Editors Note: Ok so not everyone is a chef  in the kitchen but this is something I think anyone can make and be proud of.  My challenge to you is - call a friend, grab your children, or surprise a loved one with this drink this week!  Adding COLOR can be fun and doesn’t have to be so darn difficult!  So are you up for the challenge? ~Nitika~

It’s a hot summer day and sometimes you just want something other than water to quench your thirst. What can you drink? Yes, my summer favorite fresh-juiced watermelon. Why is it so good for you? Watermelon has 92% water by weight and 6% natural sugar. It’s a great way to refuel the body with some natural sugar, vitamin C and loaded with water. Perfect drink post workout because it has loads of water to hydrate you with just the right amount of sugar to give you the energy your body needs.

What’s so interesting to me about watermelon is that people in different regions eat it differently. Some people enjoy it as a sweet drink or treat, while others use it for a savory dish. In China, they use the watermelon rind as a vegetable. They stir-fry the rind cooking it with olive oil, garlic, chili peppers, scallions, sugar and rum. Southern parts of the U.S. pickle the rind of watermelon.

Today, I am sharing with you a recipe that combines the sweetness w/a touch of spices!

Ingredients:

Watermelon (seedless or take out the seeds)

Fresh Mint

Pinch of freshly grounded black pepper

Pinch of sea salt

Next steps: Chop up the watermelon in large slices and place into a blender. Add in one to two mint leaves, black pepper and sea salt. Blend and serve w/a mint leaf on top for fun!