Anise Fruit Salad

Name: Anise Fruit Salad
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12-14 servings.
Ingredients: 2 cups water; 1-1/2 cups sugar; 3 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon aniseed; 6 cups cubed honeydew; 4 cups cubed fresh pineapple; 2-1/2 cups cubed cantaloupe; 2 cups seedless green grapes; 2 cups seedless red grapes; 2 cups cubed orange sections; 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries; 1 medium firm banana, sliced; 2 kiwifruit, peeled and sliced

The thing I like best about fruit salad is you can change the ingredients based on what fruits are in season. Here, a subtle anise flavor highlights a bounty of fresh fruit.

Ingredients

2 cups water
1-1/2 cups sugar
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon aniseed
6 cups cubed honeydew
4 cups cubed fresh pineapple
2-1/2 cups cubed cantaloupe
2 cups seedless green grapes
2 cups seedless red grapes
2 cups cubed orange sections
1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
1 medium firm banana, sliced
2 kiwifruit, peeled and sliced

Directions

In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine water, sugar, lemon juice and aniseed; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium; cook, uncovered, for 40 minutes or until mixture is slightly thickened and reduced by one-third (about 1-1/2 cups). Remove from the heat; cover and cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine honeydew, pineapple, cantaloupe, grapes and oranges. Pour anise mixture over fruit; toss to coat. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour. Just before serving, add strawberries and banana; gently toss. Garnish with kiwi.