Granita, a frozen desert with an icy texture that originated in Italy, is one of the simplest frozen treats you can make – and the possibilities are endless. I know that summer is coming to a close (it’s still HOT in Dallas!) but, at least for me, that’s no reason to stop eating my favorite frozen desserts.
Last week I brined pork chops in organic apple juice – pure juice, no sugar added, and absolutely delicious. This is one of my favorite ways to make pork but I always end up with a half gallon of apple juice sitting around and, quite often, throw it out. (Hate to admit that…) Joe and I aren’t juice drinkers.
It occured to me that I could use the leftover juice to make an apple granita. You can make a granita with any liquid or puree – and you don’t need an ice cream maker for this – or a recipe for that matter. It’s as simple as this:
Pour the liquid into a freezer-safe container, cover, and stir every two hours or so.
Once the liquid has frozen completely, scrape with a fork and enjoy!
Topped with homemade whipped cream, my apple granita reminded me of my Grandma Ruth’s apple pie and ice cream. I love the way the ice crystals sparkle like beautiful sequins.
Some other ideas for granitas:
- Left over coffee – sweeten first and then freeze.
- Fruit that is going to spoil before you can eat it – throw it in a food processor with some water, sweeten, and freeze.
- Juice those green veggies that are going to go bad and throw them in the blender just like you would to make a smoothie, add liquid, sweeten if you want, and freeze – cucumber melon would be a refreshing combo.
- My smooth watermelon granita is made the same way, but I threw it in the food processor just before serving to give it a sorbet texture.
How have you been using your leftovers?
Also, Slightly Indulgent Monday is open all day today becasue of yesterday’s holiday. If you didn’t get to link up, you can still participate.
You can find more recipe inspiration at Tempt My Tummy Tuesday and Tasty Tuesday.
SnoWhite
posted on September 8, 2009 at 2:57 pm
I’ve been meaning to make granita – there are so many great flavors! Thanks for your recipe.
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darnold23
posted on September 8, 2009 at 5:48 pm
I haven’t made granita in awhile. Thanks for reminding me to do so. I’m especially fond of the watermelon “sorbet.” I would love for you to join me at Diningwithdebbie.blogspot.com for Crock Pot Wednesday. It’s easy, fun and economical! Come on over and check it out.
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Lauren
posted on September 8, 2009 at 8:05 pm
Love this idea =D. I’ve had my share of slushies, but this looks like the perfect homemade treat!
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angi
posted on September 8, 2009 at 9:37 pm
never heard of this before thanks for sharing and teaching me something new
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Cass @ That Old House
posted on September 8, 2009 at 11:19 pm
Oh I used to make coffee granita, and canteloupe also — I haven’t thought of them in years! Thanks for the reminders; they are delicious and so refreshing after meals!
Cass
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gfe--gluten free easily
posted on September 9, 2009 at 6:03 am
I still haven’t made a granita either. I just like saying the word so far.
LOL I’m not a big juice person either, but I don’t like to waste as well, so this idea is a really good one, Amy. Who can resist a granita that reminds you of your grandmother’s apple pie and ice cream? 
Shirley
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Alta
posted on September 9, 2009 at 7:17 am
I’ve been thinking about a coffee granita for a while now…especially since it’s still 95 degrees outside here. This sounds light and refreshing!
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Amy Reply:
September 9th, 2009 at 8:30 am
I know!!! I have started making soup with hopes of influencing the Texas heat. No luck so far but I’m having lots of fun.
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Jenn AKA The Leftover Queen
posted on September 9, 2009 at 8:42 am
This sounds delicious, Amy! I always have granita in the back of my mind, but I haven’t made it for a good long while, and it is still HOT in FL too!
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Jenny R
posted on April 11, 2011 at 5:53 pm
This has inspired me. I have some blackberries in the fridge that I am going to thaw puree and strain and make this with it. I am making dinner for my Bestie this weekend and we are both trying to slim down – but this will make us forget we’re on diets
As always thank you. I love your site and your recipes and have been making your food for over a year and the only thing I have never been able to like are (cp) clafoutis.
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Amy Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 2:02 pm
@Jenny R, Hi Jenny!
FYI – don’t puree the berries in a Vita-Mix or other high powered blender. For some reason the pureed seeds make it taste like it has dirt in it.
Did you make the clafoutis? No luck, huh? I love it – in fact I should make one soon.
I’m honored that you’ve been cooking from my blog for over a year – and I’m so glad you shared that with me. I never would have know. You made my day.
Hugs,
Amy
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Christianne
posted on June 14, 2011 at 2:21 pm
There you go again, solving the world’s problems- at least mine anyway! ML and I recently went on a liver cleanse and had half a gallon of organic apple juice. Now that I have my Breville juicer
the last thing i want is apple juice.
This is a perfect solution for a cooling dessert on our scorching hot summer days!
Thanks Mon Ami!
Christianne
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