Watermelon Raspberry Granita

Ingredients

• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups water
• 10 mint leaves
• 1 small watermelon, peeled and cubed (2 lbs)
• 2 cups raspberries (approximately 11 oz)
• 1/2 tbsp lime juice
• 1/4 tsp lime zest
• pinch kosher salt
• 2 limes, peeled and cut into strips (see notes)
• 1 tbsp sugar

Instructions

1. 1

   --- Mint Simple Syrup ---

2. 2

   In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and mint leaves, and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for about 3 minutes until the sugar is dissolved.

3. 3

   Set the mint simple syrup aside to cool.

4. 4

   --- Granita ---

5. 5

   In a blender (or food processor), combine the watermelon, raspberries, lime juice, lime zest, and salt. Add in a ¼ cup of the mint simple syrup and blend until smooth (save the rest of the syrup for the candied lime peel).

6. 6

   Pour the mixture into a 9×13 glass or stainless steel baking dish. Freeze for 2 hours. Scrape the granita with a fork.

7. 7

   Freeze again until completely icy, scraping every hour (this process should take about 5 hours total).

8. 8

   Scrape the granita into bowls and garnish with a few strips of candied lime peel (recipe below).

9. 9

   --- Candied Lime Peel (optional) ---

10. 10

    Meanwhile, bring a small saucepan of water to a boil. Add the lime peel and boil for 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, remove the peel to an ice bath.

11. 11

    While the peel cools, bring the rest of the mint simple syrup back to a boil. Drain the peel and add it to the simply syrup. Simmer it for about 8-10 minutes.

12. 12

    Transfer the peel to a wire rack to dry. Toss it with a tablespoon of sugar to finish.