Melon

A light and pretty treat with intense fruit flavors.

This refreshing mint syrup can flavor any combination of fresh fruits. Leftover syrup is great for sweetening iced tea.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Here's an easy granita (a grown up snow cone). If you like, top it off just before serving with a diced melon salad made from cubes of cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon that have been tossed with a bit of sugar and thinly sliced fresh mint leaves.

An easy side dish for ham or chicken. The dressing can be made a day ahead.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

(Sorbetto al Melone)

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

GELATO DI MELONE

Sugar cookies are the perfect accompaniment to this colorful finale.

Here is an old southern favorite that is delicious as a condiment or great added to tuna, chicken and shrimp salads. Begin preparing the pickles at least three days before you plan to serve them.

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 makes more honeydew ice than you'll need for the soup, but it's also terrific spooned into our plum limeade. And this dish, like the limeade, is one that you'll want to serve right away so that the soup won't begin to darken.