Active Time

　　15 min

　　Total Time

　　3 3/4 hr (includes freezing)

　　Fresh and creamy all at once, this clever combination of rich ricotta ice cream and icy-cold watermelon chunks is a twist on the classic Creamsicle. Shaved bittersweet chocolate complements both flavors beautifully.

　　

Ingredients

Makes about 1 quart

　　1 (15-oz) cold container whole-milk ricotta (1 2/3 cups) or 1 2/3 cups fresh ricotta

　　3 oz cream cheese, softened

　　1 cup cold whole milk

　　1 cup sugar

　　2 tablespoons dark rum

　　1 teaspoon finely grated fresh lemon zest

　　1/2 teaspoon vanilla

　　1/8 teaspoon salt

　　1/3 cup cold heavy cream

　　1 (4 1/2- to 5-lb) wedge of watermelon, cut into 1-inch-thick slices and chilled

　　1 oz fine-quality bittersweet chocolate (from a 3-oz bar), shaved (1/4 cup)

　　

Special Equipment

an ice cream maker

　　

Step 1

Blend cheeses, milk, sugar, rum, zest, vanilla, and salt in a blender until smooth, about 1 minute. Add cream and blend until just combined, about 5 seconds.

　　

Step 2

Freeze mixture in ice cream maker, then transfer to an airtight container and put in freezer to harden, at least 3 hours.

　　

Step 3

Put scoops of ice cream on watermelon slices and top with chocolate shavings.