I thought this recipe was the perfect thing to kick off summertime….because nothing says summer better than watermelon. Is there anyone who doesn’t remember sitting outside (probably a little sun kissed and wet from the sprinkler) enjoying the happiness of biting into a sweet juicy slice of watermelon as a child?!? It is a symbol of summer vacations, family BBQs, and all the fun of the season!

This granita takes watermelon to the next level with its icy refreshing goodness. Perfect for those hot days when you need to cool off. Perfect for summertime. Perfect for BBQs and get togethers. AND…its the perfect thing to serve for 4th of July! Grab some white cups and blue spoons for a cute red white and blue theme!

watermelon Granita

THE RECIPE - SERVES 6-8

• 4 cups chopped watermelon, seeds removed

• 1/2 cup water

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 fresh squeezed lemon juice

• 6-8 fresh mint leaves

1. In a small saucepan, heat the water, sugar and mint leaves until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture has come to a boil. Remove from the heat and let the mixture cool. Let the mint leaves steep for 15 min and then remove.

2. Cut up the watermelon into cubes, removing the seeds as you go.

3. Place the watermelon, lemon juice and half of the cooled simple syrup in a food processor and process until smooth. Taste and add more simple syrup if desired (I used about 3/4 of mine)

4. Pour the mixture into a freezer container or glass baking dish and freeze.

There are a couple of ways to do the next step.

1. Freeze for about 30 min and then remove. Using a fork, scrape any ice crystals that have formed on the side or bottom of the pan. Return to freezer and repeat scraping every 20 to 30 minutes for approx. 3 to 4 hours. Once mixture is thoroughly frozen, fluff with a fork and allow flakes to dry in the freezer for another half hour or so. Serve and enjoy!

2. Freeze for 2 hours. Remove from the freezer and let sit 5-10 min. Use a fork to scrape all of the mixture and then return to the freezer for another hour if needed and repeat. Once mixture is thoroughly frozen, fluff with a fork and allow flakes to dry in the freezer for another half hour or so. Serve and enjoy!

Buon Appetito!

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