Summer melons in spiced white wine(weir)

 
                 Summer Melons In Spiced White Wine (Weir)
 
 Recipe By     : Summer: Joanne Weir
 Serving Size  : 6    Preparation Time :0:00
 Categories    : Wms-Sonoma                       Salads
 
   Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
 --------  ------------  --------------------------------
    2      cups          late-harvest dessert wine -- such as
                         muscat or sauternes
    1      tablespoon    honey
    4      slices        fresh ginger -- each 1/4-inch
      1/2                vanilla bean
    5      pounds        assorted summer melons -- such as
                         cantaloupe; honey dew; crenshaw;
                         casaba and persian -- in any combination
 
 In a saucepan, combine the wine, honey and ginger. Split the vanilla bean
 in half lengthwise and scrape the seeds into the pan, then add the pod
 halves as well. Place over high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat
 to low and simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat. Discard
 the vanilla pods and ginger slices and let cool.
 
 Meanwhile, halve the melons. Scoop out the seeds and discard. Using a melon
 baller, scoop out balls of the melon flesh and place them in a large bowl.
 Pour the cooled spiced wine over the melon, cover and chill for 1 hour.
 
 To serve, divide the melon evenly among chilled individual bowls, spooning
 some of the wine over each portion. Serves 6
 
 *Recipe from Williams-Sonoma Seasonal Celebration: Summer by Joanne Weir et
 al (1997: Time-Life Books)ISBN 0-7835-4607-6
 
 NOTES: This is a light, refreshing finale to a meal served on a balmy
 evening or at Sunday midday. Peaches, nectarines, plums, blackberries or
 blueberries can be substituted for the melons. Serve with biscotti on the
 side, if you like.
 
 Kitpath@earthlink.net 8/28/98
 
 
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