I wanted to bring you a couple more 4th of July treats before the big day next week. But I have come to discover that red, white and blue is kind of hard to do without a lot of food coloring. You all know I don’t always shy away from the food coloring, but I wanted a few things that were a little more – natural. But the problem is, how to do really achieve red and blue naturally???
So I deem today’s post (and Monday’s post) pink and blue (or purple) treats that would be perfect for the 4th of July. So what if they aren’t bright blue and bright red, right??
I love making homemade ice cream. And I have about 98 versions that I want to try this summer. My problem is, though, that my freezer is tiny and no matter how hard I try, I can never get it cleared out enough to fit my ice cream maker into it so that I can actually make the ice cream. Chicken goes on sale, or I have to stock up on store-bought ice cream to make a milkshake. What I wouldn’t do for a huge, stand alone freezer!! But, I make do with what I have, and figure I don’t have to call off all frozen treats. A granita to the rescue!!
This version takes advantage of watermelon that just screams summer. Originally, I threw the blueberries in there to give it a red, white and blue look, but I ended up loving the fresh blueberries on top of the frozen watermelon granita that I wouldn’t even leave them off!
If you’ve never made a granita before, you will be amazed at how easy it is. Basically just mix your ingredients, put them in a baking dish, and freeze. Every couple hours, take it out and scrape it with a fork to form the icy crystals. (This recipe actually makes enough for a 13×9-inch pan, but I couldn’t fit one in my freezer!!) It will probably take between 4-6 hours. Mine was done in 4, but I think it’s because I had a small dish.
The end result is icy and sweet and perfect for enjoying in the backyard on a hot summer’s day. And pretty perfect for the 4th of July as well, since it can be made ahead of time. And a bonus is that this isn’t just for the 4th of July – it would be perfect all summer long!!
- 8 cups chopped fresh watermelon
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- blueberries, for serving
- In a food processor, process the watermelon until smooth. Strain, reserving 4 cups of the juice and discarding the solids.
- Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine the water and the sugar and cook until boiling. Boil for 3 minutes, or until the sugar has dissolved. Cool completely.
- Combine the 4 cups watermelon juice, simple syrup and the lime juice. Pour into a 9x13-inch baking dish and place in the freezer. Freeze for 4 to 6 hours, scraping with a fork every 2 hours.
- Serve topped with blueberries.
- ----------------
- slightly adapted from The Rachael Ray Show
Check out these other fabulous granitas:
Strawberry Granita from The Comfort of Cooking
Mango Granita from Dishes From My Kitchen
Blueberry-Rhubarb Granita from Poor Gir Eats Well
Watermelon, Ginger and Lime Granita from Taste and Tell
Blackberry and Ginger Granita from Souvlaki for the Soul
This looks fabulous. I have half a watermelon sitting in my fridge right now and a blueberry bush brimming with ripe fruit. I guess I’ll add this to my to do list.
Just what I need now! So refreshing.
cheers,
Rosa
Oh my! Looks divine!
This looks so tasty and refreshing! Love the natural festive colors! 🙂
Granita-making is so much easier than ice-cream making and I go through exactly the same freezer space issues you do!
I am so loving this idea! I see the chefs on chopped make these and they always seemed fairly simple, but it’s something I forget about making. I shall try this!
This looks awesome! What a great treat idea for the 4th or for any other hot summer day!
As much as I love ice cream, sometimes I prefer granitas in the summer because they are so cold and refreshing! I can totally see how the pop of the fresh blueberries would be a nice compliment to the ice cold watermelon granita.
The only thing I don’t LOVE about homemade ice cream is all the thinking ahead you need to do…and when I want ice cream I tend to want it NOW. Anyways…I’ve never had a granita! But you’ve made it sound so refreshing and patriotic to have one!
Gorgeous photos….love watermelon and this granita IS perfect for any hot summer day! thanks for sharing the red, white and blue theme…besos
I could’ve used this recipe a couple weeks ago when I ended up throwing away some excess watermelon – so sad. Now at least it won’t happen again 🙂
A granita sounds so perfect right now! And this one looks great!
Cheers for the Fourth of July! 🙂
It is over 90 degrees and this would be perfect to cool us down.
It looks beautiful, refreshing and delicious. Perfect for a hot day.