The Versatile Watermelon

What fruit can be good eaten alone ,but also in soups cocktails and also salads?it 's the watermelon.This summer fave is usually good on it's own but it can add something to almost every meal.It's a great ingredient for everything and anything, from cocktails to sorbets.Try it in a variety of different ways. This warm weather must have is the subject of an article in tomorrow's New York Times Sunday Magazine(head's up if you don't want to read it). Times regular,Mark Bittman gives us an entire cornucopia of recipes to experiment with for any meal or even party.I love his spin on classic cocktails.He makes agin and basil ,which has both the refreshing flavors of basil and pureed watermelon added to gin.There's also a watermelon daiquiri ,perfect for hose midsummer parties. of course you can add chunked melon to salads and soups .There's a spicy Greek version where onions and bring kalamata olives are added to the fruit.There is also a bright pink gazpacho that can be tweaked and twisted with crab meat or peaches and blue cheese. watermelon, however shines as dessert and Mr.Bittman knows this.He starts off with a lemonade cooled with watermelon ice cubes.This is a nice finish to any meal. There is a creamy yogurt based sorbet freshened lemon juice.There are the uber fun Popsicles that have a fillip of lime added to the flavor and my hot weather go to granita. popsicles and sorbets are simple enough but the granita is a snap to make and the most reviving. all it takes is a pan of pureed watermelon ,sugar and lemon juice.Freeze for two hours and then scrape into shards.It's a cool alternative to a slushy.Of course nothing beats just a simple slice , chilled for a few hours and pure juiciness. Watermelon is one of the most versatile summer fruits out there.Use it in. A variety of different dishes ,whether for cocktails or dessert,soups or salads.It's one of your best ingredients ,this summer.