Hell hath no fury...

...like an unconditioned subway train at rush hour. That was my sweaty morning: a train ride with a mob of angry, overheated New Yorkers. I walked into work today with the inarguable need to stick my head in the freezer. I feel better.

With the heat over 90 degrees F, I've been dreaming of some cool treats and tricks to cool off.

1. If you do not have an air conditioner, fret not. Here's a way to make one and run it for *much* cheaper, as developed by a couple very warm, very clever college students.
2. Make a few Ice Straws to stir that cool lemonade, ice tea, or refreshing cocktail.
   
3. Best of all, whip up a batch of Watermelon Granita.
   

Watermelon Granita

This refreshing, ice dessert is thick enough to be eaten out of bowls, or can be made into a drink.

Ingredients

1/2 C. superfine sugar
1 C. water
4 C. ripe seedless watermelon fruit, cut into chunks
Juice of 1 lemon
1 lime, sliced

Directions

Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan and stir to combine.
Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer 1 minute. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Place watermelon and lemon juice in a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Pass the fruit puree through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl, using the back of a spoon to push liquid through. Discard any solids or seeds. Add cooled sugar-water and stir to combine. Pour mixture onto a metal pan to a depth of 1/4-inch. Place in freezer for 30 minutes until crystals begin to form. Scrape mixture with a fork to break it up, scraping the ends and sides of the pan where it might be most frozen. Refreeze for another 30 minutes. Repeat this process several times for 2-3 hours until frozen and crystallized. Place dessert cups or glasses in refrigerator to chill. Scoop granita into chilled bowls and garnish with a slice of lime on the rim.

-Caley, hating the MTA and luvin' the freezer

Photo compliments of Flickr, chotda