Watermelon Strawberry Sorbet
For weeks I’ve been waiting to post this recipe for watermelon-strawberry sorbet, which I developed for C&H Sugar as part of their summer newsletter about food blogs. They asked me to wait until the newsletter was published and as of yesterday morning it’s online! So here is the recipe – with temperatures soaring into the mid 90’s in NYC the timing couldn’t be more perfect.
The C&H Sugar site mentions several other scrumptious sites too – like Dorie Greenspan’s blog, Elise’s Simply Recipes and Anita’s Dessert First. All I can say is that I’m honored to be mentioned among such blogosphere greats, not to mention these fabulous foodies: Artisan Sweets, The Pastry Princess, Cookie Madness, Eggbeater and Bake or Break. 
Many thanks to Nancy for including me in her article, and also to Liz for writing about me over at Culinate.
Things like this make me step back and marvel at the blogosphere. Ten years ago, who could have guessed that an entire culture of food sites written by everyday people would become so popular? Thanks in large part to this site I have a job at Hazon, have had the opportunity to interview authors, and have met more than a few incredible bloggers and blog readers. Which makes me wonder: who are you and where are you reading this blog from? Please humor my curiosity by leaving a comment and saying hello. Not sure what to say? No problem, I’m full of questions. For starters:
- If you could have one superpower, what would you want it to be?
- A major motion picture is being made about your life. What song or songs should be on the soundtrack?
For the record, my superpower would be the ability to instantly transport myself anywhere on Earth and I’d use said power to visit my family in California, then explore places like Spain and France. I’d be a self-sustaining human Star Trek transporter! As for my soundtrack two songs seem especially appropriate: “Sweet Sadness” by Gabin (not because I’m sad but because the song reminds me of my ballroom dancing days) and “Amado Mio” by Pink Martini, because this song was playing in the car when my husband picked me up for our first date some six years ago.
There are other songs, of course, but mainly I want to hear about you… What are your answers?
Watermelon-Strawberry Sorbet (My Recipe)
Ingredients: Makes 5 cups
3/4 cup C&H Pure Cane Granulated Sugar
1/4 cup water
4 cups watermelon, seeded and cut into chunks
1 1/3 cups strawberries, hulled
1 lemon zest
1-2 tbsp. fresh lime juice, according to taste
Instructions:
In a saucepan over medium-high heat combine sugar and water. Stirring constantly with a whisk, bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, without stirring, until the liquid becomes transparent, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a large blender combine watermelon chunks, strawberries and lemon zest. Puree until combined. Add the sugar syrup and 1-2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice, according to taste. (I use 2 tablespoons.) Puree, then taste. If the mixture is not sweet enough add 1 teaspoon of sugar then blend and taste again. Continue until you are happy with how sweet the mixture is, adding up to 3 teaspoons of sugar. If the mixture is too sweet, add extra lime juice, following the same procedure as with the additional sugar, up to 2 teaspoons.
Pour the mixture into a large bowl or Tupperware, cover, and chill for at least 2 hours. Then freeze in an ice-cream maker, churning according to the manufacturers instructions, up to 25 minutes. When the sorbet has finished churning, transfer to a freezer-safe container, smooth with the back of a spoon, and freeze for 3 to 4 hours, or until firm.
This sorbet will keep for about 4 days in the freezer. If it becomes hard let it sit on the counter for 15 minutes, then use the edge of an ice cream scoop to break it into chunks. Warm a metal spoon under hot water and use the back of the spoon to smooth the sorbet back into its original shape. Freeze for 10 minutes. The sorbet will have regained a soft, smooth texture.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:- Strawberry Filled Coconut Cupcakes with Whipped Cream Frosting
- Bruschetta & Strawberry Melonade
- Strawberry Bread for the Masses
- Goldilocks in the Kitchen
- I Like it Simple, Sweet & Savory
- Huevos Rancheros with Salsa Fresca
- Blueberry-Raspberry Honey-Butter Glazed Scones
- Homemade Coconut Ice Cream
I’m a new reader over here, from Virginia Beach. First of all, wow! I’ve just stepped into this blogging world, and I am just overwhelmed at the quality of sites like yours. That picture of watermelon strawberry sorbet positively looks COLD! Yum yum yum.
It looks so yummy, I want some!
Congrats on the write up
It is really interesting to see the connections and paths that our words can take after we post them 
That sorbet looks to die for 
I just read the article on Culinate, Congratulations! This sorbet looks perfect for the humid weather we’ve been having.
Congrats on the article, Ari!
