Watermelon Margarita Bites

Nothing says Summer and outdoor gatherings like Watermelon, and Margaritas! Here's a great little appetizer that offers the best of both, with just a bit of a bite from a Candied Jalapeno and Jalapeno Lime Simple Syrup. Enjoy in moderation!

Ingredients:

1 med Seedless Watermelon

Jalapeño Lime Simple Syrup: 2 C Sugar 2 C Water 2 T Lime Zest ½ C Fresh Lime Juice ½ Jalapeño, sliced & seeded

2 Jalapeños, thinly sliced into rounds ½ C Sugar ½ C Water 2 C Tequila ¾ C Triple Sec, Cointreau, or Gran Marnier 8 oz Cotija Cheese Lime Zest

Instructions:

1. Cut Watermelon into 1” slices. Using 1 1/2 “ round cookie cutter, cut rounds from slices and set aside. 2. Jalapeño Lime Simple Syrup: In small saucepan over medium heat, combine Sugar, Water, Lime Zest, Lime Juice and seeded Jalapeño. Stir until Sugar is completely dissolved and remove from heat. Remove Jalapeños if you don’t want it to be too spicy, or you may omit completely for a tamer version. Chill. 3. In separate small saucepan over medium heat, combine Sugar, Water & Jalapeño slices. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes & remove from heat. Place Jalapeños & syrup into airtight container and chill. 4. In medium mixing bowl, whisk together Jalapeño Lime Simple Syrup, Tequila, & Triple Sec, Cointreau or Gran Marnier and pour over Watermelon rounds. Cover & chill for 2-6 hours. 5. When ready to serve, remove marinated Watermelon rounds and place in a single layer on a platter. Place one candied Jalapeño on each round & sprinkle with Cotija Cheese. Skewer with bamboo know skewers or party picks. Garnish with Lime Zest as desired. 6. Reserve marinade for use in Margaritas. Enjoy!

#Appetizers #fruit #watermelon #Jalapenos #amusebouche #margarita