Granita is a partially frozen dessert that is made from sugar, flavorings and water. It originated in Sicily and is now enjoyed all over Italy. It is similar to sorbet and Italian ice.
1¾ c. sugar
2 c. water
1 large bunch mint, washed (about 2 packed cups)
juice from 2 lemons
2 mint herbal tea bags - not black tea
Place sugar in a medium saucepan with 2 cups water; bring to a simmer and simmer until sugar is completely dissolved. Stir in the mint and lemon juice; remove from heat, add the tea bags; steep 15 minutes. Strain; cool.
Pour into a wide, shallow metal pan, like a round cake pan, so the granita comes about an inch up the sides. Place in the freezer. After about an hour, when ice crystals begin to form around the sides of the pan, scrape the granita with a fork to incorporate the crystals back into the slush. Keep freezing and scraping every ½ hour to hour, until the granita is completely frozen in light, fluffy crystals, about 6 hours.
Serves 6