Mint and lemon combine for a tart bite in this flavorful granita.

 YIELD: 1 QUART

INGREDIENTS 

• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 1¼ cups sugar
• 2¼ cups water
• 1½ cups lemon juice
• 25 fresh mint leaves, washed

PREPARATION

1. Combine the zest and sugar with your fingers, until the sugar is yellow and aromatic.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine ½ cup of the water with the zested sugar, and heat over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining water, then chill in refrigerator.
4. Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender, and purée until leaves are well chopped. Allow mixture to sit for 1 hour, refrigerated.
5. Pour into a covered container and place in the freezer for 1 hour.
6. Remove from 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 process every 30–45 minutes, stirring carefully each time, until you have a fully frozen container of crystallized granita.