LCBO Food & Drink Summer 2018

3 Into a very large serving bowl add the oil, remaining lemon juice, honey, salt and pepper; whisk to combine. 4 To the serving bowl with the vinaigrette, add the melon balls, blueberries, bocconcini, mint and peas. Very gently toss to combine and coat with the vinaigrette. Shave the ricotta salata on top and serve immediately. 5 Garnish with more mint—tiny whole leaves are pretty—if desired. Makes about 8 cups (2 L), serves 4 to 6

2 cups (500 mL) balled cantaloupe, seeded 2 cups (500 mL) balled honeydew melon, seeded 3 tbsp (45 mL) freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1 large lemon); divided 3 tbsp (45 mL) grape seed or other neutral tasting oil such as sunflower, canola or peanut

1 tbsp (15 mL) runny honey ¼ tsp (1 mL) fine sea salt ¼ tsp (1 mL) black pepper

1 cup (250 mL) fresh blueberries, washed 1 cup (250 mL) bocconcini pearls, drained 3 tbsp (45 mL) finely chopped or chiffonade fresh mint leaves, stems discarded ¼ cup (60 mL) shaved or crumbled ricotta salata or other salty, hard, aged cheese such as pecorino or Romano 1 Set a medium saucepan of water over high heat. When it’s boiling, add the peas and cook for 30 seconds. Drain through a sieve in the sink, and run cold water over peas until they are cool to the touch, then set aside in the fridge to continue to drain and chill. 2 Add melon balls to a bowl and drizzle with 1 tbsp (15 mL) of the lemon juice, toss to coat, and set aside in the fridge.

MUCHO MELON SALAD We think this all-round, multi-coloured salad is as cute as a button; but if you don’t have a melon baller, don’t fret, just go with cubes instead. The sweetness of the melon and blue- berry is beautifully balanced by the freshness of mint, the saltiness of the ricotta salata, the creaminess of bocconcini, and the green sharp- ness of the peas—and it just might be the pret- tiest salad you make all summer! The market is full of interesting newmelon varieties—canary yellow, Santa Claus, honey kiss—so have fun and try something new! 1 cup (250 mL) fresh peas, blanched and chilled 2 cups (500 mL) balled watermelon, seedless or seeds removed

WHAT TO SERVE VOGA Moscato Frizzante IGT LCBO 267781

$14.50 The light effervescence and honey sweetness of this Moscato is a superb match for the delicious and delicate flavour of melons. Smirnoff Watermelon Flavoured Vodka LCBO 382036 $27.70 Serve this mouth-watering watermelon-infused vodka with a splash of soda to echo the melon flavours of the salad.

You don’t need an excuse or an occasion to come to The Keg. Whether you join us for after-work drinks or a spontaneous date night, we’ll always make you feel celebrated. THE BEST REASON IS JUST BECAUSE

WHY NOT TONIGHT?

FOOD & DRI NK SUMMER 2018 147