We have a new friend on Mendenhall Street and he happens to be a bunny in the backyard. It’s a miracle that he has yet to be discovered by Winston and remains in one piece – munching on our grass and being cute as he could be. That is how eventful my weekend was. I watched the bunny…
Meanwhile, I did my own munching. On mint! My neighbors have a variety of mints (chocolate, orange, etc) growing on their front hill and I clipped enough to make the most delicious mojitos with the addition of my homegrown CUCAMELONS!
What the cucamleon?! Yes. The cucamelon (or melothria scabra) is a vine grown edible fruit that are the size of grapes and taste like cucumbers with a tinge of sourness. They are also commonly known as the “cutest fruit ever.” My mother insisted that I grow them this summer (so much that she started the plants from seed and delivered them from Florida). While they are incredibly cute and easy to grow – I really have no idea what to do with them. They are a little seedy and much better to just admire from a distance. So, I tossed them into the mojitos I made on Saturday night using some very special Diplomatico Rum. The mojitos were a big hit with friends on Saturday night with homemade Black Bean Bowls with Chicken and Apple Salsa (recipe coming soon) and Fresh Market guacamole and chips.
Mojitos are the perfect seasonal drink this time of year. Forage some mint and get muddling! Oh, and add the cucamelons if you have them.
- ½ oz. Lime Juice
- 1 Teaspoon Superfine Sugar
- A bunch of fresh mint leaves
- 2 oz. Diplomático Rum
- Club Soda
- 4 or 5 cucuamons, optional, duh
PS: Look how happy your friends are when you make them Cucamelon Mojitos!
Mod Meals on Mendenhall 
[…] Cucamelons, also known as mouse melons are expected to be seen at farmers markets everywhere this year due do their eye catching charm and interesting flavor. The cucamelons are about the size of a large grape and look like miniature watermelons. They grow quickly on vines and have a high production yield, which is appealing for a home gardener. The flavor has been described as a hybrid between slightly bitter cucumbers and fava beans. They are lovely to look at and do well in any summer salad, they’re perfect to pickle, and make an interesting, slightly sour mojito! […]