A chance meeting on a plane. I make a new friend named Valerie. She gives me this book called Healing After Loss. I honor her with this watermelon margarita granita.
I immediately turn to April 16th which is the day my son died to read: "there is a reservoir of love and compassion in the human community. We don't need to be afraid to show our vulnerability, because to mourn when we are bereaved is not a sign of weakness but a stepping into the circle where all the brothers and the sisters can put their arms around us and hold us close, if we give them a chance."
The words bring me to what I did just 2 nights ago. I took a chance and gave a bread baking class to 6 total strangers. Min, the hostess, found me on Facebook after learning I was a CHOPPED champion and winner at the National Festival of Breads. She knew my story and she reached out. Min, like Valerie, is that part of humanity that is filled with love and compassion.
The group wanted to pay me to teach them how to bake bread, but I offered to do it only if a donation could go to the local food pantry in memory of my son. We baked, we shared a meal and our stories. I celebrated William the best way I knew how teaching kind folks how to bake. We laughed and yes, I got a little teary, but the important thing, I let them in and fell into the "reservoir of love and compassion."
Now back to Valerie for just a another second. I almost screwed up our coffee date due to what I like to call brain freeze. Since losing William my brain gets a little muddled and I notice I am no longer "as sharp as a tack" (my dad used to say that). Just can't keep track of dates and times among other things like I used to. So, in honor of my brain freeze, Valerie, this recipe for fresh fruit watermelon margarita granita is for you. Thank you for the book and for taking a chance on me. You better eat it slow.
Fresh Fruit Watermelon Margarita Granita
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: serves 6
Description
The most refreshing margarita style granita
Ingredients
6 cups cubed red seedless watermelon, frozen*
2 limes, peeled
1 orange, peeled, seeded
¼ cup water
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons tequila
2 tablespoons cointreau or other orange flavored liqueur
Instructions
- To freeze watermelon place it in a single layer on a foil lined rimmed baking pan; freeze several hours until solid. (I usually just do this the night before or early in the day).
- Combine all ingredients in the blender and blend until smooth.
- Can be eaten right away which makes it more like a sorbet or pour mixture into a metal 8-inch pan and freeze until solid.
- Scrape with the tines of a fork and scoop into serving dishes. Garnish as desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: dessert
- Method: freezer
- Cuisine: american
Keywords: granita, sorbet, watermelon, frozen treat, brain freeze
Here comes the brain freeze! And if you really want to take a chance try it with a sprinkle of chili powder on top. It is my new favorite way to eat all things frosty.
KimR
Lisa, someone gave me the book as well, and I have found it very comforting. Not every day, but often, it mirrors what I'm thinking or confirms that the feelings I have are OK. I have given away three of the books myself. I am so sorry for your loss but thank you for sharing. I'm going to buy some watermelon today!
Lisa
Thank you. Glad to know that the book has brought you some comfort. I have very much enjoyed it at this stage in the grief process.
Krista
I loved this. I'm learning that people come into our lives just when we need them and offer unexpected support and others new, never-thought-of-before opportunities.
I get the brain freeze thing totally. My sixteen daughter has now assumed the role of my social secretary in case I fail to show for yet another engagement. Luckily, we have turned it into a little mom and daughter joke.
I am making the granita for a group of former colleagues and friends who all just happen to have taught Aidan as well. There are no words to describe how wonderful they have been to me. It will be perfect for the predicted 95 and 100% humidity.
Lisa
Your comments are always amazing. They either make me cry or smile.