Prowl the farmers market and you will find different colors and varieties of watermelon. There is nothing more refreshing than a slice of cold watermelon, except for these simple and quick watermelon ices. I love the color and fragrance of these granites (French) or granitas (Italian). A granite is really a flavored ice that has been stirred frequently during the freezing process to yield a coarse crystal. The general rule is 4 parts liquid to 1 part sugar. Feel free to add just a splash of vodka or other favorite liquor and fresh herbs for an Iron Chefesque touch. If the mixture sits for several days in the freezer and becomes too hard, simply thaw it completely and refreeze it.

Red Seedless Watermelon Granite

4 cups of red seedless watermelon-cut into large chunks

1 cup sugar

½ teaspoon lemon juice

¼ cup chopped fresh mint, basil, thyme or other favorite herb (optional)

1. Process the melon, sugar and lemon juice in a blender or food processor until completely smooth and combined.
2. Place the mixture in a shallow pan in the freezer.
3. Every hour or so, scrape the granite with a fork to form loose coarse crystals.
4. Serve in chilled dessert or martini glasses with golden seedless watermelon granite (optional).
5. Garnish with chopped mint, cut up fruit  such as kiwi, berries, melon or cucumbers (optional).

Golden or Yellow Seedless Watermelon 

4 cups of golden or yellow seedless watermelon-cut into large chunks

1 cup sugar

½ teaspoon lemon juice

¼ cup chopped fresh mint, basil, thyme or other favorite herb(optional)

1. Process the melon, sugar and lemon juice in a blender or food processor until completely smooth and combined.
2. Place the mixture in a shallow pan in the freezer.
3. Every hour or so, scrape the granite with a fork to form loose coarse crystals.
4. Serve in chilled dessert or martini glasses with red seedless watermelon granite (optional).

Garnish with chopped mint, cut up fruit or heirloom tomato salad (optional).

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