Don't miss this week's recipes for fruit dips!

First Melissa cuts just enough of the bottom from the melon to flatten it and keep it from rocking, then she evenly cuts a wedge from each side to give it the rough basket shape. She then carves a little at a time from the edges to even it out.

The seeds and some of the "meat" is scooped out. As much or as little of the "meat" may be left in the melon, depending on how much dip or fruit you plan to put in it.

 
 
 
With the special v-shaped knife, she cuts evenly along all edges to give the scalloped effect.

 
Fill the finished basket with a dip, and sprinkle with chopped nuts if you like; or fill it with multi-colored melon balls or berries and serve dip on the side. For extra-special effects, garnish the basket with edible flowers and/or berries fastened with toothpicks.

Melissa got her v-shaped plastic tool at a local flea market, but you might be able to find one at a kitchen or housewares store. Though it might take a little longer, a small sharp knife would work as well.