friends have always been so special to me, but it's nice to have RL friends, too. Today is the beginning of 2+ weeks of keeping grandchildren. (until the 15th of July) Aubrie and I are going to have such good bonding time together, something we've never really had before now. (Alexis comes to stay beginning next Sunday.) Today at church, I was introduced to the nursery lady in case I decide to take Aubrie with me next week, just for a change of pace. She may miss being around other children, so it's nice to know I have that option. QOD: Is there an area in your life that you would like to unload to help you with your goal? I think forgiving is a tough one for me to let go. I did great being around my xh and his wife at my son's wedding last fall, but it wasn't easy. We're supposed to have lunch with them next Sunday, and a tiny part of me felt angst when I heard about it, I have to admit. I am trying to grow up finally at age 60, but there's this small child in me who feels that until someone says "I'm sorry", it's not official. Silly, I know, but there it is! I have let go of much of my past resentments since moving here, and coincidentally or not, my desire to lose weight began around the same time. Maybe that Peter Walsh book, "Does this clutter make my butt look fat?" really pegged it. Sending restful, peaceful Sunday wishes to everyone. Have a great one!

Sorry to revive an old thread, I've not been around much, but wanted to comment. Lately, I've been counting calories (Livestrong.com has a very intuitive calorie counter/ food tracker) and juicing to reduce weight and increase nutrients. I make carrot, apple, and spinach juice daily. It looks awful, but it tastes great. Spinach and carrots are the only vegetables I juice, but they have a lot of nutrients. I juice a lot of fruit too, watermelon, grapes, pineapple, it's all great! I have a Juiceman Jr. centrifugal juicer and it is what is right for me... it's fast and pretty easy to clean and does a good job. I have a friend with a Vitamix, and he say that it has changed his life. I tried to juice in my Blender (I have the "under 200 dollar Breville" someone above mentioned, but I didn't like the pulp/fiber in the juice. I'll get my fiber elsewhere, I want the juice smooth. That Breville has been nothing short of amazing by the way for anyone considering it. Terrapots, did you make a decision yet? I'd recommend an entry level juicer first to see if it's something you're going to enjoy and stick with since you aren't ready to invest in a Vitamix. Blenders are so much easier to clean than juicers though, there just aren't as many parts!

Me too, funky. Lars, I am not adding booze (naughty you!) because others are making Mimosas and Bloody Marys. Doesn't mean I won't for my own smoothie one day. I have had fruity kefir in the past. I ended up buying this product, because it came in single servings. Not exactly kefir I guess? To me it tastes like full fat yogurt with just a hint of sweetness. A Swedish style drinkable yogurt called filmjölk, Siggi's product is similar to kefir, but utilizes different probiotic cultures and has a mild and slightly acidic taste. PS I am only using kefir because, since this is for cooking club, nothing mundane will do. I think I will rename it a Tropical Filmjölk Lychee/Passion/Dragon-fruit Smoothie.