Oh, those majestic summer melons! Whether you prefer cantaloupe, watermelon, honeydew or Canary melons, these make great healthy snacks, chilled appetizers, or colorful desserts. Cut your melon choice into chunks and mix it with poppyseed dressing for a fast-track presentation. Mix marmalade and dash of brandy to fold into pieces of melon and fruit for a dynamic compote. Puree your melon selection, seeds removed, for a delicate chilled summer soup. I like to add a touch to of fruit juice to the puree for flavoring and a dash of salt and sweetener, as needed. For example, cantaloupe soup gets a lift with a small portion of apricot nectar. And isn’t the best summer kitchen fun experimenting with flavor combinations! Melons pair well with prosciutto, boiled shrimp, and cheese. The presentation impacts, too; so, try to find dishware that compliments the color palette of the fruit to enhance the appetite. Pedestal bowls, trifle bowls, jadeite melon bowls, and ice cream boats allow melon slices to showcase in style. © Kelly McBride Loft