Recipe: Lemon Granita [edit]

Step 1

Grate the rind of 2 of the lemons and set this aside.

Step 2

Squeeze the juice from all of them.

Step 3

Put 600ml of water in a pan with the sugar and lemon rind.

Step 4

Bring to the boil and simmer for 56 minutes.

Step 5

Off the heat add the mint and lemon juice.

Step 6

Let cool.

Step 7

Empty the mixture into a suitable freezing tray and freeze for at least 6 hours.

Step 8

Take the tray out 23 times at 2hour intervals to break the freezing contents up mixing with a fork or turning it into a bowl and using an electric mixer.

Step 9

It should not freeze into a solid piece but should have smaller particles.

Step 10

Half an hour before it is to be served transfer the granite to the refrigerator to allow it to ripen i.e. make it softer and more pliable as well as more flavourful.

Step 11

Use a fork again to break up the ice if necessary before serving

Step 12

These Roman water ices are at their best when made with very fresh fruit. Full of flavour this is the simplest and most refreshing of desserts and is wonderfully cleansing.

Step 13

Serves 6