Melons, Pumpkins and Gourds

Take a thin slice off the bottom (opposite the stem) so the fruit will stand upright. Section off one-quarter of the top, including stem, and discard. Hollow out the inside with a spoon or grapefruit knife, discarding the seeds. Around the top ridge make contiguous, equal V-shaped serrations. Adjust the depth, width and angle to suit your creative instincts and the size of the fruit. In a continuous circle around the perimeter, with the tip of a knife, below the serrations, score a circle of V’s. Continue until you have decorated the entire skin. The rings of scoring can be staggered producing a pinecone effect.