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Three quick and easy ways to cut a watermelon! Cubes, triangles, or sticks – serve up that big, juicy watermelon whichever way you’d like. I even included a few tips on how to pick a perfectly ripe watermelon!

Watermelon cut into sticks with bowls on the side.

How to Tell if a Watermelon is Ripe

  • Weight – A ripe watermelon will be pretty heavy. This is simply because it’s loaded with delicious, sweet juices! So if you pick up two even-sized watermelons and one feels heavier than the other, definitely go with the heavier one.
  • Color – Look for a watermelon with a big ole’ yellow spot! That yellow spot is where the watermelon laid on the ground while it grew. A large yellow spot is a good indicator that the watermelon had plenty of time to ripen on the vine.
  • Sound – Pick up the watermelon and give it a gentle, yet firm slap. Listen for a hollow sound – if the watermelon sounds hollow, then that means it’s bursting with tons of juice! However, if it sounds dull, or feels at all mushy, then pass on that watermelon.

How to Cut a Watermelon – 3 ways!

Watermelon cut into cubes in a bowl with fresh mint.
Close-up image of watermelon cut into cubes.

Cubes

  1. Using a sharp knife, slice about 1-inch off each end of the watermelon, then stand the watermelon up on one cut end.
  2. Slice off watermelon rind, sliding your knife from top to bottom, following the shape of the watermelon. Continue to work your way around the watermelon until rind is fully removed.
  3. With the watermelon still standing upright, make 1-inch lengthwise slices down the watermelon.
  4. Set half of those slices aside, then take the other half and lay them flat on your cutting board. Make 1-inch lengthwise cuts through this stack of slices, then rotate the stack 90° and make 1-inch cuts perpendicular to the other cuts you just created.
  5. Transfer that cut and cubed watermelon to a bowl, then repeat with the other half until all is cut.

OR freeze your cubed watermelon and use it to make my 3-ingredient WATERMELON MARGARITAS!

Watermelon cut into triangles on a serving platter with fresh mint and lemon.
close-up image of watermelon cut into slices.

Triangles

  1. Lay the watermelon on its side and use a sharp knife to cut down the middle, creating two halves.
  2. Place one half with the flesh-side facing down, then create 1-inch cuts lengthwise down the watermelon.
  3. Take one slice, and lay it flat on your cutting board. Make two diagonal cuts (in opposite directions) through each slice, creating three watermelon triangles from each slice.
  4. Continue this same process with remaining slices.
Watermelon cut into stick with lemon on the side.
Watermelon cut into sticks with bowls on the side.

Sticks

  1. Lay the watermelon on its side and use a sharp knife to cut down the middle, creating two halves.
  2. Place one half with the flesh-side facing down, then create 1-inch cuts lengthwise down the watermelon.
  3. Rotate your watermelon 90° on the cutting board, then make 1-inch cuts perpendicular to the other cuts you just created.
  4. Repeat this process for the other watermelon half, then serve.
Watermelon cut three different ways on a serving platter.

Tips and Tricks

  • Use a very sharp knife to cut your watermelon! A dull knife makes it much harder, and more dangerous. Dull knives are more prone to slipping and sliding when trying to cut (because they’re not sharp enough to cut through the watermelon) and a slip of your knife could result in an injury.
  • Beware of watermelon juice! A perfectly ripe watermelon, while delicious, will release a ton of juice. Therefore, cut watermelon is best served in a bowl, rather than on a plate, to help contain all that liquid.
  • These cutting techniques will work on any kind of watermelon! Seedless, mini, or even those watermelons with the orange/yellow flesh can all be cut the same way.

Interested in More Helpful How-Tos? Click HERE.

How to Cut a Watermelon (3 ways!)

5 from 1 vote
Recipe by Samantha Course: SnacksDifficulty: Easy

Three quick and easy ways to cut a watermelon! Cubes, triangles, or sticks – serve up that big, juicy watermelon whichever way you’d like. I even included a few tips on how to pick a perfectly ripe watermelon!

