TOMATO, WATERMELON, AND BASIL SKEWERS

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Tomato, Watermelon, and Basil Skewers image

Everyone seems to love this simple combination of clean, fresh flavors. If watermelon is not in season you can substitute cantaloupe, but for a burst of pure flavor that really plays off the herbal flavor of the tomatoes, you can't beat watermelon. Stacking the skewers vertically and serving them upright looks especially elegant.

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup sugar
1 4- to 5-pound seedless watermelon
60 small basil leaves (or torn larger leaves)
16 cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Coarse or kosher salt
Special equipment: 16 (6-inch) wooden skewers

Steps:

  • Combine the balsamic vinegar and sugar in a small nonreactive saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.
  • Cut the top and bottom off the watermelon, then make 4 straight cuts down the sides so you have a cube of rindless watermelon. Cut the cube into 1 1/2-inch slices, then cut the slices into 1 1/2-inch cubes. Assemble the skewers by pushing a basil leaf to the end of one skewer. Then skewer a cube of watermelon, then a tomato half. Continue with another watermelon cube, basil leaf, and tomato half, ending with a basil leaf. Repeat to make 15 more skewers.
  • Drizzle the skewers with the reserved balsamic syrup and the olive oil. Sprinkle with salt. Serve.

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