Melon With Mint Lime Syrup And Jalapeno Adapted From Food And Wine Magazine Recipes

WATERMELON, MINT AND JALAPENO SALSA

Steps:

• Combine the olive oil and lime juice in a bowl. Add the watermelon, mint and jalapenos and toss with the lime juice and olive oil mixture. Season with salt and eat with your favorite chips.

WATERMELON-MINT WATER

Steps:

• Place 4 cups 1/2 inch-cubed watermelon (about 1 1/4 pounds; lightly smashed) and 6 sprigs mint (lightly crushed) in a pitcher. For still infused water, add 2 quarts of water. For sparkling water, add 1 quart of seltzer during prep and a second quart just before serving. Refrigerate 2 to 4 hours to allow the ingredients to infuse. Stir well and strain, discarding the solids. For serving, add fresh watermelon and mint sprigs for garnish and plenty of ice. The infused water will keep refrigerated for up to 2 days.

MELON WITH SERRANO-MINT SYRUP

Steps:

• In a small saucepan, bring sugar, water, lemon juice, honey and serrano pepper to a boil; cook 3-5 minutes or until slightly thickened. Remove from heat; stir in mint and lemon zest. Cool completely., Strain syrup; discard pepper, mint and lemon zest. In a large bowl, combine melons. Add syrup; gently toss to coat. Refrigerate, covered, at least 2 hours, stirring several times.

WATERMELON-LIME-MINT COOLER

Steps:

• In a small heatproof bowl, pour 1/2 cup boiling water over sugar and mint; stir until sugar has dissolved. Let cool completely, about 20 minutes. Strain syrup into a blender; discard mint.
• Add watermelon, lime juice, and 1 3/4 cups cold water; blend until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve.
• Serve over ice, garnished with a mint sprig, or refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days. If using tequila, stir a shot (1-ounce) into each glass before serving.

MELON WITH LIME SYRUP

Steps:

• In a small saucepan, combine sugar and 1/2 cup water; place over medium-high heat. Bring just to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook until syrup has thickened slightly, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in lime juice, and chill in an ice-water bath.
• Meanwhile, cut the melons into attractive 1/4-inch-thick slices. Transfer to a serving dish, drizzle with the cooled syrup, garnish with mint leaves, and serve immediately.