Today I found myself with WAY too much cantaloupe and no idea what to do with it. Let's face it - compared to the rest of the fruits out there, cantaloupe is the kid that gets picked last for kickball. People are always going to go for the berries first, then the tropical fruits, then heck. Even grapes get picked before cantaloupe. Cantaloupe and its cousin honeydew are always the crappy fruits that come in the fruit bowl at restaurants when you get to pick between that and fries or a side salad - it's always a little crunchy, there's probably going to be some rind still attached, and if you're lucky enough to score some pineapple or strawberries with it, they're either too hard/mushy, taste like nothing, or you're in for a major cankersore by tomorrow. 

The key to cantaloupe is easy - eat it ripe. It seems obvious, but cantaloupe gets a bad rep from lazy restaurants who serve customers shitty, unripe cantaloupe to keep costs down and still pretend like they're offering customers a "healthy" side option. Who cares if it's healthier or not, it's gross - hand over those greasy, delicious fries, please. Cantaloupe is fantastic when it's actually ripe and in season, but most people just think of it as the shitty fruit in the bottom of the bowl that no one wants, and "mom if you try to make me eat cantaloupe one more time, I'm not going to eat anything but oreos for a week." I remember my first "cantaloupe-is-actually-delicious" experience in Italy a few years ago, where prosciutto and melon is a staple on any menu. The salty/sweet, juicy, fresh, mouthwatering experience was a total eye opener into the world of the fruit that everyone loves to hate. So what's a girl to do when she's got too much on her hands? There are plenty of delicious options out there depending on your mood. If you're in the mood to drink, grab the tequila and triple sec to make some fruity margaritas for you and the girls to sit poolside. With the family? Dice it up, mix with onions, cilantro & lime juice, and you've got yourself a refreshing fruit salsa that's perfect for some crunchy, salty tortilla chips. Feeling like a date night with the husband instead? Cut your melon into slices and wrap some prosciutto around those babies. Whether you choose to drink, dip, or devour - cantaloupe deserves a second chance. Give it a try this weekend - one of these recipes may change your mind!