Gussy up your summer fruit salad with a vanilla and hanepoot syrup that'll have guests asking for more.  

In today's recipe we will be using strawberries, raspberries, peaches and melon but feel free to use any combination of your favourite firm fruits instead.

We are blessed with a variety of very tasty sweet wines in South Africa which don't cost a fortune and are not only delightful winter warmers but also excellent bases for summer cocktails and for pouring over desserts or for sipping with desserts in little well-chilled glasses.

In today's recipe we will be using lovely hanepoot which really goes well with the fruit.

To serve four portions you need:

Ingredients

2 ripe peaches, peeled and sliced into chunks

1 firm, ripe sweet melon, peeled and sliced into chunks

400g strawberries, hulled and halved

½ vanilla pot, split

200ml hanepoot wine

200ml red wine

75g caster sugar

125g raspberries

Method

In a pot or small pan combine the hanepoot, red wine, vanilla and sugar.

Over medium heat bring to the boil and reduce by one-third then set aside to cool.

Spoon all the fruit into a bowl and pour the syrup over the fruit and gently mixed well.

Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.