Watermelon Granita

Unlike sorbets, which are smooth-churned, granita fruit purees are poured into a shallow bowl and placed in the freezer. The surface is scraped multiple times as it freezes, creating coarse, icy crystallized flakes. This popular frozen treat is served throughout Italy.

Serves 4

Ingredients:

1 /4 whole large seedless watermelon (about 4 cups watermelon once blended)
1/4 cup real maple syrup or honey
2 tablespoons lime juice
10 to 15 fresh mint leaves

Directions:

Add watermelon cubes into a food processor or blender.
Pulse it a couple of times to make it into juice.
Now add sweetener, lime juice, and fresh mint leaves.
Blend until relatively smooth.
For a quick and easy option, pour into individual containers, cover, and freeze. Then each person can scrap it themselves when eating.
Otherwise, pour into a shallow dish, freeze for two or three hours, then begin the process of lightly scraping the top, frozen layer.
Return the pan to the freezer with the shaved ice on top.
Remove it a couple of hours later and continue scraping.
Repeat the occasional scraping process until the entire mixture is shaved.
Store, covered in plastic wrap, until serving.
Scoop the shavings and serve immediately in pretty glasses with a twist of lime or mint leaves

Note: if you use a regular watermelon with black seeds, lightly blend the watermelon first, then push through a strainer to remove the seeds/seed particles. Then continue the recipe above.

Enjoy!