5 Summer Melon Recipes

Adding the rich taste of cantaloupe to basic Italian gelato captures the taste of summer perfectly.

1 ½ lb Cantaloupe, rind removed, diced

2 c Whole milk

1 c Cream

3 egg yolks

½ c sugar

Over medium-low heat, mix milk and cream together until lightly boiling. Reduce heat and add sugar and yolks until thoroughly mixed. Pour into ice cream maker and add cantaloupe. Process according to manufacturer's guidelines.

Honeydew Slushie

An Egyptian treat perfect for cooling off during the dog days of summer!

2 - 3 lbs. Honeydew, rind removed, chopped

¼ c. sugar (optional)

Place melon, 1 cup at a time, into blender and process until smooth in texture (no visible little chunks). Add sugar to taste (optional). Place in plastic water bottles and put into freezer for 1 hour. Serve cold.

Watermelon Salsa

Watermelon's sweet flavor is enhanced by the addition of spicy chili powder. A new twist on salsa or as an excellent topping for summer fajitas.

2 c. red flesh watermelon, diced

2 c yellow flesh watermelon diced(or, if unavailable, substitute same amount of red flesh)

2 Tbsp red chili powder

1 small onion, diced

2 small tomatoes, diced

1 Tbsp cilantro

In a large bowl, mix red watermelon with chili powder. Add diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro and mix. Add cups of yellow watermelon just prior to serving.

Cantaloupe "short cake"

1 ½ lbs Cantaloupe, rind removed, diced

1 cup sugar

2 Tsp lemon juice

1 angel food cake

2 cups whipped cream

In a large bowl, mix cantaloupe and sugar until evenly coated. Add lemon juice, mix, and refrigerate. Cut cake into three horizontal slices, set aside. When cantaloupe mixture cold, place bottom layer of cake into 9 " round glass baking dish, place 1/3 of cantaloupe mixture onto cake layer. Repeat, alternating cake and cantaloupe mixture. Top with whipped cream

Grilled Rummed Melon

2 c. dark rum

2 lbs Cantaloupe, slices

Vanilla bean ice cream

Marinate cantaloupes in rum overnight in fridge. Put slices on the hot BBQ grill, grilling 3-5 minutes each side. Remove with tongs, gripping at rind. Remove rind, discard. Place flesh in bowl, spoon vanilla bean ice cream over and serve immediately.