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Have you ever tasted something so deliciously fresh and vibrant, that you couldn't stop eating it ........... until the bowl was squeaky-clean-empty? That's how we were with this Pink Citrus Granita; with fresh lemon, lime and grapefruit juice and zest, it absolutely bursts with delightful flavor. A splash of Grand Marnier takes the already wonderful granita to the crème de la crème level.
What is a granita? Well, if you asked my husband, he might make up an answer and tell you very matter-of-factly something like this; "A granita is a Señorita's mother's mother." or maybe "It's a place in Spain where the pigs wear skirts or pants, but only on Saturdays." And you might even believe him. He can be quite serious/silly like that. But me, I would never almost never dream of spoofing you. I'm much too sophisticated for that. Aren't you glad I'm the one writing the blog?
(editor's (aka husband & photographer) note: don't believe a word!)
Seriously, if you've never made or tasted granita, you're in for a wonderful and simple-to-make treat. It's actually an Italian confection and, unlike custard, ice cream and sorbet, you don't need any fancy equipment; just a baking pan and a fork. Pretty cool, huh?
You can use any juice or liquid, even chocolate to make granita and the process is super easy. Just prepare your liquid mixture and pour it into a baking pan. Place the pan in the freezer and set a timer for one hour, then give it a stir to redistribute the ice crystals that are beginning to form. Repeat this simple procedure twice and that's pretty much it! It needs an overnight stint in the freezer to solidify. An hour before serving you scrape it with a fork and the delicious results are granita! Voila!
We do enjoy an indulgent dessert occasionally here at The Café like the ones I shared on Monday in my Five Sweet Sensations for Your Sweetie post, but a granita like this is just as delicious and much more in line with a healthy lifestyle.
So pull out your prettiest bowls (I found these beauties at a fun little consignment shop) and whip up a batch of this heart healthy dessert for your Valentines. Don't be surprised if they lick the bowls squeaky-clean-empty!
- ½ cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice from approximately 1 large lemon
- 2 cups fresh red or pink grapefruit juice
- zest of 1 medium grapefruit
- zest of 1 medium lemon
- zest of 1 medium lime
- 3 tablespoons Grand Marnier
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In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring water and sugar to a boil. Stir until sugar is dissolved, about a minute or two. This is called a simple syrup. Set simple syrup aside to cool.
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When completely cooled, add all remaining ingredients and stir to combine.
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Pour mixture into a 9x13 inch pan and place in the freezer for one hour or until mixture begins to turn icy at the edges of pan.
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Remove from freezer and stir with a fork, scraping icy mixture off of the edges. Return to freezer for another hour and repeat stirring to redistribute ice crystals. Mixture will be quite slushy at this point.
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Return to freezer for another hour then stir again with a fork. Cover and freeze overnight or at least 4 hours.
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An hour before serving, remove granita from freezer and use a fork to scrape frozen mixture down the length of pan forming icy flakes. Cover and return to freezer for 1 hour. Serve scoops of granita in pretty bowls. (Granita will not form a solid scoop like ice cream or sorbet, but will be more like a bowl of delicious flavored ice crystals.)
Angie (@angiesrecipess) says
Looks so beautiful and refreshing!
Sue/the view from great island says
What a great texture on this, Chris!
Sandra Lee says
What a ray of sunshine this is in the middle of a brutal winter!
MaryB says
This looks so lovely and refreshing. Wondering - if I DO put this into the ice cream freezer, will it be more like a sorbet in texture or do you think it would not work at all? Thanks.
Chris Scheuer says
HI Mary, Yes it would definitely work in an ice cream maker and it would turn out more like a sorbet. I think it would be quite yummy!
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
This tropical treat makes me feel like it's no longer winter out!
Lynn@Happier Than a Pig in Mud says
I'll bet this is very refreshing! I love grapefruit and think it has the most amazing, fresh smell:@)
Mary Hirsch says
This does look quite simple, Chris. Since the weather's warm here in California and I have no ice cream maker, it seems to me this might be perfect. I love grapefruit and they are in the Farmers Markets now. Since it's gotten both the Lester and Scheuer seal-of-approval, all in the same week, I'm a believer.
Stacy | Wicked Good Kitchen says
Granitas are so refreshing and I cannot think of any other flavor as refreshing as this pink citrus one! Just lovely. And, so ideal for Valentine's Day. Love this! Thank you for sharing, my dear. 🙂 Already pinned to group boards at Pinterest! xo
Wendy says
I have never had granita. Your photos and description make it obvious that I need to remedy that situation immediately! This sounds so refreshing, especially with the addition of grapefruit (a favorite)!
mia xara says
How delightfully refreshing and pretty, Chris!!! I love pink grapefruit! Your bowls are the perfect means to serve the granita! Have a great day, XO
Andrea_TheKitchenLioness says
Dear Chris, not only are your glass bowls so very pretty but your granità is so very elegant! I love granità but I have never tried a pink grapefruit version - it sounds so tempting and it looks so refreshing! Wonderful recipe! Thank you for sharing!
Pam says
It looks pretty, refreshing, and so delicious.
easyfoodsmith says
Lovely pretty pink! With the temps here going up to 32 degrees c this looks THE ideal thing to have.
Lenia says
What a rerfreshing granita!It looks divine!
Kisses,dear Chris!
Serena Burns says
I love how refreshing grapefruit is in a granita. This looks delicious Chris!
Elisabeth Pregadio says
Even though this is a perfect S. Florida Granita...and is quite popular here, in S. Florida...I would certainly recommend it all over the 'world'...yumm!...so refreshing, and delicious!
Lisa {Authentic Suburban Gourmet } says
I saw either on FB or Instagram that you bought those lovely dishes and I thought to myself - Chris is going to do something special and sure enough - YOU DID! I absolutely love this granita. Pinning now!!!
Debra Eliotseats says
Beautiful---so summery---need that NOW! (Also, I would love to visit that place in Spain. Can your hubs send me directions?) 🙂
Madonna/aka/Ms Lemon of Make Mine Lemon says
Okay, you made me laugh out loud. This looks divine and you are so right about serving in a pretty dish. For some reason it seems to make it even more special.
Sophia Del Gigante says
Looks delish, but I am gonna have to wait til Spring to appreciate this one! LOL I got enough ice outside, LOL!
Angie Schneider says
Looks really refreshing!
Kitchen Riffs says
You mean a granita isn't a Señorita's mother's mother? Who knew? 😀 Anyway, I agree granitas are wonderful, and something I, at least, make way, way too seldom. Great way to use citrus. Love the color of yours! Really nice -- thanks.
Chris Scheuer says
hehe 😉
Jodee Weiland says
This recipe looks so good, Chris. Delicious, delicious, delicious! Thanks for sharing it...it's definitely pinned and saved!
Denise Browning@From Brazil To You says
Chris: This pink granita is light, elegant, and very pretty. It is the perfect dessert for V-day! I have just pinned for my V-day board!!!