Minty Fresh French Aperitif and Appetiser Charentais Melon Bowls

Ingredients

• 2 small charentais muskmelons
• 200 ml white pineau (approx) or sherry wine, port (approx) or fortified wine (approx)
• fresh mint sprig, to serve

Directions

1. 1

   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.

2. 2

   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.

3. 3

   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.

4. 4

   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.