Melon Ball Salad with Lime Syrup

Ingredients

• 3 lb cantaloupe 
• 4.5 lb wedges honeydew melon 
• 0.5 cup juice of lime fresh
• 2 tablespoons lime zest finely grated
• 0.8 cup sugar 

Equipment

• bowl
• frying pan
• sauce pan
• melon baller

Directions

1. Combine sugar, lime juice and 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan. Stir over medium-high heat until sugar has dissolved, about 5 minutes.
2. Remove from heat and add lime zest. Cover pan and set aside for 15 minutes. Strain into a small bowl, cover and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, at least 2 hours. (Can be made up to 3 days in advance.)
3. Cut each melon in half, remove and discard seeds and scoop flesh with a sharp 1-inch melon baller.
4. Place all melon balls in a large bowl, cover and refrigerate until 30 minutes before serving.
5. Pour lime syrup over melon balls. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. Divide into 8 tumblers and garnish with mint, if desired.