Watermelon Granita

For the past few weeks on and off, we’ve been experiencing some uncharacteristically hot weather here in Portland (hovering around 100 degrees).  The forecast for the next few days is 103!!  Ack!

So, in an effort to simultaneously keep cool and fulfill my need to cook (without running the oven!), I made a batch of Watermelon Granita.   Here’s my recipe –

Larksong’s Watermelon Granita

4 cups seeded, chunked watermelon

1/2 cup Dainty Lime Marmalade (or 1/2 cup sugar and juice of one lemon or lime, but the final result will be grainier)

1/4 cup vodka (optional – I make two batches, one with for the grown-ups, one without for the kiddos. )

Directions – Put all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.  Pour into a casserole dish and freeze 1 hour.  Rake with a fork.  Return to the freezer for another hour.  Rake again with a fork.   Return to the freezer for 1 more hour, then rake yet again.  (Sometimes, with the vodka added, it may take some additional time to freeze thoroughly , so leave 4 hours in your time schedule just in case.)

If you haven’t got any watermelon on hand – try my mother’s Peach Granita recipe (you can tell where I got the inspiration!) –

Larksong’s Mother’s Peach Granita

3 cups peeled, chopped peaches (blanch for 30 seconds to loosen skin, and then peel and chop)

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup Peach Schnapps

1/2 cup water or orange juice

Directions – Put all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.  Pour into a casserole dish and freeze 1 hour.  Rake with a fork.  Return to the freezer for another hour.  Rake again with a fork.   Return to the freezer for one more hour.  Rake with a fork for the third time.  Serve in chilled cups.  Enjoy!

What are you doing to stay cool in the summer heat?