Jazzy Citrus Granita
Source: Foodwise Kids Program
Recipe Type: Desserts | Seasons: Winter
Created for CUESA’s Foodwise Kids program, this is a kid-friendly recipe that the whole family can prepare together!
Have lots of oranges or juice? Make granita! Granita is a frozen fruit dessert, which is like sorbet but with larger ice crystals and a rougher texture. It does not require any special equipment to make it, just a fork. We recommend using your largest pan that can fit in your freezer. You may use any citrus that can be juiced, such as blood oranges, grapefruit, or navel oranges. Improvise! Because this recipe doesn’t use the stove or much chopping, it is ideal for the youngest of chefs.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 to 3 hours, checking on the mixture every 30 minutes
Servings: 4 to 6
INGREDIENTS
2 cups freshly squeezed citrus juice of your choice (8 to 10 oranges)
Sugar, honey, or agave nectar (optional)
1 pint ice cream or gelato, of your choice (optional)
½ cup almonds or other nuts (optional)
MATERIALS
Shallow pan(s) or baking sheet
Fork
Knife
Cutting board
Juicer or reamer
Large mixing bowl
Frying pan (optional)
PREPARATION
1. Wash your hands with soap and water. Rinse fruit and pat dry.
2. Practice placing the empty pan(s) into the freezer to ensure that pan does not tip in any direction and juice will not spill.
3. If using whole citrus, use a knife to cut each fruit in half widthwise. Use a juicer or reamer to squeeze the juice from the fruit, collecting the juice in a large bowl. Taste the juice. If it needs, a little more sweetness, you can add it a little bit of sugar. Add a teaspoon of sweetener at a time, mixing thoroughly and tasting after each addition.
4. Pour the juice into the pan(s). Do not overfill. You may need to make the granita in batches, if the juice does not fit in the pan(s).
5. Every 30 minutes, open the freezer. Scrape the juice with a fork and stir it to break into large chunks. Repeat until all the juice is frozen into small crystals.
6. If using nuts, toast them in a dry frying pan over low heat, constantly stirring to avoid burning. Remove from the stove when nuts are fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes. Allow to cool. Chop with a knife.
7. Scoop the gelato or ice cream into bowls or cups, then top with 1 to 2 tablespoons granita, and a teaspoon of toasted nuts. Or, you may skip the ice cream and enjoy the granita on its own.
