Granita And Watermelon Parfait Recipes

GRANITA AND WATERMELON PARFAIT

Steps:

• To make the granita, bring water and sugar to a boil, remove from the heat and allow to cool. Mix with the juice and pour into a loaf pan. Place in freezer and stir with a fork every hour or so until mixture resembles frozen slush. To make the panna cotta, scald cream and milk together with sugar. Soften the gelatin in cold water, drain well, and add to hot milk. Strain and cool. To assemble: In a tall parfait glass, layer the watermelon chunks, the cream, more chunks and finally the granita.
• Asti, Michele Chiarlo

WATERMELON, LIME AND MINT GRANITA

Steps:

• Working in 2 batches, puree watermelon in a food processor. Strain puree through a sieve and strain out solids, forcing liquid out with a wooden spoon. Discard solids. Combine the watermelon puree, lime juice, mint and sugar in a 9 by 13-inch metal pan. Place mixture in the freezer, scraping thoroughly with a fork every 20 to 30 minutes for about 2 1/2 hours, or until the granita resembles coarse crystals. Scrape 1 last time and spoon into parfait glasses or bowls. Top with a mint sprig.

WATERMELON GRANITA

Steps:

• Slice, peel, and cube 6 cups of watermelon. Combine coarsely chopped watermelon, sugar, and lime juice in a bowl and let stand until macerated and juicy, 25 minutes.
• Process in a blender until just smooth, then pass through a China cap using the back of a ladle. Transfer to a shallow metal tray and remove the foam on top. Freeze, stirring and scraping occasionally with a fork until crystals form and granita is frozen (2-4 hours). Every 20-30 minutes, scrape a fork through the mixture to create the crystals.
• To serve, divide finely diced watermelon among chilled serving glasses and top with granita. Drizzle with vodka (optional) and serve immediately.