Spicy Melon and Serrano Ham

Easy, Moderate, Complex

Yield: 4 – 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 star anise
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 5 cloves
  • 1 teaspoon coriander seeds (5 ml)
  • 1 cup white wine vinegar (250 ml)
  • 1 cup water (250 ml)
  • 1/2cup white sugar (125 ml)
  • 3 pieces lemon rind
  • 1/4 of whole, peeled, seedless watermelon
  • 1/2 cantelope
  • 8 thin slices Serrano ham (2 per person)
  • 1 cup mixed good Olives (Manzanillas, Kalamatas, green garlic) (250 ml)
  • Drizzle of olive oil
  • Dash coarse salt

Method

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine spices, vinegar, water, sugar, and lemon rind. Place over medium heat and simmer for 3 minutes.
  2. Cut melons into large cubes, and pop into your pickling liquid.  Let sit in pickling liquid for about a minute to allow the exotic flavours to infuse lightly.
  3. Lay slices of ham in centre of platter, top with a nice mound of the pickled melons. Scatter some olives, a drizzle of olive oil and a little sprinkle of coarse salt.