Melon and Berries Steeped in Red Wine, Sauternes, Basil, and Mint

• 1 tablespoon roughly chopped basil (about 6 large leaves)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh mint (about 12 large leaves), plus whole sprigs for garnish
• 1 cup Sauternes or other dessert wine
• 1/2 cup Cabernet Sauvignon or other red wine
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
• 1/2 Charentais or other melon such as cantaloupe, honeydew, or Crenshaw, scooped into 12 balls
• 8 ounces strawberries, stems removed and quartered
• 1/4 cup blackberries
• 6 ounces raspberries (1/2-pint container)
• 1/2 cup chilled rose champagne
• Fresh currants, for garnish (optional)

1. Prepare an ice-water bath; set aside.
2. Tie the basil and mint in a small square of cheesecloth.
3. In a small saucepan, combine the Sauternes, red wine, sugar, vanilla bean, and mint-basil bundle.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
5. Remove from heat; transfer to the ice bath.
6. Chill until lukewarm.
7. Add the melon, strawberries, and blackberries; transfer to a large bowl.
8. Cover; place in the refrigerator for 4 to 6 hours.
9. To serve, remove the vanilla bean.
10. Stir in the raspberries.
11. Transfer the mixture to 4 bowls.
12. Drizzle about 2 tablespoons champagne over each, and garnish with currants, if desired, and mint.

basil, fresh mint, dessert wine, cabernet sauvignon, sugar, vanilla bean, charentais, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, champagne, fresh currants

Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/melon-and-berries-steeped-in-red-wine-sauternes-basil-and-mint-392848 (may not work)