Yellow Melon Muscadel (Melon Salad)

Ingredients

• •1 cup sugar
• •1 1/2 cups water or fruit juice
• •2 tablespoons lemon juice
• •2 tablespoons vinegar
• •1 teaspoon ground ginger
• •4 cantaloupes
• •1/4 watermelon
• •Salt, pepper
• •2 tablespoons muscatel or port
• •Mint, for serving

Directions

1. 1In a small saucepan, place the sugar, water, lemon juice, vinegar, and ginger. Heat to a boiling, stirring well. Continue boiling for about 5 minutes, then strain syrup through a fine sieve or cheesecloth into a bowl. Cool.
2. 2Meanwhile, de-seed the cantaloupes and watermelon. Using a melon baller, collect balls and place in a large bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then sprinkle on the muscatel.
3. 3Toss gently. Pour syrup over melon balls and refrigerate for several hours before serving.
4. 4To serve, decorate with mint sprig.