Melon Nest

Material: one small cantaloupe which is not yet ripe
Equipment: sharp-pointed knife, carving knife, melon scoop

Instructions

1. Make a shallow slice to cut off the stem end.
    

2. Make cuts down the side of the melon to divide it into 12 uniform sections. Cut under these sections to make the outer ring of 12 petals. These should be about one quarter of a centimetre thick.
    

3. Divide the melon into 12 sections cantered between the petals of the outer ring to make a second and then a third ring of petals. Next, remove the seeds and membrane at the center.
    

4. Notch the borders of the petals attractively, starting with the middle ring and then moving to the inner ring.
    

5. Notch the borders of the petals of the outer ring more deeply and cut a shallow groove in each.