Another enticing creation from Italy (I love Italian Gelato!), granita is a semi-frozen dessert made from sugar, water and various flavorings...and, they are super easy to make. Originally from Sicily it is somewhat similar to sorbet and italian ice.

There are different ways of making Granitas: The first method creates a more coarse consistency made by scraping or shaving the frozen ice to produce separated crystals. This is simply done by mixing all ingredients in a blender and placing the flavored mixture in a container in the freezer. When it is frozen you then scrape or shave the ice. This can also be made in a gelato machine for a smoother consistency.

Icy cool Granitas are a great way to get through the sweltering days of summer. You can also serve Granitas as a refreshing finale to a spicy meal.  Here is my first try at making a Granita:

Watermelon Granita
Serves 4

Ingredients

• 4 cups (about 1/2) watermelon
• 1/2 cup of water
• 1/4 cup of raw or refined sugar
• 1 tablespoon of rose water
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder
  
• Juice of one lime
• Garnish with a slice of Lime
  

Directions

1. Cut watermelon into cubes, removing all seeds
2. In a small saucepan, add water, sugar, rose water, and red chili, heating until sugar has dissolved, about 1 minute
3. Remove from heat and let cool down (about 5 minutes)
4. Place the watermelon in a blender and mix until smooth.
   
5. When the sugar water has cooled, add to the watermelon in the blender along with the lime juice, blending all ingredients together.
   
6. Transfer the watermelon mixture to a shallow pan and cover with a plastic wrap. Place in the freezer
7. Let the granita freeze for 4-5 hours when the mixture is completely frozen. Every hour or so, stir or scrape the mixture breaking up the ice crystals.
   
8. A half hour before serving place your serving glasses or bowls in the freezer to chill

To Serve:

1. Remove frozen watermelon from freezer along with serving vessels from the freezer.
2. Scrape or shave the mixture loosening the crystals of ice.
   
3. Spoon mixture into pre-chilled glasses. If you experience difficulty scraping or shaving you can place the frozen watermelon in a food processor and pulse briefly to loosen up.
4. Garnish with a slice of Lime. You can also squeeze fresh lime juice over the granita as well.