Melon, Berry, And Pear Salad With Cayenne-Lemon-Mint Syrup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

Syrup
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup water
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 cup chopped of fresh mint
1 tablespoon grated lemon rind
Salad
6 cups cubed cantaloupe (1-inch cubes)
6 cups cubed honeydew melon (1-inch cubes)
2 cups fresh blueberries
2 cups quartered fresh strawberries
1 1/2 cups cubed ripe pears (1/2-inch cubes)
1 cup fresh blackberries
1 tablespoon chopped of fresh mint
1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Preparation

To make syrup: combine the first 5 syrup ingredients in a small saucepan; bring to a boil.
Cook 3 minutes or until mixture is slightly syrupy.
Remove pan from heat; stir in 1/4 cup mint and lemon rind; let stand 30 minutes.
Strain syrup through a sieve into a bowl; throw away solids.
To make the salad: Combine all the salad ingredients in a large bowl.
Add syrup; toss gently to coat.
Cover and refrigerate 2 hours, stirring occasionally.