Watermelon Granita

     ”Everybody make this! It’s even better than biting into a wedge of fresh watermelon. You can drizzle Cointreau or tequila over this granita.”

     From “Granita Magic” by Nadia Roden.

     260 MINUTES

     20 minutes to make

     240 minutes to freeze

     1/2 cup water

     5 to 7 tablespoons sugar

     1/2 large watermelon (5 pounds of flesh)

     Juice and zest of 2 limes

     Put the water and sugar in a saucepan and bring to a low boil.

     When the sugar has dissolved, remove the pan from the heat.

     Cut the rind off the watermelon, then cut the flesh into 2-inch chunks.

     Puree the melon chunks in batches in a food processor.

     Press the puree through a sieve.

     Discard the seeds and fibers.

     Stir the syrup, lime juice and zest into the melon liquid.

     To freeze, follow the classic method.

     Makes 4 servings.

     Per serving: 256 calories; 2 g fat (0 g saturated fat; 7 percent calories from fat); 60 g carbohydrates; 0 mg cholesterol; 11 mg sodium; 4 g protein; 1 g fiber.