FRUIT CUP

I don't know how many of you have ever lived in Texas but one thing I miss from being there is their fruit stands that are practically on every corner. These aren't fruit stands that sell fruit, they are stands that strictly make one of three sizes of fruit cup for you with whatever fruit you want! They also put this Mexican spice stuff on it which happens to be very yummy, so after much searching I put together this, it tastes WONDERFUL!










Servings: 4

SYRUP:
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1/8 cup fresh lemon juice
1 and 1/4 tablespoons honey
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/8 cup chopped fresh mint
1/2 tablespoon grated lemon rind

FRUIT:
2 1/2 cups cubed cantaloupe
2 1/2 cups cubed honeydew melon
7/8 cup fresh blueberries
7/8 cup quartered fresh strawberries
5/8 cup cubed ripe pear
1/4 cup fresh blackberries
1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh mint (optional)

*ALL these fruits are optional, you can add or take away what you want. I didn't have bananas or I would've thrown those in instead of blackberries*

SYRUP:
Combine the first 5 syrup ingredients in a small saucepan: bring to a boil. Cook 3 mnts. or until mixture is slightly syrupy.

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

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

FRUIT:
Combine all the salad ingredients in a large bowl.

Add syrup; toss gently to coat.

Cover and refrigerate 2 hours, stirring occasionally.