Cool Summer Appetizer {Prosciutto w/cantaloupe/honey dew melon and fresh mozzarella cheese}

Summer is almost here and with summer comes entertaining to include backyard BBQs.  My kids and I went to the library recently to sign up for their summer book club reading.  I picked two books both by Williams-Sonoma.  One was Outdoor Entertaining and the other one was Essentials of Mediterranean Cooking.  I love looking at different cookbooks and trying new recipes.  I am especially drawn to books and magazines that include pictures of the recipe.   When we have guest over, I want to entertain them.  I don’t want to be in the kitchen all day long, which takes away from entertaining.  A cool yet flavorful dish you can whip up in no time is prosciutto with cantaloupe/honey dew melon and fresh mozzarella cheese.  While staying in Italy we were always served family style but these can easily be put on skewers and served individually.  All you need is:

Cantaloupe/Honeydew melon

Prosciutto

Mozzarella (the pearl mozzarella balls work great with this recipe if you can find them)

Olive oil

Basil (I love to experiment with different herbs so try some thyme also)

Salt

Pepper

If you have a melon baller start by scooping the cantaloupe into balls, take the prosciutto and randomly place around the cantaloupe balls.  (I am a big believer in you eat with your eyes so presentation is a big thing for me).  Next randomly place the mozzarella balls around the serving tray.  Once you have these ingredients in place sprinkle olive oil and finish up by sprinkling with kosher or sea salt, fresh ground pepper and basil (you can either tear or chiffonade the basil).

This is such a great appetizer that is perfect for summer entertaining and I know your guest will love them too.

 Buon Appetito