Don’t you love it when you start to see the many kinds of melons in the market? Now, I know these gems that are imported from other states will not be as flavorful as our own seasonal beauties but I still smile and wonder which grandkids/kids might stop by soon to enjoy them with me.

As soon as they appear in the local stores, I visualize laid-back evenings on the deck with the grill going, wine flowing, and laughing friends and family. I also remember how much my husband Allen loved any melon. He would wander in and out of the house from the deck, eager to snag a piece as soon as my back was turned and my chef’s knife was being wiped off.

But I have to thank my son Karl for buying me my very own rubber mallet.  Nothing works better for forcefully knocking that chef’s knife down enough  in order to get that roly-poly melon cut in half so it can be cut into manageable slices.  Honestly, if you don’t have your own, raid someone’s tool chest or buy one for yourself.  I use mine for other household tasks, also: like nudging my standing mixer bowl when stuck!

After cutting the melon in half, I put it flat side down on the cutting board and make a series of parallel cuts all the way through. Then I turn it all 90 degrees and make another set of parallel cuts.

Finally, I put the perfect stick-like pieces in a big serving bowl, and trim the curved edge pieces to place in another bowl. That way we could snack on those tasty little, but imperfect pieces while waiting for company to arrive.