A Summertime Melon Medley Food

MELON MEDLEY WITH SWEET ROSE WATER CREAM

Steps:

• For the sweet rose water cream: Combine cream cheese, evaporated milk, honey, rose water, salt, lime zest and juice and vanilla seeds in the bowl of a stand mixer. Beat on low speed until everything has come together, then increase speed to medium, then high. Mix until the cream is light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
• For the melon medley: Evenly distribute melon cubes on a large serving platter so that the variety of colors is visible. Spread cream out on top of melons with a spatula and sprinkle with salt. Garnish the melons with the basil clusters and mint leaves. Serve immediately.

A SUMMERTIME MELON MEDLEY

Steps:

• Begin by making sure your melons are ripe.
• Peel, seed and cube the melons into bite size chunks, or use a melon baller; place in a large bowl.
• Add brown sugar, ginger, lime juice, lime zest; gently toss.
• Cover and chill at least one hour for best flavor.
• To serve: Toss before placing melon in dessert dishes. If desired, fill dishes with very cold sparkling white wine and garnish with mint leaves and toasted almonds.
• Cook's Tip: (1) Choose melons that are free of cuts, dents and bruises. (2) Store uncut melons in a cool place. Cut fruit should be refrigerated.

MELON MEDLEY

Steps:

• To make part of this soup ahead of time, prepare the watermelon and honeydew as directed, combine in a mixing bowl, then cover and refrigerate. Place the cantaloupe chunks in a separate container. Cover and chill for an hour or more.
• Just before serving, combine the cantaloupe, nondairy ice cream, and orange juice in a food processor and process, in batches if necessary, until smoothly pureed.
• Divide among 6 serving bowls. Place approximately 1 cup of the watermelon and honeydew mixture in each. Scatter some blueberries over the top of each serving and garnish with 2 or 3 mint leaves.
• Per serving:
• Calories: 223
• Total fat: 5g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 2g
• Carbohydrate: 43g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 120mg

MELON AND GRAPE MEDLEY

Steps:

• In a resealable bag, combine cantaloupe, watermelon, and grapes.
• In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, honey and lime juice. Stir in the jalapeno and lime peel. Pour over fruit, seal and refrigerate at least 1 hour. Serve with slotted spoon.

MEDLEY OF SUMMER FRUITS

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, bring the two wines, sugar and vanilla pod to the boil. Put the mint and basil in the centre of a small piece of muslin and tie with string to make a bag, then add to the pan with a few turns of freshly ground black pepper.
• Remove from heat and leave to come to room temperature. Remove muslin bag, add raspberries and the melon balls. Chill for at least 4 hrs.
• About 2 hrs before you intend to serve the fruits, add the strawberries and wild strawberries, if using, to the syrup. Serve in a large serving bowl or four individual bowls. Pour about 2 tbsp of the pink Champagne over just before serving.