Watermelon and Rose Water Granita

From The Mediterranean Diabetes Cookbook

The Mediterranean style of cooking and eating, which revolves around fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats, is well known to be healthy for everyone, and it’s demonstrated to have a number of benefits for people with diabetes. Not only is it known to decrease the risk of heart disease, but it also helps lower blood pressure and glucose levels. Best of all, it requires no sacrifice since it’s based on delicious foods that marry beautifully.

The inspiration for Amy Riolo’s new book, The Mediterranean Diabetes Cookbook: A Flavorful, Low-Fat, Heart-Healthy Approach to Cooking, was her mother, who’d been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, to help her eat delicious food in place of the bland fare she’d been counseled to eat. The result is a cookbook with dishes so appealing they’ll be enjoyed by everyone in the family. But for people with diabetes, it’s an excellent resource, with lists of exchanges and complete nutrient information along with time-saving strategies and cooking tips.

Watermelon ice is a popular summertime treat in Italy. The Persians first brought various types of melons to ancient Rome. Melons were successfully cultivated in the town of Cantalupo, which is famous for its cantaloupes.

2 Tbsp agave nectar
1 1/2 lbs seedless watermelon chunks, cubed
1 Tbsp rose water

In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup of water and agave nectar. Bring to a boil, and then set aside to cool.
Process watermelon to a purée in a food processor, working in batches, if necessary. Combine purréed watermelon with agave nectar and rose water in a large bowl. Stir to combine.
Transfer mixture to a 9- X 13-inch metal baking dish, cover, and freeze for 3 hours or until frozen solid. Break up pieces of watermelon ice, and transfer to a food processor. Process on and off to obtain a fine snow-like consistency. Serve in small, clear, chilled glasses or cups.

Healthy Living Tradition: In addition to its thirst-quenching nature, watermelon is extremely healthy. It is low in calories but full of vitamins C and A.

Serves 8, serving size 1/2 cup

Vegan Dish; Exchanges/Choices: 1/2 Carbohydrate

Calories: 35; Calories from Fat: 0; Total Fat: 0.0 g; Saturated Fat: 0.0 g; Trans Fat: 0.0 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 0 mg; Total Carbohydrate: 9 g; Dietary Fiber: 0 g; Sugars: 8 g; Protein: 1 g

Copyright © 2010 American Diabetes Association. From The Mediterranean Diabetes Cookbook: A Flavorful, Low-Fat, Heart-Healthy Approach to Cooking. Amy Riolo. Reprinted with permission from The American Diabetes Association. www.store.diabetes.org