Melon and Parma Ham soup

Please don't be surprised or put off by the title of this recipe, it's a combination that really works. We had this one not in Crete, but near to Naples (see link below) years ago and it has become a firm favourite on those hot summer days.

Dead easy and quick

Serves 4

Ingredients

1 large cantaloupe or charentais melon(make sure it's ripe)

4large slices parma ham,

juice of 1 orange

juice of 1 lemon

Salt

Ground black pepper

1 Cup ice cubes

Method

Take the flesh from the melon with the ice cubes and liquidise until it becomes a thick purée. Stir in the lemon and orange juice. Take it easy with the lemon though, I would suggest tasting it as you go, as too much lemon will spoil the flavour. Add salt and pepper to taste. Pour into individual bowls, tear strips of ham from the slices roll them into little sausage shapes and drop them into the nectar.

Trust me and LOVE IT!!