Musk Melon Shikran

Musk melon is not a universal favorite. Also known as cantaloupe, there are people who don't like the taste of it. I am one of those few who actually like a musk melon. I may not be entirely crazy about it, but yes I do like the light watery sweetness of the melon. Especially so when the heat is as scorching as it is right now, a musk melon is a welcome addition to my daily diet.

Thankfully Saee likes everything fruity. She loves fruit. Although I am aware that Ayurved recommends that fruit not be eaten half an hour before and two hours after a meal (especially with wheat based meals), sometimes there is no other way for a tired mommy to feed her baby unless there is something the baby likes, in the meal.

Although I know that this must be a common recipe in Maharashtrian households, but I am not so sure about the non-Maharashtrians. In case you've never made it and you don't like the taste of the cantaloupe per se, then this is a recipe for you.

Ingredients

• 1 small musk melon (chibood as we call it in Marathi and kharbooja in Hindi)
• 3 tbsp sugar (or more if you like it sweeter)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
• A few strands of saffron (optional)

Grate the musk melon. Add the sugar and the milk. Stir it well to dissolve the sugar. Now add the cardamom powder, mix and chill for at least an hour before serving.

Garnish with a few strands of saffron or kesar. (I didn't have any, so I didn't garnish)

Serve chilled!

Happy Cooking!