Melons with Champagne Vinegar

Summer Fruit Shines!

The Best!

Summer is finally here along with delicious and juicy watermelon, peppery cantaloupe, and perfectly ripened mangos! They bring back great memories of hot and sticky summer days, sultry nights, and June bugs. I think I was 14 or 15 before I knew that only people from Alabama called honeydew melons "mush melon".  I haven't thought about that in a while and it still brings a smile to my face.  Yes, I'm from Alabama!

Gearing up for summer,  I plan to add melons and fruits to my barn and show snacks. They are good for hydration, add fiber and they are easy to prep and carry around. The variety of available fruits, as well as fun combinations, keeps food boredom at bay.

This recipe uses champagne vinegar which typically uses Chardonnay or Pinot Noir grapes.  When combined with an oil or in this case sugar, you get a very flavorful and light dressing for your fruit.  And yes, it does have a champagne note to it as well as a vanilla one.  When you are experimenting, try other vinegars as well such as a blackberry, lemon, or watermelon. They are all healthy and add that extra something to your day.

In this recipe, the herbs and fruit work with the warmed dressing to make something more magical than the simple ingredients themselves. We hope you enjoy it!

If you are in a big hurry, here are some easy combos to try. Just mix and match at will!

Honey Dew or Cantaloupe with creme fraiche and mint sprigs

Cantaloupe with a few shakes of pepper

Passion Fruit and vanilla wafers

Watermelon, feta cheese and mint

Kiwi with a drizzle of hot honey

Mango cut into sticks with creme fraiche and honey

Kiwi with Coconut flakes