Monday, July 13, 2009

Melon Mondays

I had some friends over for dinner last night, where the not-so-secret ingredient was melon! Over the next 5 Monday's, I'll share one of the recipes from the night--so you're not as overwhelmed as my guests may have been :)

We'll start with the appetizer--Melon Prosciutto Bruschetta. While I'm not a huge fan of proscuitto-wrapped melon, this was an attempt to recreate an amazing app I had at a wedding that I recently attended. I think it actually came pretty close, although I was the only one who had something to compare it to! I think it was a hit, hopefully they'll chime in ;)




Melon Proscuitto Bruschetta
Recipe by Shannon



1c finely diced honeydew
1c finely diced cantaloupe
1 finely dieced serrano, jalapeno, or the like
juice of 1 lime
1-2T chopped mint
1-2T chopped basil
squirt of siracha (more or less to taste)
desired baguette (I used a peasant bread from Trader Joe's)
EVOO
fresh chopped parsley (or some of the fresh frozen variety)
prosciutto

The night or morning before serving, prepare the melon bruschetta. Combine the first 7 ingredients and let the flavors combine for a few hours. Adjust seasoning to taste, I was hoping to give it a little kick.

Before serving, remove the bruschetta from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature. Slice baguette into thin rounds (mine was more like a loaf, so I cut the larger center pieces in half). Lay rounds in a single layer on cookie sheet. Drizzle with EVOO and sprinkle lightly with parsley. Toast either under the broiler or at a high temp (400 or higher) in your oven until nicely browned.

Slice prosciutto into approximate size of toasts (for my pieces, I got 4 rounds from each slice of prosciutto). Place prosciutto on warm toasts after they come out of the oven. Top with a spoonful of bruschetta (drained of any juice) and serve!

33 comments:

  1. This bruschetta is amazing! It's even good without the meat. Shannon, thanks for giving the quasi-vegetarian in the crowd a chance to sample this treat:)

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  2. Delicious!!!!!!!
    I just had watermelon 5 minutes ago. Your bruschetta sound deeeelish!

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  3. I would never think to top the bread with melon, but I bet it was a great salty/sweet combo. The melons are out of this world right now- a great "not secret" ingredient!!

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  4. I should be embarrassed but Im not.
    IM WAY MORE IN FOR MELON MONDAYS than the MEATLESS.

    melons are my fave part of the summer as I could so pass on the unrelenting TX heat.

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  5. Wow! This looks really delicious! The melon is very refreshing in this dish, I'm sure.

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  6. I happen to be a big fan of prosciutto and melon together, so this appetizer is right up my alley. Wonderful use of melon... I can't wait to read about the other recipes!

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  7. This is definitely a classic flavor combination, although I've never seen it with honeydew. Definitely intriguing, though. I can't wait to see what you did with the rest of the melons!

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  8. I don't think it's possible for you to post a recipe I don't like! :)

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  9. Melon week is off to a great start!!!

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  10. Yummy. What a great twist on melon wrapped with prosciutto.

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  11. Ooo I love melon paired with savory food. The salty-sweet combo is just so good!

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  12. love the melon savory combo cant wait to see the rest of the recipes!

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  13. Hmmm pretty interesting with the proscuitto. I never would of thought of that, but I bet it works for the salty/sweet thing. Nice touch with the "rooster" sauce too, I saw that :)

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  14. So elegant! You can't go wrong with prociutto and melon.

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  15. Wow, those are so pretty! I love the colors and the new take on bruschetta.

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  16. It's all about the basil and mint. That is what made it over the top delicious.

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  17. What a tasty and creative appetizer!

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  18. I've never thought of using melon for anything other than a plain snack or fruit salad!

    You have some lucky guests :)

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  19. This looks delicious! Love the sweet and saltiness!

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  20. LOVE IT! Love the combination of flavors - especially the hot pepper!

    Thanks for sharing - can't wait to see the rest of them!

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  21. How creative, it looks like the perfect appetizer! Can't wait to see the rest of your recipes :)

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  22. ooo cant wait. i never know what to do with melon except slice and eat

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  23. It sounds like to be a delicious bruschetta!

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  24. oh... these look sooooooo appetizing!!! Can I have some?

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  25. Love the mixture of melons...and the addition of mint in it...great appetizer.

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  26. Shannon, those look gorgeous! I love how you turned the melon into a cute little salsa :) Love it!
    You are so gonna be the Next Food Network Star!

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  27. This sounds like the perfect appetizer to serve in the summertime. I love melon and the prosciutto/cantaloupe combo is a no brainer!

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  29. that buschetta looks awesome! i love the mixture!

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  30. What a great way to use melon! I would never think to use it in bruschetta, but I'm sure it was delish.

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  31. Melon Mondays - love it! :)
    What a fun app! I always get overwhelmed with finding the perfect entertaining appetizer (or 2 or 3...) and end up doing nothing or going the chips/salsa, hummus/veggies route. Lame. Love this one!!

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  32. that is so amazing! I love melon with proscuitto!

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  33. Wow! What an idea. I just got a cantaloupe yesterday, too :)

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