LIME BASIL GRANITA

Here's what's going to happen:

You're going to make this recipe, and then email me thanking me later.

Why?

Because it's easy & delicious.

Another reason?

Because it seems fancy if you make it for dinner guests. Even though its just juice, water, and sugar.

I give to you:

I had never had granita until the fine dining restaurant I used to work at started making it. They were geniuses, because it costs next to nothing to make (great margins, guys!), but is so. dang. good. It takes a little patience, but the end result is worth it.

What you'll need to make it happen:

3 cups water

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 1/2 cups freshly squeeze lime juice

10 basil leaves

zest of one lime (more if you want to garnish with it)

How to make it happen:

Step 1: Mix your sugar, basil leaves, and water in a sauce pan, and bring to a boil while stirring. Let simmer for a minute, and set aside to cool for about an hour. If you're impatient like I am, stick it in the fridge to cool it faster.

Step 2: Strain out your basil leaves, and mix in your lime juice and zest.

Step 3: Set this mixture in a 9x13 pan (mine was glass) and put it in the freezer.

Step 4: Every half hour or so, scrape the mixture with a fork, creating small crystals. Break up any large lumps! Do this on repeat for a couple of hours, or until well frozen into crystals.

Step 5: Serve in a small bowl, grate lime zest over and garnish with basil leaves!

 Notes:

* If you want more of a strong basil flavor, you can always thinly shred basil leaves and add them to the frozen mixture!

* If limes are too sour for you, try a little bit sweeter of a fruit!

* To make it even more fun, add a low alcohol liqueur to the mix. I'm going to try grapefruit juice and Campari next I think...

What flavor granita will you be making?

*yes, I said will be, not would! make it people!

xo, lp