I have lots of random thoughts going on in my brain right now.
Number one: If I could write my blog posts using emojis I would. I probably would've inserted a fire emoji and a smiley face (with the sunglasses on, of course!) next to the title of this post. I wonder when/if Apple is ever gonna put emojis on a keyboard. That'll be the end. I'll be the most annoying person in the world.
Number two: I just realized that Lindsay Lohan's dress (from her interview with the big O) is actually the same shade of yellow/orange as the soup from yesterday. Very matchy-matchy!
Number three: I know I've had a productive day when my feet hurt and my shorts and shirt are stained and all I want to do is sit in bed and eat whatever is in the freezer/fridge. Currently: a small bowl of this Spicy Watermelon Granita. It's the perfect dessert that doesn't really taste like a big dessert. This ain't no cake. It's refreshing and light and the spice is a nice kick.
Part of me wishes I could eat watermelon in December. I'll miss it. And they don't sell frozen watermelon. Have you noticed that? Frozen blueberries, berry medleys, mango and strawberries. No frozen watermelon. I don't understand.
I say we still get on the watermelon train while we can. It's good right now. Beautiful, even.
This watermelon granita is given a kick by fresh cayenne pepper. But not a lot! Those things are super spicy. I added a sliver at a time until I got to the point where I liked it. It was at about sliver number three when I stopped.
I don't think this should be super spicy, just a bit of a kick to remind you you're alive.
Right now I feel VERY alive because there's tingling on my tongue and a corgi that's doing that crazy thing dogs do when they run from room to room like a lunatic. Do you know what I'm talking about? She's possessed.
Here's to the weekend. And watermelon. And dogs that are possessed!
Ingredients
- 1 watermelon seedless weight: 4 ½ pounds, chopped
- 2 tablespoons organic cane sugar
- 1 lime
- Pinch salt
- ¼ of a fresh cayenne pepper or less depending on your spice tolerance
- Fresh mint for garnish
- Whipped cream for garnish
Instructions
- To the jar of a blender add the chopped watermelon, sugar, juice from the lime and salt. Blend until thoroughly pureed, about 1 minute. Now comes the spice! I recommend adding 1 teeny sliver of cayenne pepper at a time, tasting and then adding if you'd like more. My batch wasn't super spicy--there was just a bit of kick at the finish. If you don't have a cayenne pepper, other alternatives are ground cayenne pepper, Sriracha or chile paste.
- Transfer the watermelon mixture to a 8 x 8 dish (or other casserole-like vessel). Cover with plastic wrap and transfer to the freezer. At the 1 hour-mark, stir the mixture, breaking up the icy bits. At the 2 hour-mark, stir once more. At the 3 hour-mark scrape the entire mixture using a fork until flaky crystals form. Cover tightly and freeze. Just before serving, scrap it one more time. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream (it helps with the heat!) and a sprig of mint.
Ruthy @ Omeletta says
I am in love with this idea! I bet the refreshing watermelon and the spicy cayenne went soso well together. It's definitely a time for some cool granita, I agree.
Jennifer says
yum yum ☹ ☺ ☻ ت
Grace @ Earthy Feast says
You totally got me distracted from work by watching those Lindsay Lohan interview clips! She's got that whole sweet and spicy thing going on just like your cayenne watermelon treat! 😉 Yum!
Stefanie @ Sarcastic Cooking says
I totally know what you are talking about when you say your corgi is possessed. My pug spins in a circle first, then his tail goes flat, and then he sprints around the house like a little race horse.... for no reason. It is really entertaining and also frightening. I love the little bit of heat in this. I don't understand why people don't make granitas more often, it is soooo easy!
Jillian@TheHumbleGourmet says
Mmmm. I've been wanting to make granita this summer and just haven't gotten around to it. You have inspired me!
sandra says
I love the inclusion of cayenne pepper. Great idea. And I think they do not freeze watermelon because of the water/melon ration - too wet - just a guess.
And I must say your photography is inspiring. I love the composition and color choices. I especially loved your plum ice cream shot!
Quyen says
Yum! I don't know why I've never thought to put whipped cream on a granita before, but I will try it! I usually just put lemon or lime zest and a bit of salt & cayenne pepper mixture.
http://liveitnerantly.com
Adrianna Adarme says
I actually really love the whipped cream. Definitely try it!
B says
YUM!! I just tried granita for the first time at the farmer's market the other day -- and was thoroughly impressed! I'll have to add this to my list of recipes, so thank you!!
xo, B
BKCsquared
Belinda @themoonblushbaker says
I am actually proud that LIndsay is making a come back... And that dress is stunning colour. No wonder she drew inspiration from your soup 😉
I am about to under summer down under so I am glad you down this post. I am going to miss all the ice cream post from the US when you guys enter winter. Sign.. oh well I am going to enjoy this granita while it last!
Adrianna Adarme says
Lindsay and I clearly inspire one another! 😉
Adrianna Adarme says
Oh and don't worry--I'll definitely be making ice cream in the winter. Apple Caramel Ice Cream anyone? Yes.
Anastasia says
When you say "1/4 fresh cayenne pepper" what do you mean?
Adrianna Adarme says
I mean about 1/4 of a fresh cayenne pepper. I added about 3 slivers which was a little less than 1/4. I'll clarify I above!
jaime @ asweetroad says
I like these flavor ideas, I'll have to give it a try!
Tieghan says
Hah! I think it is funny you just compared Lindsay Lohan's Dress to the color of your soup, but you are so right. It totally is the some shade!
Love this summery, refreshing granita and happy it is not pumpkin! It still summer, so summer food are good! At for till September!