I visited Israel virtually every summer preceding my aliya and, to commemorate the fact that I was actually here in the country I loved best, I made it a ritual to mark my arrival by tucking into a plate of ruby-red watermelon with creamy feta cheese.

It was only once I made the Big Move that I admitted to myself that I don't particularly like this typically Israeli combination and, because I no longer felt I had to prove my affinity for all things blue 'n white, I had the freedom to eat watermelon any which way I chose.

Purists will argue the case for eating watermelon on its own - which I agree has refreshing appeal - but it's also more than a little predictable.

This striking Summer Fruit Salad in Crushed Berry Syrup is virtually as easy to prepare as a tray of plain watermelon, but it elevates this simple dish to give it gourmet status.

As it uses frozen berries, it is suitable for serving the whole summer through, and the fact that it's pareve makes it the ultimate finale to a Shabbat meal or barbecue.

Save the watermelon and feta mismatch for the tourists, and make this your signature dish this summer, and for every summer to come.

SUMMER FRUIT SALAD IN CRUSHED BERRY SYRUP

Ingredients

1/2 large watermelon, cut in large cubes

6 nectarines, sliced

2 cups fresh berries or cherries (optional)

Fresh mint leaves to garnish

SYRUP

1 sachet frozen, mixed berries

1/3 cup fresh lemon juice

1/2 cup sugar

1 cup water

3 tablespoons Triple Sec liqueur (optional)

Method

1: Place the lemon juice, sugar and water in a saucepan and stir over low heat till the sugar has dissolved.

2: Add the sachet of frozen berries and leave to simmer for 5 minutes till the syrup has thickened slightly.

3: Stir in the liqueur – if using – and allow syrup to cool then pour over the watermelon, nectarines and berries and garnish with mint.

COOK'S NOTES: Frozen berries are available at all supermarkets and are surprisingly inexpensive. This vibrant berry sauce is also wonderful served over vanilla ice-cream, with pancakes, cheese blintzes, waffles or plain yoghurt.

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