It is very hot here in California but after looking at your fantastic sorbet photo I feel cooler already. It looks like the perfect dessert, beautiful color by the way.
Hmm….what superpower would I like to have? Well, I think I would like to have the power to travel instantaneously, you know like Captain Picard in Star Trek…just pop on over and visit . Wouldn’t that be cool? Then pop on back!
Love the idea of your sorbet…can’t wait for summer to arrive here to try it… (here=Melbourne, Australia)
That sorbet looks really refreshing…I can’t think of a fruit more refreshing than watermelon
I read your article on Culinate…congratulations on that!
What super hero power? Gosh…being a Heroes fan I can think of lots! Being able to heal or regenerate would be awesome…but the kid in me still wants to fly!
Your sorbet looks so good. I am reading from Australia.
As for what superpower? I want to travel in time. It would be so much fun. I would visit all the great world events and have great adventures.
This sorbet looks amazing — great photograph, too! Congrats on the Culinate article; I think Liz does a great job with these interviews.
Hi Ari! Ann here hold it down in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, wishing I had some hot pink sorbet to save me from melting in this bloody heat. Happy weekend!
Wow. I never thought I’d say I was glad to be working in Holland, Michigan, but the farmer’s market had both watermelons and strawberries last week. That, this post, and the 95*F heat wave makes me very anxious to invest in an ice cream maker. Granted, it’ll be somewhat useless in winter, but who cares?
As for the superpower, definitely going with that old Jean Grey-style telepathy/telekinesis combo. Stir boiling sauce from across the room, fly to work, it’s all good.
And this blog has deserved a writeup that good for a while now.
Wow. I never thought I’d say I was glad to be working in Holland, Michigan, but the farmer’s market had both watermelons and strawberries last week. That, this post, and the 95*F heat wave makes me very anxious to invest in an ice cream maker. Granted, it’ll be somewhat useless in winter, but who cares?
As for the superpower, definitely going with that old Jean Grey-style telepathy/telekinesis combo. Stir boiling sauce from across the room, fly to work, it’s all good. The soundtrack would be mostly old jazz, like Thelonious Monk’s “Liza” and “April in Paris”.
And this blog has deserved a writeup that good for a while now.
Oh. My. God! Watermelon ANYTHING is my very favorite. I love the flavor, the smell, all of it. This recipe is a dreaaaam for me. Thank you!
I’ve been lurking for a while, but I really enjoy your blog. Congrats on the mention! It’s wonderful.
Wouldn’t mind being “unbreakable.”
Soundtrack would definitely include Tony Bennet, Juana Molina, Ella Fitzgerald, The White Stripes and John Coltrane.
Looks so good! Love the color too.
I bought Cuisinart Ice Cream maker and have been making different Ice creams and slushies. Need these for hot summer:))
I’ve seen this watermelon/strawberry combination around, and each time I see it appear in a dish it totally makes me drool! Argh, what I wouldn’t give for this fresh summertime treat!
Ari, you’ve put together 2 flavors that I absolutely love!
And I would like to fly.
Yummy!! A great and light treat for a hot summer day… we have had so many of these. Looks perfect.
from alaska, i would like weather control to be my super power (no wonder, huh?)
soundtrack? hmm…..
northern Lad; Tori Amos
phenomena; Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs
chill-out tent; the Hold Steady
friday, I’m in love; The Cure
werewolf; Cat Power
mad world, Donnie Darko soundtrack
Congrats on the article! That sorbet looks so yummy.
Superpower? I’d have to say to be able to transport myself instantaeously as well. So many places you could travel as well as eat then! ha ha.
Congrats Ari! All your hardwork is definitely well appreciated. Keep up the great work, and continue to floor us with your great food.
Congratulations on the article!
Superpower, hmmm. I’d like to be able to make a difference. Exactly what I’d need to do that I’m not sure!
Songs, Caribbean Blue by Enya and many tracks from Coldplay!
Looks great! I keep forgetting that you’re in NY, too. We should get together sometime.
Hi Ari, congrats on the article! And thanks for commenting on my site:)
The past couple of summers, I have made a few different ice creams, but I’m always hesitant to try a sorbet recipe because I am scared I’d screw it up and make a block of ice rather than a sorbet. Your recipe looks very easy though.
As for my superpower, I’d probably pick invisibility.
Yummy! I’ve made ice cream. I guess the next step is sorbet.
Superpower—– I don’t know—- time travel
How cool is that? Congrats on the write up.
Your sorbet looks so refreshing! My mom told me how hot it was in the city, so this must have hit the spot!
