Cantaloupe or Honeydew Preserves

Preserved melon with a hint of ginger. Probably one of the more unusual fruits to preserve, but delicious. Would make a special gift.

• Ready In: 46 mins
• Serves: 9-10

Ingredients

• 1  lb cantaloupe balls (peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes, should be 2 1/2-3 cups) or 1  lb honeydew, cubes (peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes, should be 2 1/2-3 cups)
•  ice water
• 1⁄2 cup  Everclear alcohol or 1⁄2 cup vodka
• 4  cups sugar
• 1  cup water
• 1  piece dried ginger (small piece)

Directions

1. Drop melon into boiling water.
2. Let water return to a boil, then drain.
3. Rinse with ice water, and let drain for 20 minutes.
4. Spread the melon on a platter, sprinkle with alcohol and let stand for 15 minutes.
5. Make a syrup by mixing 2 cups of the sugar with the cup of water.
6. Add the ginger to the syrup and cook mixture over low heat, gradually adding the rest of the sugar.
7. Add the melon to the syrup and continue cooking until melon becomes transparent.
8. Remove the ginger.
9. When mixture has cooled, place in jars and seal.