• Source: There's a Chef in My Family
• Dish Type: Dessert
• Cuisine: Italian
• Cooking Method: Other
• Occasion: Summer
• Effort Level: Simple

My First Watermelon Granita

A simple introduction into the world of flavored ices, granitas, and sorbets! Make this in the summer when watermelons are at their peak.

Ingredients

• 5 cups peeled and seeded watermelon chunks (from about a 3-pound slice of watermelon)
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Instructions

Place the watermelon chunks in the bowl of a blender or a food processor, replace the top, and blend on high speed until very smooth. Turn the blender off.

Transfer the watermelon puree to a mixing bowl and add the sugar and lime juice.

Stir with a wooden spoon until the sugar is completely dissolved, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Transfer the mixing bowl to the freezer and freeze for 30 minutes.

Remove the bowl from the freezer and use a fork to scrape any ice crystals from the sides of the bowl. Stir to incorporate the crystals. Return to the freezer.

Repeat this scraping procedure every 30 minutes, or until the consistency is "snowy" when scraped with a fork or spoon, at least 4 hours. Then scoop into bowls or dessert glasses and serve.

YIELD: 6 to 8 servings