A Summertime Melon Medley

Fresh melons of all varieties are a a summertime favorite in our home. So many palate-pleasing adjectives come to mind when you think of a perfectly ripened melon: JUICY, SWEET, FRUITY AROMA, COOL, REFRESHING. Melon salads, like this ginger lime melon medley, make a refreshing snack, or a pleasing side dish to a light meal. As long as there are melons in the grocery store, you'll find this tangy-sweet fruit salad in my frig. Enjoy your summer, and all of nature's bounty it has to offer.

• Ready In: 1 hr 20 mins
• Serves: 8-10

Ingredients

• 2  cups  casaba honeydew melon
• 2  cups crenshaw melon
• 2  cups watermelon
• 2  cups cantaloupe (Melon Balls or Cubed)
• 2  tablespoons brown sugar
• 2  tablespoons crystallized ginger (Minced)
• 3  tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1  tablespoon lime zest
•  sparkling white wine (optional)
• 1  cup  slivered  toasted almond (Garnish) (optional)
•  fresh mint leaves (Garnish) (optional)

Directions

1. Begin by making sure your melons are ripe.
2. Peel, seed and cube the melons into bite size chunks, or use a melon baller; place in a large bowl.
3. Add brown sugar, ginger, lime juice, lime zest; gently toss.
4. Cover and chill at least one hour for best flavor.
5. To serve: Toss before placing melon in dessert dishes. If desired, fill dishes with very cold sparkling white wine and garnish with mint leaves and toasted almonds.
6. Cook's Tip: (1) Choose melons that are free of cuts, dents and bruises. (2) Store uncut melons in a cool place. Cut fruit should be refrigerated.