Happy New Year 2007!

As we begin the New Year, I decided to carve something artistic to convey the New Year greetings.

Though it is watermelon season back home, especially during Karkal’s (a small town about 50 km from Mangalore) St. Lawrence Feast, it is not the season for watermelons here in Chicago. 

However, my husband managed to find a watermelon to suit the theme that I had in mind.

First, as usual, I washed the watermelon and towel dried it.  Then I outlined the shape of a basket and carved it with a carving knife.  I outlined the words, ?New Year 2007? and a few stars, and carefully scraped the skin with the tip of a knife. Using two oranges, I carved the eyes and lips, and placed grapes for the eyes and nose. I used carrots for the ears and hands, and an orange peel to make the bows. For the final touch, I carved a one half orange to form a flower and using the remaining watermelon I carved four leaves.

Finally, I placed the Mickey and Minnie mouse shaped oranges inside the basket filled with grapes; and with a tooth pick I carefully topped the basket with the leaves and half shaped orange with a grape in the middle.

Here is my Fruit basket with Mickey and Minnie mouse wishing you all A Very Happy, Peaceful, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year 2007.

Author: Queenie Mendonca- USA