1 1/2 c. water
1 c. sugar
1 c. fresh mint leaves
juice of 1 orange
juice of 1 lemon and/or lime
5 c. watermelon balls
1 cantaloupe, scooped into balls
3 c. (about 1 lb) green grapes
2 c. fresh strawberries, capped
whole pears (optional)

Combine water and sugar in a heavy saucepan; bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Stir in mint and fruit juice; set aside to cool. Combine melon, grapes, and strawberries in a large, shallow container; add mint mixture. Cover and marinate in refrigerator for 1-2 hours. Drain well.

Place fruit on 6-inch skewers; place skewers into whole pears.

Makes 3 dozen.

Submitted by: Karen LaValley