Who says icy granitas have to be served only in the summer? The holidays are perfect for serving this festive granita, especially with a splash of celebratory champagne.

Growing Cranberries

Cranberries do not actually grow in water! Cranberries grow on bushes in sandy bogs that are flooded in the fall for ease of harvest. A mechanized harvester removes the ripened berries from the vine, which then float to the surface. The floating berries can then be easily corralled for transport. After the harvest, the bogs are again flooded to protect against a winter freeze.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons orange zest
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 cups frozen cranberries
• 1½ cups freshly squeezed orange juice

PREPARATION

1. Combine the orange zest and sugar with your fingers, until the sugar is pale orange and aromatic.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining ingredients with the zested sugar, and heat over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
4. Place the mixture in a food processor or blender, and purée until smooth. Press through a strainer to remove any remaining solids.
5. Pour the mixture into a covered container and place it in the freezer for 1 hour.
6. After 1 hour, remove the container from the freezer and stir the frozen crystals into the center of the container with a fork.
7. Return the container to the freezer and repeat the stirring process every 30–45 minutes, until you have a fully frozen container of crystallized granita.