Ingredients

  • 1 watermelon

Directions

  • Cubes
  • Using a sharp knife, slice about 1-inch off each end of the watermelon, then stand watermelon up on one cut end.
  • Slice off watermelon rind, sliding your knife from top to bottom, following the shape of the watermelon. Continue to work your way around the watermelon until rind is fully removed.
  • With the watermelon still standing upright, make 1-inch lengthwise slices down the watermelon.
  • Set half of those slices aside, then take the other half and lay them flat on your cutting board. Make 1-inch lengthwise cuts through this stack of slices, then rotate the stack 90° and make 1-inch cuts perpendicular to the other cuts you just created.
  • Transfer that cut and cubed watermelon to a bowl, then repeat with the other half until all is cut.
  • Triangles
  • Lay the watermelon on its side and use a sharp knife to cut down the middle, creating two halves.
  • Place one half with the flesh-side facing down, then create 1-inch cuts lengthwise down the watermelon.
  • Take one slice, and lay it flat on your cutting board. Make two diagonal cuts (in opposite directions) through each slice, creating three watermelon triangles from each slice.
  • Continue this same process with remaining slices.
  • Sticks
  • Lay the watermelon on its side and use a sharp knife to cut down the middle, creating two halves.
  • Place one half with the flesh-side facing down, then create 1-inch cuts lengthwise down the watermelon.
  • Rotate your watermelon 90° on the cutting board, then make 1-inch cuts perpendicular to the other cuts you just created.
  • Repeat this process for the other watermelon half, then serve.

Recipe Video

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Fancy, but super easy stuffed dates with cream cheese, pistachios, and a drizzle of honey! A perfect no-bake appetizer or snack that comes together in just a few minutes. They’re gluten-free with a dairy-free and vegan option!

honey being drizzled over stuffed dates.

What You’ll Need to Make Stuffed Dates

Medjool Dates – Soft and sticky medjool dates are naturally sweet and totally delicious! I enjoy medjool dates completely on their own, but stuffed with cream cheese, pistachios, and honey take them over the top. You can either buy dates with the pits removed, or buy whole dates and remove the pits yourself before eating.

Cream Cheese – Either cream cheese or goat cheese will work great in this recipe. Both are soft, creamy, and perfectly tangy. A scoop of soft cheese helps to balance out the sweetness of these stuffed dates.

Pistachios – A sprinkling of chopped pistachios contribute the perfect crunch to this dish! Without it, these dates are all one texture, and lack variety. Therefore, for an exciting appetizer, add some chopped pistachios, or your favorite chopped nut to the top of these stuffed dates.

Honey – The finishing touch to this fancy-tasting app is a drizzle of honey. After we’ve added in all our savory components, it’s always nice to round out the dish with an extra bit of sweetness.

Flaky Salt – I seriously put this Maldon flaky sea salt on everything! It instantly elevates any dish, and makes it taste like you spent hours on it, when in reality these stuffed dates come together in under 5 minutes.

stuffed dates on a plate.

Tips and Tricks

  • If your dates are too hard/dried out, zap them in the microwave for about 20 seconds. This’ll heat them up just enough to help them open with ease!
  • Prep these dates ahead of your next dinner party or potluck! If prepping more than an hour in advance, I recommend leaving the pistachios and honey off your stuffed dates until right before serving. Leaving them to sit for too long could cause the pistachios to go soft and soggy.
  • Feel free to totally customize this recipe and make it your own! Use any soft cheese you’d like, and any chopped nut you’d like. Have fun with this appetizer, and don’t overcomplicate it!
close-up image of stuffed dates on a plate.

Adjust this Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

Make it Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, stuff these dates with your favorite non-dairy cream cheese instead.

Make it Vegan: Make these stuffed dates vegan by taking the dairy-free option above, and replacing the honey with a drizzle of maple syrup!

Stuffed Dates with Cream Cheese, Pistachios, and Honey

4 from 2 votes
Recipe by Samantha Course: AppetizersDifficulty: Easy
Servings

12

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

0

minutes
Total time

5

minutes

Fancy, but super easy stuffed dates with cream cheese, pistachios, and a drizzle of honey! A perfect no-bake appetizer or snack that comes together in just a few minutes.

