Absolutely delicious on its own, raspberry granita is also excellent when the zest of a lime is added to the sugar syrup. Serve in a chilled martini glass and garnish with a fresh berry or two and a lime wedge to impress your company.

Yield: 1 Quart

INGREDIENTS

• 8 cups raspberries
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 cups water

PREPARATION

1. Purée the raspberries with the vanilla in a food processor or blender. Strain the purée through a strainer to remove seeds.
2. Stir in the sugar and water until the sugar dissolves completely.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator.
4. Pour the mixture into a covered container and place it in the freezer for 1 hour.
5. Remove from the freezer and stir the frozen crystals into the center of the container using a fork.
6. Return the container to the freezer, and repeat the process every 30-45 minutes, stirring carefully each time until you have a fully frozen container of crystallized granita.