Cucumber and Ginger Granita

Granita is one of my favorite summer time treats. You can make them in so many different flavors. Strawberry, watermelon, lemon, the possibilities are endless! I love this rendition because it is n0t very sweet but so refreshing. It is almost like a palate cleanser with the cucumber and ginger. It is so perfect on a hot summer afternoon.

Makes 2 cups. 4 large servings or 6 small servings.

2 cups water

1/2 cucumber (sliced)

3-4” piece of ginger (peeled, sliced)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 -1/2 cup sugar

To make:

Boil the 2 cups of water. Remove from heat and add the ginger and cucumber. Let sit at least 30 minutes to steep. Strain. Add salt and sugar. Taste and adjust seasoning or sweetness. Keep in mind that as it freezes, it will be slightly less sweet than at room temperature.

Place mixture in large, shallow dish. You want it to be about an inch deep. I use a 9x9 square glass dish. Place in freezer. I check it after 2 hours. Once its starts developing into ice, use a fork and scrape it into small ice crystals. Try not to let large chunks develop. I check it every hour after the initial 2 hour start. Keep scraping each time you check it. Once frozen through and scraped into small crystals it is ready to serve. It will keep frozen without continually scraping once it is broken down. Will keep in the freezer a few days to enjoy! Serve with mint or herb of choice or a splash of tequila or rum!