A Nice Cuppa

Granitas are a very simple treat that can be made at home with no special equipment and very few ingredients. Granitas are Italian-style ices resembling the American “shaved ice”, which is traditionally plain ice which is saved into a slush topped with flavor syrups. The big difference between the two is that all ingredients are combined and then frozen in the granita.

I find granitas to be the perfect simple snack when you’re looking for a quick cool down from the hot summer sun. This recipe I’ve developed for “Creamy Coffee Granita” is perfect for the coffee lover in you.

Creamy Coffee Granita
2 cups strongly brewed coffee
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup half & half

Add sugar to brewed coffee, stir until sugar is dissolved. Allow to cool to room temperature. Once cooled stir in half & half. Pour mixture into 8 or 9 inch square pan. Freeze until firm, stirring every 30 minutes, for about 4 to 5 hours.

Before serving scrape surface of granita with fork. Texture should resemble chipped ice. Scoop spoonfuls into chilled glasses and serve with a spoon. Can be kept covered, frozen for up to 3 days.

You can adjust the sugar to suit your taste. I recommend using half & half instead of milk for an added creaminess, but in the interest of cutting down on fat and a few calories you can definitely use fat-free half & half. Another tasty idea is to use a flavored coffee creamer in place of part or all of the half & half.