(That's French for Minted Pastis Melon with Prosciutto)
On a recent culinary tour in the South of France, this is one of meals I helped to prepare in a chateau with 9 other "chefs". I had never tasted Pastis before. It tastes like licorice and provided an interesting blend of flavors with the mint and the melon. I will definitely make this again with and without the aperitif!
1 cup water
1/3 cup granulated sugar1/2 cup mint leaves torn in half
2 tbsp Pastis liqueur
1 small melon
8 oz Prosciutto
toothpicks
In a saucepan over medium heat, cook water and sugar until dissolved, about 5 minutes without stirring. Add mint, stir to combine. Remove from heat and set aside to cool completely. Add Pastis.
Meanwhile, halve, seed and cut melon into small (about 1-inch wedges). Place into a bowl. Pour cooled sugar mixture on top. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours for flavors to develop. Stir to help cover all of the melon.
Cut Prosciutto in half crosswise and then in 1-inch strips. Drain melon pieces, blot with paper toweling and wrap each in a piece of Prosciutto using a toothpick.
Note: I haven't heard the term "paper toweling" in years!!My Nana used to say that all the time.
BON APPETIT !
