Wedding Granita

This granita was served at my sister's wedding.  Before the wedding, I helped make it, along with my mom and sister.  We made two flavors- lemon, and strawberry.  They were both vey good, and refreshing.  Granita is a kind of frozen Italian dessert- related to sorbet.  Read this article if you don't know what granita is. 

Italian Lemon Granita

from my sister

4 large lemons, juiced and zested

3 cups water

1 cup sugar (add more, to taste, if needed)

1.  Bring the water and sugar to a boil.  Simmer and stir for 5 minutes. Then stir in the grated peel and juice.

2.  Pour the mixture into a pan or bowl. Place in freezer and stir about every half hour so it doesn't become solid.
 
Strawberry Granita
from Epicurious
 
1 cup hot water
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3 cups sliced hulled strawberries (1 pound whole berries) plus additional berries for garnish

1.  Stir first 3 ingredients in small bowl until sugar dissolves. Blend 3 cups strawberries in processor until smooth. Add sugar syrup and blend until combined.

2.  Pour mixture into 13x9x2-inch nonstick metal baking pan. Freeze until icy around edges, about 25 minutes. Using fork, stir icy portions into middle of pan. Freeze until mixture is frozen, stirring edges into center every 20 to 30 minutes, about 1 1/2 hours. Using fork, scrape granita into flaky crystals. Cover tightly and freeze. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Keep frozen.) Scrape granita into bowls. Garnish with berries and serve.

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