Granita

General Proportions* 

3 parts fruit : 1 part liquid : ¼ part acid : sweeten to taste

* for all liquid recipes measure desired liquid and sweeten to taste

1. If using fresh fruit remove any seeds and juice or rough chop. 
2. If using tougher/less ripe fruit add to pot and cook until fragrant and tender (about 3-10 minutes). Depending on how thick your fruit mixture is, add ¼ c water at a time to get the fruit to a liquid consistency and avoid any burning. 
3.  If fruit is too sour make a simple syrup, bring to a boil 1 cup water 1 cup sugar, boil for 5 minutes until reduced, let cool, then add as needed for sweetness and texture. 
4. Easiest if using a food processor or blender, but can be finely chopped. Put all the ingredients in and blend until well incorporated and consistency is to your liking.
5. Freeze fruit mixture in a shallow container, raking with a fork every 30 minutes to break up any ice clumps until the mixture has become crystal but still slushy. 
6. If using popsicle molds pour cooled liquid into molds and freeze until solid. Ice cube trays can also be used.

Experiment 

• This dessert can be made with many fruits such as watermelon, plums, nectarines, limes, grapefruit, pineapple, etc.
• Don’t have access to fresh fruit? This recipe can also be made with fruit juices, frozen fruit, or dried fruit. If using dried fruit soak overnight and blend until smooth in a blender before freezing for a fruity twist.  
• Basil or mint simple syrup are tasty additions too. 1 cup fresh herbs: 1 cup water: 1 cup sugar. 
• Serve your granita layers with yogurt for a creamy refreshing treat. 
• Coffee lovers try a truly iced coffee by pouring a cooled strong cup of coffee (with sugar to personal taste) , freeze, rake, and enjoy. 

Fun Facts

• Granita is an Italian dessert similar to gelato and sorbet but requires no special equipment to make. 
• Keep herbs fresh for longer by treating them like cut flowers. Trim the bottoms and put them in a jar of water in the fridge (you can even put a plastic bag over it to further retain moisture
• Preserve citrus by juicing extra fruit and freezing in ice cube trays.