Spicing up Sweet with Sour

I once thought that sweet and salty or sweet and sour foods were odd combinations, but my tastes have changed and now I'm convinced that they're the best!

If I said the words watermelon and onion to you, would you cringe? These were the major ingredients in a salad I ate in a Swedish restaurant yesterday. And it was fabulous. The recipe is similar to the one my mother always makes with cucumbers, vinegar, a smidgeon of oil, a hint of sugar. This one also had a little bit of spearmint, and was served with spicy arugula.

It reminded me that my characters need a little twist of something different to make them unique, fresh, and that my plots could use the same treatment. Just something for you writers to think about.

Here's a stab at the recipe -- season to taste.

Watermelon Salad

recipe serves 2

2 cups Ripe Watermelon - 1/2 inch cubes of seedless melon

1/2 red onion - thinly sliced and quartered

1/2 cup red wine vinegar

1 teaspoon sugar

Olive oil ---- a splash or two

Spearmint - fresh is best, if dried - add to dressing

Arugula

Prepare the dressing - vinegar, sugar, oil and dried mint. Cut up fruit. Toss everything together and chill. Toss before serving in a cereal bowl with undressed arugula on a side plate.

This is very low calorie and good for you.

While I'm munching, think I'll make notes on my heroine - who could use a bit of vinegar.