Watermelon Granita (Italian Ice)

When I was in junior high, there was a house right next to our school, and the owner of this house sold homemade slush, or Italian ice, which he made in his basement and actually turned his basement window into a store front to which we kids could walk up and order the most delicious homemade slush I had ever tasted.  It was a real treat for us.   I remember I would ask my mom for change so that I could get one after school.  Sadly, like so many of the mom-and-pop-type stores, it is no longer there.  This treat reminded me of that yummy slush from way back then. 

Granita is a wonderful, slush-like, treat that is really simple to make.  This version is made with fresh watermelon, lemon, and a sugar syrup.  It is the perfect refreshment for those hot days when nothing seems to quench your thirst.   It is sweet enough for the kids and the fresh fruit flavor is sure to please the adults. 

To make this granita, bring two cups of water and 1/2 cup of sugar to a boil. 

 Simmer for about five minutes until the sugar is dissolved, stirring occasionally.  Set aside to cool.

Meanwhile, cut watermelon into cubes.  You will need 2 slightly heaping cups.  Place the watermelon and the juice and half of the zest of one lemon into a food processor or blender and puree.   Pour the watermelon/lemon mixture and the sugar syrup into a 9 x 13 pan.  Mix well.  You need to use a long pan.  That way it will freeze better and quicker.

Excuse the pan..I know I need some new bakeware.

  Place pan in the freezer.   After 30 minutes, use a fork to break up any ice crystals that have formed especially around the edges.   Give it a good stir too and cover with plastic wrap.  You will need to do this every 45 minutes to an hour, breaking up the ice crystals and mixing until it has frozen into a slush texture.  This will take about four hours.   At this point, it can be served or placed into a freezer-safe container and stored in freezer until ready to serve.  To serve, let set on the counter for a minute or two and stir to break it up a bit before serving.  I think this would also make a great cocktail, maybe add a little vodka:)

Watermelon Granita
2 cups of water
1/2 to 3/4 cups of sugar, depending on how sweet you want it
The juice and half of the zest of one lemon (no more than 1/2 cup of juice, though)
2 cups of watermelon cut into cubes

In a medium saucepan, boil sugar and water.  Simmer five minutes, stirring occasionally until sugar is dissolved.  Set aside to cool.

Meanwhile, place watermelon and lemon juice and zest in a blender or food processor and puree.

Place water/sugar syrup and watermelon/lemon puree into a 9 x 13 inch baking pan.  Place in the freezer.  Freeze for 30 minutes.  After 30 minutes, remove from freezer.  Use a fork to break up ice crystals especially around the edges and give it a good stir.  Cover with plastic wrap.  Every 45 minutes to one hour, remove from refrigerator and break up ice crystals with a fork, especially around the edges, and stir.  Do this until frozen into slush texture desired, about four hours.  At this point, it is ready to serve.  If desired, place in a freezer-safe container and store in freezer until ready to serve.  When ready to serve, place on counter for a minute or two to let it melt a bit.  Then stir to break up into a slush and serve.