Watermelon and Cherry Salad with Fresh Mint Syrup

Yield: 10 servings

Ingredients:

• 3 lb Watermelon
• 2 lb Cherries, fresh, pitted
• 1 bunch Fresh mint
• 8 fl oz Water
• 3 oz Granulated Sugar
• Fresh mint sprigs as needed for garnish

Directions:

1) Pick mint leaves and wash them.

2) Bring water to a boil in a small saucepan. Blanch the mint leaves in water for 20 seconds. Remove the leaves and refresh them in cold water. Reserve blanching water.

3)Add the sugar to the blanching water, bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes.

4) Drain the mint leaves. Squeeze all of the water out of them and chop them finely. Add the chopped mint to the sugar syrup. Refrigerate syrup until cold.

5) Dice the watermelon or scoop balls from it with a melon ball cutter. Combine the watermelon with the pitted cherries in a stainless steel bowl. Pour the mint syrup over the fruit and toss gently.

6) Serve garnished with sprigs of fresh mint.