Charentais Melons With Cassis Gelee Recipes

KIR ROYALE

Steps:

• Pour creme de cassis into a Champagne flute. Top with Champagne.

MINTY FRESH FRENCH APERITIF AND APPETISER CHARENTAIS MELON BOWLS

Steps:

• To prepare: Halve and remove the pips and fibres. Cut a small piece from the bottom of each melon so they sit upright in a bowl.
• Run a knife carefully around the top edge of the melon, as you would prepare a grapefruit. Then cut the flesh in to segments - going as deep as you can without damaging the outer skin - almost like a sunburst pattern - like rays of the sun! Wiggle the knife around to make them quite deep - the liquor will seep into them whilst they are chilling. Place the melon halves in attractive individual serving bowls.
• Pour in the pineau, sherry or port until the centre of the melon is filled - making sure that it is not too full as it will run over. Place the filled melon halves in the fridge for about 4 hours to chill before serving. Place a mint sprig into each melon half to serve.
• To store - Keep uncut melons at room temperature until fully ripened, then store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cut melon should always be covered with Clingfilm and used within 3 days.

ROSE SANGRIA WITH NECTARINES AND STRAWBERRIES

Steps:

• In a saucepan, bring sugar and 1/4 cup water to a boil, stirring, until sugar has dissolved (you should have about 1/3 cup). Transfer to a large bowl or pitcher; let cool completely.
• Stir in vodka, strawberries, and nectarines. Refrigerate, covered, at least 2 hours and up to 2 days. Add wine and stir. Fill glasses with ice and add a few strawberries and a slice or two of nectarine. Top with sangria, garnish with fresh mint, and serve immediately.