Anonymous Fri Oct 07 11:21:13 2005

1/2 cup sugar

3 oz. champagne

1/2 gal. seasonal fruit juice

1/2 cup honeydew flesh, diced

1/2 cup cantaloupe flesh, diced

1/4 cup watermelon flesh, small parisienne

1/4 cup seedless grapes, cut into quarters

1 plum, pitted, thinly sliced

4 oz. vodka

2 oz. tequila

4 oz. orange juice

cinnamon, to taste

nutmeg, to taste

6 honeydew rings, thinly sliced

Combine sugar and champagne in saucepan; stir to dissolve. Add fruit juice; heat to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer for 15 minutes. Strain through cheesecloth; refrigerate until chilled. Place honeydew, cantaloupe, watermelon, grapes and plums in bowl. Combine vodka, tequila, orange juice, cinnamon and nutmeg; pour over fruits. Marinate 15 minutes.

TO SERVE

Place marinated fruit in chilled soup cup; place honeydew ring over fruit. Ladle chilled fruit broth into cup. Suggested accompaniments include quick breads such as coconut-banana bread.

NOTES

Season: Summer

Food Cost: Low to moderate