Congratulations on the article Ari. I think I’d go with some of the others and choose time-travel as my superpower, I’d love to experience life at different periods in the past without having to put up with the daily grind of life without running water and electricity! My soundtrack would be anything by Nick Cave.
Wonderful colour…
Super Power – I’d like to be able to transport myself and the family to wherever we wanted (with optional time travel would be very cool too!) but always with the option to come back.
Music – It would have to include the album Moon Safari by Air, some Keane and Arcitc Monkeys, Groove Armada, Leftfield and then a little Harry Connick Jr and some other crooning stuff for a bit of nostalgia and definitely ‘What’s that coming over the hill, is it a monster?’ by the Automatic because it reminds me of some video footage of the boys… Sorry… got carried away there.
Congrats on the article!
I’m with you on the personal transporter…..
As to the song…..Hmmmm how about ‘The Lion Sleeps Tonight” LOL
So delicate and wonderful! What a great fruit association… I love sorbets!
Congratulations for the article!
The picture is amazing. I can almost taste that beautiful sorbet. Wish I could taste it for real!
Blogging is an amazing thing. I too, am surprised, at how many doors have opened from blogging.
Congrats on your C&H gig. This sorbet looks amazing. I must make this soon!
Sounds good to me – a perfect palate cleanser between courses. I’m in one of those moods.
Congrats on the article! =)
That sorbet is calling me.. 2 of my most favorite flavors.. yum!
xoxo
Mmm strawberry and watermelon, what better combination for summer! Congrats on the article!
Hellooo.
A new reader, new blogger and new cook-wannabe from Sydney, Australia (actual origin: New Zealand). Inspirational site and groovy sorbet baby!
Superpower:
Wish #1 – To Fly
Wish #2 – Undestructable Joints
Wish #3 – Eating without Weight gain
Songs:
You & Me – Lifehouse; Dirrty & Voice Within – Christina Aguilera;
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun – Cyndi Lauper; Here Without You – 3 Doors Down; Flaunt It – TV Rock (Ministry of Sound); Breathe (2am) – Anna Nalick.
Congratulations on being mentioned in the article!
Like you, I would wish for the superpower that gives me the ability to transport myself anywhere and anytime I want. That would be awesome! The soundtrack wouldn’t be as easy: it would be a mix of stuff from say America, Dean Martin, Dave Matthews Band, 38 Special, Phil Collins, U2, The Cure, Don Mclean etc.
Hey Lady! I dont know how I found your blog, but am glad I did.
My powers other than all of them. Bi-location would be good.
To me, what is so amazing is the diversity of blogs. Cooking, reading, knitting, writing, medical. Anything you can think of has a catergory…..But, in the end it is all about creating community. What is cooler than that?
I’d like the Star Trek beam me up power too or be able to fly, but not be afraid of heights. Some super math skills might be fun too! It would help with my baking conversions!
For songs, one of them would be “This Is It” by Kenny Loggins which is kind of geeky and old, but when I was a kid and I listened to it, I always felt inspired like I could do anything. I’d have to work on a list of other songs…
Yum, Ari — can’t wait to make this.
Now…as to superpowers. How about if I could stop time so that I could do some of my hobby things without feeling like I was letting work or others down.
As to songs…hard to pick one, but one of my favorites is an old Van Morrison tune, “Whenever God Shines His Light On Me”; Josh Groban “To Where You are”; Barry White “You’re the First, the Last, My Everything”; Bocelli “Con te Partiro”; Sarah Brightman “Pie Desu”; Ennio Marricone “Gabriel’s Oboe”; Mozart’s Concerto for Clarinet in A Minor, K622 — well, I told you I couldn’t pick one. It’s all about the mood.
Hi there! I’m Mary, I live in Durham, NC, and I’ve been quietly reading your blog for … oh, 4 months? Possibly longer? I can’t quite remember how I found you, but I liked what I saw & you’ve been on My Favorites ever since.
I, too, would want my super power to be teleportation. I love to visit new and interesting places, but I hate the process of traveling to them (seems like such an annoying waste of time!).
Mary – Thanks for taking the time to comment, it’s so nice to hear your voice on my blog. 4 months eh? I’m honored to have stayed in your good graces for so long.
Teleportation would definitely be an awesome power. I too love travel but hate the process of getting there… unless I’m on a cruise ship!
Sarah – So glad you left a comment! Thank you for your kind words about my site – the whole blogging world is pretty amazing. I know I’m often floored by the content of sites like the Travelers Lunch box and Smitten Kitchen. Have you checked out either of those blogs? Here’s hoping you keep coming back to Baking and Books!
