MELON IN COCONUT MILK

A cooling dessert for hot summer days. Serves 4

1 can coconut milk, unsweetened
2 tablespoons sugar
juice of 2 limes
1 melon, halved and seeded

Stir together coconut milk, sugar and lime juice until the sugar dissolves, then chill in the fridge until ready to serve. Either scoop melon into balls with a melon baller, or cut the rind off and slice the melon into bite-sized pieces. Divide the melon among 4 serving dishes, and pour the cold coconut milk over the top. Serve immediately.

JERK CHICKEN WITH MELON SALSA

A splendid combination of spicy and sweet - delicious served over lettuce or seasoned rice as a filling main course. Serves 2

2 chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
juice of 2 limes (approx. 4 teaspoons)
2 teaspoons jerk or Caribbean-style seasoning blend
1 medium melon, diced
1 handful chopped fresh coriander
1 red onion, diced
salt and pepper to taste

Combine jerk seasoning, oil, and the juice of one lime in a bowl. Add the chicken breasts and toss to coat, then marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, and up to 24 hours. Combine the melon, coriander, onion, and remaining lime juice in a bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cook the marinated chicken on the barbeque for about 10 minutes on each side, or under the grill for approximately 20 minutes, until it is firm and cooked throughout. Whilst cooking, brush the chicken with the leftover marinade. Slice the chicken into strips. To serve, spoon the melon salsa over lettuce or rice, and top with the sliced chicken.

MELON AND CUCUMBERS WITH PEPPER AND LIME

Serve on a bed of greens, such as rocket, watercress, or shredded lettuce. Serves 4.

1/2 melon, seeded
2 long cucumbers, halved lengthwise
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of two limes
optional: chopped fresh mint or coriander

Slice the melon into narrow wedges and remove the skin, then cut into bite-sized pieces. Slice the cucumber crosswise into bite-sized pieces. Arrange the melon and cucumbers on top of the greens, Squeeze the lime juice on top, and season to taste with a little salt and pepper. Sprinkle optional herbs on top.