Frozen Caribbean Watermelon Treat.
When we were kids and home for the ‘August” (summer) holidays from school, I recall my mom making this frozen treat for us. Except she would use Kool Aid or any type of fruit juice we may have at the time. If memory serves me correct, I think she would even use the custard mixture for home made ice cream as well, before my dad broke the bank and brought our first ice cream pail (maker). Speaking about frozen treats, as kids in primary school I recall buying “ice blocks” from the vendor who lived next to the school. Basically all he did was put fruit juice (super sweet) into ice trays and freeze them. Then we would shell out our 5 cents to get one… so good on a hot day. Hated the sticky feeling in your hands after though. Got into a lot of trouble with my mom when the red juice from the melted ice blocks would get onto our kaki shorts (school uniform).. still remember trying to wash it off as soon as it happened. Only to walk around school for the next hour with a huge wet spot in the front of my pants.
Speaking about Kool Aid… we were at the grocery store many moons ago, when I mentioned to Caron that we should get some Kool Aid. She then asked “what flavor do you like?” Without hesitation I said “red”! Yea, for me red is a flavor.. how many of you agree?
This recipe is very simple, refreshing and you can get your kids or grand-kids involved. But…. there’s a simple “big people” version as well.
You’ll Need..
1 seedless watermelon (about 4 lbs… gives about 4 cups)
1/2 cup sugar
couple dash angostura bitters (optional – but a nice addition)
1 tablespoon lime or lemon juice
Start by cubing the watermelon to make it easier for the food processor or blender.
The next step is to add everything into a food processor or blender and puree. You may have do do it in batches as it may not all fit at the same time. Pulse and try not to blend too long, or it will go a bit frothy.
Pour the slush mixture into a baking dish. Metal works best, but all I had big enough was a ceramic one.. just takes a bit longer to freeze. Now place it in the freezer and let is firm up for about 1 hour. Then remove it from the freezer and give it a good stir. Break up any chunks which may have formed. Then place it back into the freezer and let it sit for 2-3 hours.. until it firms up. Now using a fork, with a sort of flaking action.. create the flaky/slush texture we’re looking for.
Serve immediately or risk 2 things happening. It will melt or if you place it back into the freezer for too long it will freeze solid. Scoup out and serve in martini glasses for the kids.. it will make them feel they’re sipping cocktails! Or if mommy or daddy want a grown-up version, add some rum or vodka.. yea that’s what I did last night while sitting on the patio being eaten by mosquitoes. Hope they made it home.. teach them to ‘drink” and fly!
Before you go I invite you to leave me your comments below.. even if it just to say hello. It’s always appreciated. And don’t forget to join us on facebook and do check out the cooking videos.
Happy Cooking
Chris….
Yes! Going to try this recipe as soon as summer arrives. Love watermelon! Many thanks to you, Chris! Cheers! 💕
Really will try this, hope you are okay in that snow storm.
CHRIS CANNOT WAIT TO TRY THIS!!
MELON- LICIOUS ….
Looks amazing..will try it soon.
Sorry to change direction, but right now I’m trying to cook some metamgee (provisions and beef and coconut milk)and need help; who else but people in this forum would know about coconut milk, I thought. I used tinned coconut milk from the supermarket. I tried two different brands but neither has any taste. I live on the West Coast of Canada (Maple Ridge – an hour east of Vancouver) and wondered if anyone has ever found a decent brand of coconut milk I could try? (The ones I found locally here and tried were: Rooster brand and Thai Kitchen brand and both were tasteless duds.) The metam is ruined for today but any suggestions you have for the next time would be welcome. Thanks (and I’ll let you get back to today’s watermelon story now).
I wish I could reach through the phone and grab the glass I’m excited to try this it looks yummy it also makes me think of cooling off on an extremely hot day
Love, Love, Love this recipe. We had a abundance of watermelon last summer and I made this a lot for the grand kids and I. I also froze 3 gallon bags of cubed melon and will be make more as soon as it gets warmer..to cold to make it now.
Another wy to use watermelon, is to freeze seedless small chunks of half a meton, one pack evaporated milk. When ready to serve toss in a blender, serve immediately. Can be sweetened with condensed milk which should be added during the blending stage.
This looks really inviting, especially for this heat. Will definitely give this a try.
my girls would LOVE this. they love watermelon
I am currently breast feeding and aint using alcohol, this is something I can have while relaxing. Saw this recipe just in time as I was just abt to throw out some extra melon, because there was way too much around.
I just learned how to pick sweet water melons. To make it last, I tried the watermelon treat adding mango juice and a little stevia, the watermelon down to most of the rind. Very delicious and healthy. Thx Chris
This was delicious! I used Lime and added some mint leaves too!
what is the hostory of the watermelon punch i need to know for class
Chris, I will be trying this, it reminds me of school days in TT, back then my favourite was guava iceblocks.
Boy you are doing a great job with this website, I have been trying a lot of the recipes.
I had forgotten how. Keep up the good work.
i will be trying this today. i think i will add some rum like anthony said. ty chris, keep em coming.
…………………..Refreshing…………………………………….
yeah Chris, this is very very good m kids like it very
much, thanks Chris.
This definitely looks like something i could try..looks really yummy…and will definitely be adding some alco to it! lol
Red is a flavor! lol
Very nice Chris, and you add a few ounces of rum to that and it's even nicer for the adult crowd..my wife and her friends love it
Chris, this looks tasty and refreshing. I definitely have to try this one to fight off this Texas heat. Thanks for sharing.