Lemon Granita

Move over lemonade and make room for this Italian semi-frozen dessert! Granita is a traditional Sicilian dish and in some areas of Sicily it is served as a slush like drink rather than a dessert.

Serves 4
recipe from Desserts

1/2 cup (115g) granulated sugar
grated rind of 1 lemon, scrubbed before cleaning
juice of 2 large lemons

Heat 2 cups (475ml) of water with the sugar over low heat until the sugar dissolves. Bring a a boil and remove from the heat. Allow to cool. Combine the lemon rind and juice with the sugar syrup. Place in a shallow container and freeze. Check periodically and fluff with a fork to produce fine shards of ice. Spoon into glasses.

The Culinary Chase’s Note: If you forget to check on the granita as it freezes, you can always chop it into chunks and place in a food processor with a metal blade. Process until it forms small crystals. This is such an easy dessert to make and so refreshing! Try making coffee granita by substituting the lemon for 1/2 cup of very strong espresso coffee (cooled). Serve in frosted glasses as this will keep the granita cold. Enjoy!