Let me start by saying that cantaloupe (pronounced meh-lon) is similar to melon. In France, this fruit is a smaller, more compact and concentrated version of the melon. It is juicy, sweet and very refreshing during the hot, humid and hot days of the French summer.
The melon is easy to serve: open it up, remove the seeds and serve it. But you can do more than serve it. naturally. Although it is sweet and juicy, it can be accompanied with sweet or salty additions. Here are some more common ways to serve it in France. Keep in mind that the French serve this fruit as a first course, not as a side to the main course as is sometimes seen on the American table.
Also, you don’t really see melon for breakfast (again, very American). Sometimes you find a little sliced in a fruit salad for dessert, but honestly, I wouldn’t say you’d find a lot in fruit salad (probably that one or two leftover slices that no one could manage at lunchtime). If you think that’s possible!)
Served in an alcohol such as port wine, any sweet cooked wine is a common variant on this French first course dish. While red port is the most common, I’ve also tried it with Pineau or white cooking wine. Also try a sweet white wine like Sauternes or Montbazillac if you can find any on hand.
Heavy, strong red wine is a new twist for serving this fruit with alcohol. I tried this version recently with our English friends. A lovely and lighter version than with port. I suggest a strong, heady red like a Cabernet Sauvignon.
Another presentation option is to serve it with ham. Namely, prosciutto, or thinly sliced European ham. Wrap the slice of melon, pierce with a toothpick and serve for dinner.
A final serving suggestion is with griotte cherries: cherries in kirsch or brandy. Nice combo.
Since cantaloupe is bigger than cantaloupe, I cut up my melon squares, mixed with my liqueur of choice, and served in a large salad bowl.
Of course, the melon can be served in other ways. This is just a starting point. To finish, I must say that everyone likes melon. No, I haven’t run a world poll, but I’ve been serving it for years; I’ve been eating it at dinner parties for years and have never heard anyone (of any age) say, “Oh du melon… bruek!” (Oh my gosh, melon…yuck!)
No, the usual response is, ‘Yippy!’ (from children) and adults, “Oh, I’ve been looking forward to that! It’s so light and refreshing.”
Keep in mind that cantaloupe is light in consistency and calories, carbs, and calories. It’s a great food to eat that will make you smile without weighing you down.
