Yellow Melon Muscadel

Description
Muscadel is the Malawian name for our Muscatel. Wines are used extensively in the preparation of fruit appetizers.
 * Yield: 8 servings, ½ each

Ingredients

 * 4 small cantaloupes
 * salt and pepper to taste
 * 4 tbsp sweet wine (a muscatel or port)
 * 1 or 2 sprigs mint

Syrup

 * 1 cup sugar
 * 1½ cups water or fruit juice
 * 2 tbsp lemon juice
 * 2 tbsp vinegar
 * 1 tsp ground ginger

Directions

 * 1) About 3 hours before serving, prepare the syrup.
 * 2) Boil the syrup ingredients together for 5 minutes.
 * 3) Strain through a cheesecloth and cool.
 * 4) Serrate 4 small cantaloupes (or any small ) zigzagging across center with a knife to give uniform halves.
 * 5) Remove seeds.
 * 6) Sprinkle salt and pepper.
 * 7) Pour 2 tbsp sweet wine (a muscatel or port) in each half.
 * 8) Fill each with ¼ cup watermelon balls.
 * 9) Pour about 2 to 3 tbsp syrup over each.
 * 10) Refrigerate for several hours before serving.
 * 11) Garnish with 1 or 2 sprigs mint.
 * 12) Serve on salad plates.