Melon And Berries Steeped In Red Wine Sauternes Basil And Mint Recipes

HERB MELON SALAD

Steps:

• Combine the vinegar and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, stirring often to dissolve the sugar. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
• Put the cantaloupe and honeydew in a bowl and toss with the basil and mint. Drizzle with the sweetened vinegar and toss lightly. Pile the melon on a platter and sprinkle with the flake salt.

MINTY FRESH FRENCH APERITIF AND APPETISER CHARENTAIS MELON BOWLS

Steps:

• To prepare: Halve and remove the pips and fibres. Cut a small piece from the bottom of each melon so they sit upright in a bowl.
• Run a knife carefully around the top edge of the melon, as you would prepare a grapefruit. Then cut the flesh in to segments - going as deep as you can without damaging the outer skin - almost like a sunburst pattern - like rays of the sun! Wiggle the knife around to make them quite deep - the liquor will seep into them whilst they are chilling. Place the melon halves in attractive individual serving bowls.
• Pour in the pineau, sherry or port until the centre of the melon is filled - making sure that it is not too full as it will run over. Place the filled melon halves in the fridge for about 4 hours to chill before serving. Place a mint sprig into each melon half to serve.
• To store - Keep uncut melons at room temperature until fully ripened, then store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cut melon should always be covered with Clingfilm and used within 3 days.

MELON AND BERRIES STEEPED IN RED WINE, SAUTERNES, BASIL, AND MINT

Steps:

• Prepare an ice-water bath; set aside. Tie the basil and mint in a small square of cheesecloth. In a small saucepan, combine the Sauternes, red wine, sugar, vanilla bean, and mint-basil bundle. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Remove from heat; transfer to the ice bath. Chill until lukewarm. Add the melon, strawberries, and blackberries; transfer to a large bowl. Cover; place in the refrigerator for 4 to 6 hours.
• To serve, remove the vanilla bean. Stir in the raspberries. Transfer the mixture to 4 bowls. Drizzle about 2 tablespoons champagne over each, and garnish with currants, if desired, and mint.

HONEY-MELON SALAD WITH BASIL

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine cantaloupe and honeydew. Refrigerate, covered, until serving. In a small bowl, whisk honey, lemon juice, paprika, salt and pepper. Pour over melon cubes just before serving; toss to coat. Stir in basil and, if desired, dried cranberries. Serve with a slotted spoon.