Ingredients

  • 12 medjool dates, pits removed and sliced open

  • 4 ounces cream cheese (or goat cheese)

  • 1/4 cup chopped pistachios

  • honey, for drizzling

  • pinch of flaky salt

Directions

  • Fill the cavity of each date with a couple teaspoons of cream cheese.
  • Press chopped pistachios into the cream cheese on top of each date.
  • Arrange stuffed dates on a serving plate, drizzle with honey, then sprinkle with a pinch of flaky salt.

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Healthy 5-ingredient cookie dough date bites! They’re vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free, and totally delicious. Whip up a batch of these healthy snacks in just a few minutes!

Cookie dough date bites in a bowl with milk and chocolate chips on the side.

What You’ll Need to Make Cookie Dough Date Bites

Medjool Dates – Pitted medjool dates are the base of these bites. I love medjool dates for how naturally sweet and soft they are (compared to other varieties of dates). You can either buy them whole and remove the pits yourself for this recipe, or get them already pitted. I use and recommend Trader Joe’s Pitted Medjool Dates, they’re a great deal!

Rolled Oats – Any kind of rolled oats will work in this recipe! Simply avoid using whole or steel cut oats in your cookie dough date bites. The oats in this recipe are a great source of complex carbohydrates. They help to balance blood sugar levels while enjoying this sweet treat!

Peanut Butter – Creamy, unsweetened peanut butter helps these date bites stick together! However, if you don’t have/don’t like peanut butter, you can use any nut or seed butter you’d like. For a nut-free snack, use unsweetened sunflower seed butter instead.

Chocolate Chips – I use and recommend Enjoy Life’s Mini Chocolate Chips for this recipe, but any chocolate chips or chocolate chunks will do the trick. Or, for a totally sugar-free option, replace the chocolate chips with unsweetened cocoa nibs – even healthier!

One cookie dough date bite with a bite taken out.

Tips and Tricks

  • If the mixture seems too dry and won’t stick together, try adding either 2-3 tablespoons of melted coconut oil or an additional 2-3 tablespoons of peanut butter. Though keep in mind that while the mixture might seem a tad too crumbly to stick, these bites will hold their shape once refrigerated.
  • Store cookie dough date bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or the freezer for up to 3 months! I love stocking my fridge/freezer with these bites for a quick and energizing snack when I need it.

This Recipe is….

  • Gluten-Free
  • Dairy-Free
  • Vegan
  • Plant Based
  • Sugar-Free (use unsweetened chocolate chips)
  • and packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber!

Cookie Dough Date Bites

5 from 1 vote
Recipe by Samantha Course: SnacksDifficulty: Easy
Servings

12

bites
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

0

minutes
Total time

5

minutes

Healthy 5-ingredient cookie dough date bites! They’re vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free, and totally delicious. Whip up a batch of these healthy snacks in just a few minutes!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup medjool dates, pitted

  • 1/2 cup rolled oats

  • 1/2 cup peanut butter, unsweetened

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • pinch of salt

  • 1/4 cup chocolate chips (I recommend mini chocolate chips!)

Directions

  • Add all ingredients except chocolate chips to a food processor and pulse until a dough forms. All ingredients should be very finely chopped, and mixture will appear crumbly but should stick together when pressed between your fingers.
  • Add in chocolate chips and give just 2 or 3 pulses to incorporate.
  • Use a cookie scoop to scoop mixture, then roll between your palms into balls. Place on a parchment-lined plate and refrigerate for 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.

Recipe Video

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The easiest Oreo mug cake, made with just 3 ingredients in 1 minute! This tiktok recipe went viral for a reason – because it’s so damn good. Whip up this fast and simple personal cake anytime you’re craving something sweet and delicious!

spoon scooping order mug cake out of a mug

What You’ll Need to Make Oreo Mug Cake

Oreos – I used gluten-free Oreos, but any Oreo will work! Have fun with this recipe, and use your favorite Oreo cookies. Double stuffed, golden, mint, etc. – all will taste delicious!

