Cantaloupe

**Editor's note:**This recipe is reprinted from Rose Hammick's and Charlotte Packer's book Great Parties for Kids. For Hammick's and Packer's tips on throwing a kids' summer party, click here. Make the fruit kabobs a day in advance and keep them in the fridge. The sauces can also be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge for 2 days.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Ginger, cumin, and black pepper add an exotic touch to this refreshing and colorful three-melon dessert. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

GELATO DI MELONE

Juicy cantaloupe makes a refreshing salsa for grilled chicken or fish. For a milder salsa, discard all the chile seeds.

The smoked paprika in this recipe adds depth. Unlike Hungarian paprika powder, which is prepared by drying the chiles in the sun, the Spanish smoked version (like La Chinata brand) is prepared by roasting the peppers over smoldering oak fires before being ground to a velvety powder. Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 30 min

An easy side dish for ham or chicken. The dressing can be made a day ahead.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.

If you prefer, use honeydew melon for an equally good salsa. Offer buttered new potatoes and sautéed spinach with the fish. Afterward, serve slices of pound cake with rum-soaked raisins and store-bought caramel sauce. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Sugar cookies are the perfect accompaniment to this colorful finale.

A dash of curry powder transforms this cool fruit soup into a sweetly savory first course.

This dessert is a trompe l'oeil, resembling the peel, rind, and flesh of a cantaloupe.