Watermelon Pudding Or Sauce

Total Time: 45 mins Preparation Time: 25 mins Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 6
• 5 cups fresh watermelon juice, from about 3 lbs. of watermelon (including foam)
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons blanched pistachios, coarsely chopped (optional)
• 1/2 ounce semisweet chocolate, coarsely grated (about 2 tbs) (optional)
• 3 tablespoons candied citron peel, rinsed and chopped (optional)

Recipe

• 1 prepare watermelon juice by scooping the meat and removing the seeds; liquefy in blender or food processor (i make extra to chill and drink).
• 2 stir sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan; add about half the juice stirring until thoroughly combined, then add the rest.
• 3 cook over moderate heat; stir, scraping the bottom with a wide spatula, occasionally at first, then constantly as it begins to thicken.
• 4 reduce heat to low when the mixture begins to bubble and continue stirring for 3-5 minutes.
• 5 pour into a bowl, stirring occasionally, until it reaches room temperature then stir in the vanilla.
• 6 add the optional ingredients if desired and pour into individual serving cups or a serving dish.
• 7 chill well before serving (it will thicken to a consistency like jello as it chills) and serve with whipped cream or cookies if desired.
• 8 if using as a sauce, thin if necessary to the consistency desired with additional watermelon juice.