Milk – I used non-dairy milk, but just like the Oreos, any kind of milk will do!

Baking Powder – A little bit of baking powder gives this Oreo mug cake it’s cake-like texture. You can make the mug cake without it, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Just 1/4 teaspoon of this pantry-staple ingredient is all you’ll need.

overhead image of oreo mug cake with vanilla ice cream on top and milk on the side.

Tips and Tricks

  • Throw in any mix-ins you’d like! For a double chocolate mug cake, add in a tablespoon of mini chocolate chips. Or, if you’re feeling celebratory, a small handful of rainbow sprinkles are always a fun addition.
  • Top this Oreo mug cake with whatever you’d like. A scoop of ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or an extra crushed Oreo all taste incredible atop this personal cake!
  • Make sure you use a microwave-safe mug for this recipe! Not all mugs can be heated in the microwave. To check if your mug is safe to use, flip it over and check the bottom for the words “microwave safe.” If it doesn’t state that it’s microwave safe, it’s probably best to avoid using it in this recipe.
oreo mug cake with milk on the side.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

Make it Vegan: For a vegan Oreo mug cake, simply use non-dairy milk in this recipe. Also, just so you know, all Oreos are actually completely vegan!

Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free Oreos for a gluten-free mug cake!

3-Ingredient Oreo Mug Cake

4 from 3 votes
Recipe by Samantha Course: DessertDifficulty: Easy
Servings

1

serving
Prep time

1

minute
Cooking time

1

minute
Total time

2

minutes

The easiest Oreo mug cake, made with just 3 ingredients in 1 minute! This tiktok recipe went viral for a reason – because it’s so damn good. Whip up this fast and simple oreo mug cake anytime you’re craving something sweet and delicious!

Ingredients

  • 5 Oreos

  • 3 tablespoons milk

  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Directions

  • In a large microwave-safe mug, mash together 4 of the Oreos and milk, until you achieve a cake batter-like texture.
  • Add in the baking powder and stir to combine.
  • Microwave on high for 1 minute, then break off large chunks from the extra Oreo and place those on top of your mug cake. Top with vanilla ice cream and/or whipped cream, then enjoy warm!

Recipe Video

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The easiest holiday treat of all time – Grinch fruit kabobs! Slide fruit onto skewers and you’ve got yourself a festive snack or dessert. Get the kids involved in this fun Christmas activity!

grinch fruit kabobs on a plate with green grapes, strawberries, mini marshmallows, and skewers on the side.

What You’ll Need to Make Grinch Fruit Kabobs

Green Grapes – Green, not red grapes for this Grinch-themed treat!

Banana – Slice your banana into 1/2-inch pieces before sliding onto your skewers.

Strawberries – Hull your strawberries before using in this recipe! That basically just means remove the green leaves on top.

Mini Marshmallows – The perfect little Santa hat topping!

hand holding a grinch fruit kabob

How to Store Them

  • Store these Grinch fruit kabobs in an airtight container in the fridge for one day. They may last longer than a day, but the banana will begin to oxidize and turn brown – not ideal! For best results, I recommend making them right before serving.
close-up image of grinch fruit kabobs on a plate

These Grinch Fruit Kabobs Are…

Grinch Fruit Kabobs

5 from 1 vote
Recipe by Samantha Course: Snacks, DessertDifficulty: Easy
Servings

12

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

0

minutes
Total time

5

minutes

The easiest holiday treat of all time – Grinch fruit kabobs! Slide fruit onto skewers and you’ve got yourself a festive snack or dessert. Get the kids involved in this fun holiday activity!

Ingredients

  • Green grapes

  • Banana, sliced

  • Fresh strawberries, hulled

  • Mini marshmallows

  • Mini skewers or toothpicks

Directions

  • Slide a grape onto a skewer, about 2-inches down from the top of the skewer.
  • Then, slide a banana slice on top of the grape, followed by a strawberry, followed by a mini marshmallow.
  • Continue this process with remaining ingredients.

Recipe Video

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