In the blistering Florida heat we’re always looking for something to keep us cool. It helps quite a bit when that something is also easy and delicious. Enter, Easy Breezy Watermelon Granita for the win. This grown up version of those snow cones you loved so much as a kid uses only 4 ingredients (+1 for the adult version😁) and satisfies the whole family’s craving for sweet and cold. It’s also a fun activity to include the kids in and let them help make dessert. Give it a try, I promise your taste buds will thank me!

Supplies

Equipment Needed:
Blender or food Processor
Sheet pan or shallow dish
Freezer
Ingredients:
1/2 seedless watermelon cut into chunks
1 lemon (juiced)
1/2 c sugar
Mint springs for garnish (if desired)

Step 1: Cut Watermelon Into Chunks

I think this one is pretty self-explainable, but I’ll say it louder for those in the back. Cut the white and green rind off and then Cut. The. Watermelon. Into. Chunks. It doesn’t matter what size or how many, just so long as they’ll fit in your blender (you’re going to blend those babies up anyway, so no stressing for perfect cuts). Pro-tip: the more cuts you make, the more juice will be released from your melon. So save yourself the mess and make larger chunks. Put those chunks right in the blender. Bonus: don’t throw away your white rinds just yet, you can cook and pickle it for an awesome snack or addition to summer salads. (Maybe a future instructable)

Step 2: When Life Gives You Lemons, Use Them for Granita.

Add your sugar and lemon juice to the watermelon in the blender and pulse on low until you start to see a smoother pink texture. Then turn the blender on high and let blend for 1 minute.

Step 3: It’s Time to Chill...

1) Pour the 1/2 the mixture on a sheet tray, cover with plastic wrap and place in the freezer. (Reserve other half for second batch or go ahead and use a 2nd sheet tray). This is you time, play with your kids, go outside, watch the game, return in 1 hour.
2) Remove the sheet tray from the freezer and remove plastic wrap. Scrape (rake) the mixture with a fork to create what looks like melting pink snow. After 1 hour it’s not fully frozen, so be careful not to spill your deliciousness. Recover with plastic wrap and place back in the freezer for 1 hour.
3) Repeat process by removing mixture from freezer and once again raking with a fork. Your mixture should start to resemble pink snow. Remember pink snow = delicious, yellow snow= not delicious. Return to freezer for 1 hour. (Last time you’ll have to part with your beautiful creation, I promise)

Step 4: The Finishing Touches

Once again remove your mixture from the freezer and rake with your fork. Now you’ve got delicious icy cold frozen deliciousness that’s gorgeous as a bonus. Scoop into a small dish or glass and you’re ready to eat! Something this delicious shouldn’t be this easy, that’s why the fancy restaurant down the street can overcharge and you can be as cool as a cucumber (or in this case watermelon) in the comfort of your backyard. Top with a chiffonade of mint (Chiffonade is a fancy word for cutting into small ribbons. Roll those mint leaves up and cut across to create small mint ribbons). Or better yet, if the kids are in bed, serve in a glass with your favorite spirit of choice. Makes for a great base for a watermelon margarita with a little tequila and a squeeze of lime! Enjoy!