A granita is a Sicilian delight, shaved ice flavored to taste with the flavoring of choice, and coffee is one of the finest options going. A coffee granita is perfect on a hot afternoon or evening, and if you want to make it a little richer (and much more libidinous) you can top it with a dollop of whipped cream. Coffee granita is also a classic summer breakfast in Sicily -- graced, in addition to the dollop of whipped cream, by a chocolate-covered coffee bean and a couple of shavings of white chocolate.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 2 servings coffee granita
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) strong espresso coffee
- Lightly sweetened whipped cream (optional)
- Chocolate-covered coffee beans (optional)
- Freshly shaved white chocolate (optional)
Preparation:
Put the sugar in a saucepan with a cup of water and heat the mixture until it has completely dissolved. Let the syrup cool, and stir in the coffee.
Put the mixture in a thin-sided aluminum pan large enough that it is only filled to 2/3 of its depth, and put the pan in the freezer. Let it cool for a half hour before checking on it; it should have begun to freeze. Stir the mixture about, mixing the ice crystals that have formed along the edges and bottom of the pan into the liquid, and return it to the freezer to freeze further. Continue freezing and mixing until the mixture is firm but stirrable. You don't want a solid block!
Divvy the coffee granita into two chilled glasses, top with whipped cream if you like, and enjoy!
Put the mixture in a thin-sided aluminum pan large enough that it is only filled to 2/3 of its depth, and put the pan in the freezer. Let it cool for a half hour before checking on it; it should have begun to freeze. Stir the mixture about, mixing the ice crystals that have formed along the edges and bottom of the pan into the liquid, and return it to the freezer to freeze further. Continue freezing and mixing until the mixture is firm but stirrable. You don't want a solid block!
Divvy the coffee granita into two chilled glasses, top with whipped cream if you like, and enjoy!
