Here’s that the dictionary says about Dessert:
des·sert
dəˈzərt/
noun
the sweet course eaten at the end of a meal.
“a dessert of chocolate mousse”
Did someone say chocolate mousse? Yes please! I’m definitely one of those people who likes something sweet after dinner. Not lunch. Just dinner. For me, it’s definitely a mental thing. If I have cake, cookies, ice cream or maybe I really struck gold and have chocolate mousse in the house, it MUST be eaten after dinner. However, if I have nothing “dessert-y” in the house, I’m good with a piece of fruit. Because I’m a good little nutritionist, I usually have fruit. Sigh…
Well, a piece of fruit is B-O-R-I-N-G, and summer melons are here! They’re super sweet, refreshing (cause they’re so full of water), and a great source of vitamin C, beta-carotene, potassium and lots of healthy antioxidants.
Because of their high water content, melons (especially watermelons) make for a delicious frozen treat – kind of like snow cones, but I eat mine in a bowl. So much more fun than a piece of fruit!
If you have an ice cream maker
This tastes like a grown-up snow cone. To make it even better for grown ups, consider adding some rum to the mix. Whaat? You DID NOT hear that from me 🙂
- 1 medium size seedless watermelon cut into cubes (about 10-12 cups of cubed watermelon)
- 1/2 cup sweetener sugar, honey, maple syrup OR to taste
- zest and juice of 1 lime
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Puree the watermelon in batches, using a food processor or blender.
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Pour the puree into a mesh strainer to separate the liquid from the pulp.
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Save the pulp, and if desired, reserve the juice for another use.
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In a large mixing bowl, add sweetener to taste (if your melon is very sweet, you may need less), along with lime juice and zest. You will have approximately 6 cups of watermelon pulp.
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Mix well, and pour contents into the frozen bowl of an ice cream maker.
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Churn for about 30 minutes, and serve.
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If you don't have an ice cream maker, pour the contents into an 8 x 8 metal baking pan and freeze for about 1 hour. Remove from the freezer and break up any frozen parts with a fork. Cover with foil, and return the pan to the freezer for about 1 1/2 more hours.
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Store any leftovers in a covered container in the freezer. Before serving, let sit out for 20 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds so ice is easier to break apart and serve.
Recipe adapted from Bon Appetit
Do you have to have something sweet after a meal? What’s your fave sweet?
Eat well!
Oooooh this speaks to me! New Orleans has snow balls everywhere but they’re always filled with weird ingredients. What a great idea to make your own! And with watermelon! SO refreshing!! 🙂
I never heard of New Orleans snow balls – I’m curious now! I love watermelon season, and can’t get enough, so it’s nice to have this in the freezer. Thanks for visiting Meme!
Anne, Your recipes are always terrific. I am going to do this! Pinning
Awww – Thanks Diane 🙂 I have a honeydew melon on my counter right now that’s calling for a similar treatment!
love this idea!!! reminds me of sno cones!!!
But it tastes SO much fresher and better! Thanks for stopping by Rachel 🙂
You have really made me want to buy an ice-cream maker 🙂
I resisted forever, but now I think everyone should have one! They’re not just for hight fat treats 🙂 Thanks for visiting!
Love the way you present these… would be perfect for a pool party. And those little spoons are so cute!
Yes! Pool party indeed! I love those little spoons too – portion control 🙂
A bit too much sweet for me but I am sure it will works with xylitol so I am gonna try this I love watermelon
Hi Carine! Try it first without any sweetener – if your melon is really ripe, you may not need to add any. And, if you do, I’m sure any sweetener will work fine. Thanks so much for visiting and leaving a comment 🙂