Melon Salad

Description
''Most Zambian people always have a number of salads to compliment the meats. To serve, decorate with mint sprig. The salad is no exception.''

Ingredients

 * 1 cup sugar
 * 1½ cups water or fruit juice
 * 2 tablespoons lemon juice
 * 2 tablespoons vinegar
 * 1 teaspoon ground ginger
 * 4 spanspek (use cantaloupes if in the USA)
 * ¼ watermelon
 * salt, pepper
 * 2 tablespoons muscadel or port
 * mint, for serving

Directions

 * 1) In a small saucepan, place the sugar, water, lemon juice, vinegar, and ginger.
 * 2) Heat to a boiling, stirring well.
 * 3) Continue boiling for about 5 minutes, then strain.
 * 4) Syrup through a fine sieve or cheesecloth into a bowl.
 * 5) Cool.
 * 6) Meanwhile, de-seed the cantaloupes and watermelon.
 * 7) Using a melon baller, collect melon balls and place in a large bowl.
 * 8) Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then sprinkle on the muscatel.
 * 9) Toss gently.
 * 10) Pour syrup over balls and refrigerate for several hours before serving.
 * 11) To serve, decorate with mint sprig.