Spicy Melon and Serrano Ham

By [e-mail]

Ingredients

• 2 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 5 cloves
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 1 cup white wine vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 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)
• Drizzle of olive oil
• Dash coarse salt

Preparation

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, combine spices, vinegar, water, sugar, and lemon rind. Place over medium heat and simmer for 3 minutes.

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.

Lay slices of ham in center 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.