Thursday, September 16, 2010

Sorbet - Take II

Oh, sorbet...where have you been all my life?
 

I was never a huge fan of fruit sorbets, always opting for the chocolate anything on the dessert menu. Andy, however, usually chooses the sorbet over most things. Of course, since I believe in equal opportunity when it comes to dessert, I will have a bite (or two, or three) of his. It didn't take long for me to realize that sorbet has its place on the dessert menu next to the decadent chocolate choices...in fact, it's lighter and more refreshing. 

After recently discovering how easy it is to make sorbet, I have fallen hard for this frozen treat, particularly when it includes the addition of an adult beverage. Since I made the Spiked Cantaloupe Sorbet, I've been thinking about watermelon and what might go well with it. All of the flavored liqueurs I thought of were crossed off the list...the flavor combination didn't sound right. Then I saw the tequila....watermelon margaritas? That sounded perfect. 

Watermelon Margarita Sorbet 

1 1/2 pounds cubed watermelon
1/2 cup sugar
2-3 tablespoons tequila (I used Cazadores Blanco)
1/2 tablespoon triple sec 

Put all ingredients in a blender and puree until the sugar is completely dissolved. Pour mixture into an ice cream maker and run for the recommended time (mine went for about 40 minutes for this). Transfer the sorbet to the freezer to continue setting up. 

Note: I was worried when I looked into the ice cream maker when the timer went off. The mixture did not get very frozen...it was pretty loose and slushy when I put it in the freezer. After freezing overnight though, it did completely set up. 

The texture of this is completely different than the cantaloupe sorbet, which is creamy. The best I can describe the watermelon sorbet is by saying that it is crisp and fluffy...not icy or crunchy at all, and easily melts in your mouth. Watermelon hits you first, followed by the tequila, which does pack a bit of a punch. (I used 3 tablespoons of tequila, but will probably scale it down to 2 tablespoons for a more subtle taste next time.) 


Now I'm thinking of all the other fruit that could be turned into sorbet, and what additions I can make from the liquor cabinet. The ice cream maker may become a permanent fixture on the counter top. The possibilities here are endless...

23 comments:

  1. Mmmm, watermelon with a tequila kick. I bet it was really good!

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  2. Watermelon and tequila does sound awfully good! Great idea! Cheers, Michelle

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  3. #1) I love that this is made with watermelon
    #2) I love that this is made with tequila!
    #3) I love that this is made with triple sec!!!

    Sounds great... I am glad you like to mess around in the kitch without recipes and just go for it!

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  4. think you just convinced me to get an ice cream maker! :)

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  5. Hmmm...I'm having family over for a Mexican-themed dinner on Sunday. I'm making a batch of margarita ice cream, but think this would be great as well. I can make one batch on Sat and one on Sun. Saving!!

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  6. Ohhhhh this sounds delicious! Such a great, refreshing dessert :) I like Wendy's idea...pairing it with a Mexican dinner would be so perfect!

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  7. the possibilites are endless, that's what makes cooking so much fun! check out this for ispiration. http://www.mytartelette.com/2010/09/recipe-watermelon-honeydew-sorbets-with.html

    thanks for stopping by "Satisfied"
    ~Chef Louise

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  8. Hummm...what can I say? Yummmy,yummmm. That's my kind of sorbet. LOL.

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  9. The color is brilliant..must be good:D

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  10. I'm going to make this before it's really Autumn. Seems easy!

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  11. Looks great! I love the alcohol in this. Great idea. The alcohol helps to keep sorbet from completely freezing so it doesn't turn into a solid ice block in the freezer.

    Rum and pineapple is a classic flavor combination too.

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  12. Wow what a great color!! Looks so good!

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  13. Gorgeous! I'm a big fan of "adult" desserts. Who wouldn't love (need) one of these at the end of a long day!

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  14. Ok,I MUST get an ice cream maker! I was at a kids bday party last night where the host made oreo ice cream, I like your ADULT version even better! This sounds awesome, thanks for the idea! Beautiful!

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  15. This looks like fun to make. I have an ice cream maker that the previous owner of our new home left behind. I'll have to give this a try. :)

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  16. i love love this , but then again I have been on a watermelon kick lately...yummy love that it is spiked..

    sweetlife

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  17. I usually also go for the rich chocolate desserts, but sorbet really is so refreshing and palate cleansing. I love the idea of a watermelon margarita sorbet. It sounds incredible!

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  18. This looks very refreshing and tempting. Love it!

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  19. Woo hoo for the Cazadores love! This looks absolutely amazing. And still perfect for our 90+ degree Texas 'fall'... Thanks for sharing!

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  20. that is definitely a great flavor for sorbet! you had me at watermelon, but watermelon margarita is over the top! I would love to try that!!!!

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  21. omg- LOVE the watermelon sorbet! Serve it with the watermelon fennel cocktail I posted over at my site! I LOVE your spiked sorbets- I'll be making some this weekend!!

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