Easy Italian Recipes

 MAKES 4 SERVINGS

3 cups (24 fl oz/750 ml) hot freshly brewed espresso

1/2 cup (4 oz/125 g) sugar

Almost nothing is simpler than making a granita. This one calls for just coffee and sugar, frozen together with only occasional stirring, but it makes an elegant finish to a meal and rolls dessert and coffee into a single portion. For a more elaborate presentation, layer the granita with whipped cream in tall parfait glasses.

In a bowl, combine the espresso and sugar and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved, about 3 minutes. Let cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.

Pour the mixture into a 9-inch (23-cm) round or square metal pan. Place in the freezer and freeze until the mixture begins to harden around the edges and a thin layer of ice forms on the surface, about 30 minutes. Remove the pan from the freezer and, using a fork, break up any frozen areas into shards and mix the shards back into the liquid. Return the pan to the freezer, freeze for about 20 minutes, and repeat the scraping. Continue to freeze, stirring the mixture every 20 minutes, until the mixture forms flakes and is icy throughout, about 1 hour total.

Serve the granita shortly after making for the best texture, spooning it into chilled dessert glasses.

Buon appetito !