Melon, Berry, and Pear Salad With Cayenne-Lemon-Mint Syrup

Ingredients

Syrup

• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• 1 tablespoon grated lemon rind

Salad

• 6 cups cubed cantaloupe (1-inch cubes)
• 6 cups cubed honeydew melon (1-inch cubes)
• 2 cups fresh blueberries
• 2 cups quartered fresh strawberries
• 1 1/2 cups cubed ripe pears (1/2-inch cubes)
• 1 cup fresh blackberries
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
• 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Directions

1. 1

   To make syrup: combine the first 5 syrup ingredients in a small saucepan; bring to a boil.

2. 2

   Cook 3 minutes or until mixture is slightly syrupy.

3. 3

   Remove pan from heat; stir in 1/4 cup mint and lemon rind; let stand 30 minutes.

4. 4

   Strain syrup through a sieve into a bowl; throw away solids.

5. 5

   To make the salad: Combine all the salad ingredients in a large bowl.

6. 6

   Add syrup; toss gently to coat.

7. 7

   Cover and refrigerate 2 hours, stirring occasionally.