Prosciutto Cantaloupe And Butter Sandwich With Basil Drizzle Food

PROSCIUTTO AND MELON (PROSCIUTTO E MELONE)

Steps:

• Prepare the cantaloupe and cut it into wedges. I find it easier to peel the cantaloupe, once you cut it. So, first, cut the cantaloupe in half. Using a spoon, remove the seeds. Then cut each half into wedges and peel them. 
• Wrap the prosciutto around the cantaloupe wedges and arrange them on a serving platter (left some wedges without prosciutto, since I had more cantaloupe to use up).
• Drizzle a little bit of balsamic glaze or quality honey (or both, if you like) If using, arrange a few basil leaves on the platter. I loved the addition of fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness, but this is totally optional. 
• Serve immediately or chill for a few hours until ready to serve.

CANTALOUPE AND PROSCIUTTO WITH BASIL OIL

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• On a baking sheet toast pine nuts until golden, about 5 minutes, and cool. In a blender purée basil with oil until basil is minced. Pour purée through a very fine sieve into a bowl, pressing hard on solids, and discard solids.
• Halve and seed cantaloupe. Cut melon into 1/4-inch-thick wedges and discard rind.
• Spoon basil oil onto 4 plates. Arrange melon decoratively over oil and top with prosciutto. Sprinkle melon and prosciutto with pine nuts and cheese.

BROCHETTES OF MELON, PROSCIUTTO, AND FRESH MOZZARELLA

Steps:

• Using on/off turns, puree olive oil, 1/3 cup basil, and shallot in processor until basil and shallot are finely chopped.
• Cut each cantaloupe wedge crosswise in half. If using large mozzarella ball, trim and cut into 6 cubes. Alternate 1 melon piece, 1 piece ruffled prosciutto, 1 mozzarella ball or cube, 1 more prosciutto piece, and 1 more melon piece on each skewer. (Can be prepared 2 hours ahead; cover and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature 15 minutes before serving.)
• Arrange skewers on platter. Drizzle with basil oil and sprinkle with cracked black pepper. Garnish with basil sprigs.
• *Available at Italian markets, cheese shops, and some supermarkets.