Cantaloupe

(Sorbetto al Melone)

GELATO DI MELONE

Sugar cookies are the perfect accompaniment to this colorful finale.

This recipe makes more chutney than you'll need for the corn bread rounds see the leftovers as a condiment for cheese and crackers or for roasted meats. Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 1 1/4 hr

Soaking the leek in vinegar and water helps to pull out the dirt and sand. Be sure to rinse well.

A dash of curry powder transforms this cool fruit soup into a sweetly savory first course.

This recipe calls for sweet Gewürztraminer, but any other sweet white wine (excluding dessert wines) should do. This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional sitting time.

If you prefer, use honeydew melon for an equally good salsa. Offer buttered new potatoes and sautéed spinach with the fish. Afterward, serve slices of pound cake with rum-soaked raisins and store-bought caramel sauce. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.

Jamaican jerk seasoning — a blend of chiles, thyme, garlic, onion, and spices — gives the grilled fish a reddish-brown finish. It's a supermarket staple now; look for it in the spice aisle. Serve with: Rice salad and grilled squash.

Ouzo lends a subtle flavor to the melon. Pour more over before serving, if desired.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

An old-school ice cream scoop turns out beautiful curls of melon; the pink peppercorn and bay–infused wine syrup keeps things interesting.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The smoked paprika in this recipe adds depth. Unlike Hungarian paprika powder, which is prepared by drying the chiles in the sun, the Spanish smoked version (like La Chinata brand) is prepared by roasting the peppers over smoldering oak fires before being ground to a velvety powder. Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 30 min

Juicy cantaloupe makes a refreshing salsa for grilled chicken or fish. For a milder salsa, discard all the chile seeds.

A refreshing dessert on its own or spooned over vanilla ice cream. This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.