Kelly Mahoney – I wish I could give you a scoop!
TriniGourmet – I’m constantly amazed by the blogging world. You and I for instance: we’ve read each others blogs, chatted online, exchanged emails, all these things that never would have happened without the internet, your being in Trinidad and my being in CT.
Kat – Thanks! And yes this sorbet would be the perfect thing for hot weather.
Caitlyn – Thank you!
Ruth L – I really like the color too, I was glad that it captured the ‘essence’ of watermelon and strawberry.
Stephanie – This is probably going to sound so silly, but I always get a kick out of the fact that it’s summer here while it’s a whole ‘nother season in other parts of the world, like Australia where you are. Too often we get caught up thinking that what we’re experiencing is the universal, but that’s rarely the case!
Joey – Hereos is such a great show! I can’t wait for it to come back, what did you think about Hiro being transported back to ancient Japan? Regeneration would be awesome, there’s no denying that… I wouldn’t mind being able to stop time like Hiro either.
KJ – Great choice. Where in time/place would you visit first?
Lydia – Liz does an amazing job with her interviews, it’s such a great idea to spotlight bloggers. I’m always looking for new foodblogs to read!
Ann – This heat has been something else hasn’t it? I hear it’s supposed to get into the high 90’s today. Ack! You and me both would relish a scoop of sorbet this afternoon I’d wager.
Hey Ari,
FTF – the reason I wanted to write was, I just read the Boleyn Inheritance – solely as recommended by you, Having never considered historical fiction as a genre before, I discovered that I loved the book; in fact I am am haunted by it; Your time traveling power would come in handy – would love to see the whole history in action.
My superpower skills would definitely be “thinking myself thin” – not only would I be then free to enjoy all your recipes here, but I could probably make good money just marketing to all the perusers of your wonderful blog site.
Can’t wait to visit this site and find my next love – both baked & booked,,,,
I just loved watermelon and my hubby is on an ice cream /sorbet making binge and his obssession right now is finding a recipe for watermelon sorbet. I could just kiss you!
Ari! I hope this comment is not too late.
I am in Quezon City (which is part of Metropolitan Manila), Philippines. I would like the power to move objects with my mind, just like Prue in Charmed (one of my favorite TV shows). And the movie of my life would definitely have a hip hop and R&B soundtrack, because that is the kind of music I mostly listen to. I love your blog and that watermelon-strawberry sorbet looks wonderful!
Travis – You should totally get an ice cream maker! True, it’s not much use during the cold winter, but it does give you something to look forward to.
Your superpower comment made me think about Mrs. Weasley in the Harry Potter books! Jeany-Gray style telekinesis would be pretty cool. Thanks for your sweet comment about the writeup!
Andi – Glad I could make you smile! You’re welcome!
Deb Schiff – Well I’m glad you delurked (is that a word?) and said hello! I’m so happy to hear that you enjoy my blog.
Being unbreakable would be a pretty neat power too. Hmmm. Maybe I want more than one superpower! What is your favorite Tony Bennett song? Mine is “If I Ruled the World.” That song always makes me smile.
Asha – Thanks! And playing around with ice cream/slushie recipes is a blast no? If I had more room in my kitchen I’d even be tempted to get an ice shaver so I could make snowcones.
Ellie – It’s a yummy combo, what can I say?
Patricia – Where would you fly to first? I’ve had dreams of flying that are so totally awesome. Whenever that happens I wake up and am like, awwww! Darnit. I thought I could fly.
Monika – Thank you.
There are been way too many hot, humid summer days of late if you ask me, but at least we have sorbet to enjoy despite the weather.
Kerri – What is the weather like in Alaska? Sorry if that’s a completely idiotic question, but I’ve never been there. My husband wants to go on an Alaskan cruise though so maybe that will change sometime soon? Great songs!
Pam – Oh you are a woman after my own heart thinking of all these places you could nosh while transporting from place to place.
Meena – Thanks! I’m just having a blast with this blog and am so, so happy that great folks like you take the time to visit me.
Kelly-Jane – Thank you! Wow and look at you choosing a superpower intended solely for the greater good. Seems like somebody is a superhero already.
I love Caribbean Blue… gosh, it’s been ages since I heard that song!
Danielle – Yes, we totally should.
Marvin – Thanks and my pleasure. Sorbet is intimidating and I have screwed up more than a few in my day, but that’s how you learn right? Give it a go and see what happens. Also, you can add a raw egg white or two to the sorbet while it is in the final stages of churning (about 3 minutes before it’s done). The egg whites help the sorbet maintain it’s soft texture for longer. In fact, I’d originally suggested this step for my watermelon-strawberry sorbet, but C&H has a rule against using raw eggs in recipes.
