For Mother’s Day, I was determined to make a bangin’ meal for myself and my mother, who happens to be pre-diabetic for type 2. I found a particularly enticing recipe for a refreshing watermelon frozen drink which I will include at the end of the post. My mother and I decided to forget our health concerns with a kickass outing that included shopping for recipe books at the best used/rare bookstore in Montclair, NJ, eating out at Japanese restaurant where we successfully estimated my insulin needs, and yummy coffee (which, if you drink alone, does not require insulin). Then we went grocery shopping at the Whole Foods for our delicious recipes from our Mediterranean Diabetics cookbook. The watermelon drink required rose water. Like many ingredients I have been using recently, I have never in my life actually purchased rose water at a grocery store. It turned out they were out of rose water, except for a tester bottle which was in the cosmetics/bath aisle but is apparently edible as well. Rose water is used for consumption but also for skin care. I told the sales associate how desperate I was for that single tablespoon of rose water, and she found some tiny containers to give us some for free to use in our recipe. She was way cool.
Watermelon Rose Water Granita
2 Tbspn of agave nectar
1.5 lb. of seedless watermelon chunks, cubed
1 Tbspn of rose water
In saucepan, combine 1/4 cup of water and agave nectar. Bring to boil, then set aside to cool.
Process watermelon to a puree in food processor. Combine puree with nectar water and rose water. Stir to combine and place in covered container for 3+ hours into freezer (or until frozen.
When ready, break up watermelon ice and transfer to food processor. Process to a fine, snow-like consistency. Serve in small, clear, chilled glasses or cups. If you drink/are able to drink, I think vodka goes well with watermelon…
Serves 8. One serving = 1/2 cup. Total Carbohydrates = 9 grams. (For me, that equals one unit of insulin, but I think that varies for different people’s regimens.)
Highly recommended for summer. I think it’s still not season for watermelon so it may be a bit expensive at the grocery store right now.
Also, for DIY rose water (since it’s not easy to locate):
