Content

• Steps
• Tips
• Warnings
• What do you need

Tee Rex (Tyrannosaurus), one of the largest meat-eating dinosaurs that existed in the late Cretaceous, continues to be a popular symbol in our culture. This gorgeous Tee Rex watermelon is perfect for kids' parties, a humorous addition to an office or home party, and a great idea for a casual backyard party or picnic. It will also make a fantastic centerpiece.

Steps

1. 1 You will need two watermelons. Wash both watermelons and cut a 6.35mm slice from the bottom of the larger watermelon to keep it stable when placed on a flat surface.
2. 2 Use a pen to outline the placement of the open mouth as shown. Don't draw the jaw too deep; it is important to leave enough skin in the back of the jaw to support the top of the head.
3. 3 Cut out a section of the mouth and then scoop the fruit out of that mouth area. When doing this, be careful to avoid cracking the newly formed jaw.
   • First, pick out the flesh from the top of your head to reduce weight.
   • Insert a large square of yellow watermelon into your mouth so that it stays open and supports the top of your head. Do not widen your jaw as the skin may crack.
4. 4 Cut out the eyebrows and nostrils from a piece of the other rind. Cut out the eyebrows in a crescent shape and the nostrils in the shape of inverted tears. Use a notched knife to create details on the eyebrows and inside the nostrils; see the details in the picture.
5. 5 Gouge out your eyes with a noisette. Cut them to the full length of the outer skin. Attach the eyebrows and nostrils to the head with toothpicks or a glue gun.
   • Take a second melon (or any other colorful fruit) and leftover pulp from the dinosaur's head and cut out triangles to simulate jagged teeth.
   • Attach these dental pieces to the dinosaur's mouth, filling in the space around the large square piece that keeps the mouth open.
6. 6 Cut the toothpicks to different lengths, while being careful with the sharp end. Stick shortened toothpicks into the top and bottom lines of the mouth, just from the inside of the rind, to create teeth. Place them with the pointed end outward and, if necessary, use pliers to secure them in place.
7. 7 Ready.

Tips

• To simulate teeth instead of toothpicks, which can be sharp and dangerous if young children are interested in the dinosaur, cut small triangles from different sides of the melon rind and use toothpicks to secure them in your mouth; this will create the look of T Rex's imposing toothy growl!
• Use cut melon slices to make watermelon, donut, lemonade, banana split, or grapefruit drink snacks. Or add peaches for a delicious dessert.

Warnings

• Pointed skewers are sharp; make sure guests, especially young ones, use the long-handled appliance to avoid touching sharp toothpicks. You can even remove some of the sharp teeth before serving to make the fruit easier to reach.
• Dinosaurs can be very scary, especially T Rex. Do not leave small children unattended near it.

What do you need

• Round seedless watermelon
• Small yellow watermelons or other colorful fruits for slicing
• Notched knife (often found at the top of a peeler knife)
• 30 wooden toothpicks
• Toothpicks or hot glue gun