Storified by Lucette Delacroix· Mon, Apr 08 2013 01:04:10
To make the summer heat more bearable, serve this delicious red treat which is as refreshing as ice cream but lighter and easier to make. Red fruit granita, pronounced grah-NEE-tah, is like a blast of cool sweet dynamite in the mouth; a burst of different flavors from nutritious red fruits can be tasted in just one bite. In this Chef Antoine recipe, plums, strawberries, red grapes, and red berries are used. Lemon juice is added to give it even more zest. Half of the fruits are made into a frozen sugary slush while the other half are sliced and served fresh, served in a pretty glass with the sorbet, some whipped cream, and a sprinkling of pistachio nuts. The result is an overwhelmingly delicious cold dessert that can be served anytime of the day, even for breakfast as the Italians sometimes do. Other red fruits such as cherries, cranberries, pomegranates, and raspberries can also be added to make it even more flavorful and diverse. Make sure that you use sweet and ripe fruits for a truly delicious treat.
Granita is a popular Italian dessert that is similar to sorbet but have a coarser texture from the crystals of the sugar. There are some who prefer their granite smooth, while others who like it extra-chunky. It is said that the invention of granita was accidental and happened when anonymous sherbet seller left her ingredients on ice for too long. As a result, the supposedly smooth sherbet turned into a block of granular ice. When making this recipe, use coarse sugar instead of fine sugar for a traditional grainier granita. To develop large crystals or flakes of ice, stir the granite mixture with a fork several times while it is freezing, ideally at 30-minute intervals.
Slice the red fruits into equal sizes. Put them on a bain-marie then pour in the water and sugar. Cover with cling wrap then cook for 30 minutes. Strain.
Puree a new batch of strawberries. Pour them on a large pan together with the strawberry juice. Freeze overnight or for 24 hours (depending on how fast it freezes).
Scrape some granite, scoop some and place into a dessert bowl or a tall glass. Add some fresh red fruits then top with some sweetened whipped cream. Sprinkle with some chopped pistachios. Serve immediately – enjoy the cool treat!
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