Jerry – Totally! Ice cream, sorbet, smoothies, slushies… all frozen treats are great in my book.
Chris – Thanks! I thought it was pretty cool of them to think of me, I was surprised by that actually, lol. It has been insanely hot in the city. And when you pair that with the rain yesterday, which knocked out subways/trains citywide (and in CT) oy! I need a bowl of sorbet.
Great article. Congratulations!
I’m with anything watermelon! Your photo is just over the top beautiful! Just wish I had some to cool this heat down.
When I cook, for some reason I love YMCA.
I think I’d really love to teleport like you the beam me up Scotty thing.
Laura – Thanks! Time travel would indeed be awesome, and you’re smart to think of the creature comforts before committing to a time period!
Amanda – No need to apologize, I’m loving all the music recommendations you just gave me. I love Groove Amanda and Harry Connick Jr, but I hadn’t heard of the others. Sounds like it’s time for some musical exploration!
Katiez – lol, The Lion Sleeps Tonight eh? I’d love to hear the story behind that one.
Rosa – Thank you!
Sher Cermak – I wish you could too! If only foodblogs were interactive. Someday, someday…
Kristen – It’s pretty mind blowing when you think about how long it took a letter to reach someone back in the pony express days – and that’s just on one continent. Nevermind intercontinental communication!
Scott – I hadn’t thought of the sorbet in those terms but you, you’re right. What better way to cleanse the palate then with the sweet flavors of watermelon and strawberry?
Lisa – Thanks! And I’m glad the sorbet is calling to you, I hope you answer the call!
Amy – Thank you.
Sarah – I’m so glad you left a comment, hello from Connecticut USA! Being able to eat without weight gain would be an AMAZING power – omg, why didn’t I think of it? If you could eat whatever you wanted and still have a trim figure what would you eat? Love the songs you listed too, very groovy.
Christine – Soundtracks are surprisingly difficult to come up with, something I didn’t realize until I started contemplating the question myself. And now I have everyones song recommendations to consider too, lol.
Nancy – I’m glad you did too! You’re absolutely right too, blogs are all about creating a community. Aside from the hubby, few of my ‘real world’ friends are as interested in food as I am. More than once a friend has made an offhand remark like, “I wonder why apple cobbler is called apple cobbler?” and my enthusiasm will get the best of me as I start to answer their question, explain the history and lore of the dish etc. Sooner or later I realize they’re just giving me funny looks though, and clearly thinking something along the lines of “Um, Ari, I wasn’t seriously asking the question.”
Bloggie community kicks bootie.
Anali – Haha, super math skills! I love it. I could use some of those too. My math powers don’t extend too far beyond recipe conversions.
I love the back story to “This is It.” If I were going to include memory songs I’d definitely have to use MC Hammer’s “Can’t Touch This.” My brother and I used to jump on my parents bed while dancing and pretending to sing the song, we were about 7 & 5 years old respectively, and had so much fun losing ourself in the song. Kinda funny to remember those times.
Janice – Remember that 80’s show “Out of this World,” where the half alien girl could top time by touching her pointer fingers together? You reminded me of that show with your comment. I totally feel ya on the tug between doing what you want to do and feeling like there are other things you should be doing instead. It’s a constant struggle, but in the end I think it’s absolutely important to give yourself some “me time” every day.
Lavanya – I’m so thrilled that you enjoyed the Boleyn Inheritance! And totally flattered that you decided to give historical fiction a try based on my recommendation. Have you read The Other Boleyn Girl? If not – check it out quick! It’s even better than the Inheritance.
I too would love to use time traveling powers to visit the places I’ve read about in my novels – though in the case of Henry VIII I think it would do to also be invisible, no telling what he would do if he saw you! Is there any particular time period you’d like to read more about? I’ve read many more historical novels than are listed on bakingandbooks.
Thank you for leaving such an uplifting comment, I’ve been smiling the entire time I’ve been writing this response to you. Hugs!
Veron – Mwa! Hugs and kisses right back at ya! Hope you and the hubby have fun with the recipe.
Tarie – It is never too late to comment. Charmed is one of my all-time favorite shows too! I wasn’t as thrilled with it after the sexy Cole left, but I still watched it until the end.
Tanna – Thank you! YMCA would be lots of fun to cook too, I’ll have to try it out… just have to make sure I don’t start doing the dance moves while I’m holding a batter covered spoon or something.