If the recent heat wave has left you craving for something cool and refreshing, I have the perfect solution for you - A tangy, juicy and invigorating Orange Granita! And, like all my other recipes, it is nutritious, delicious and can be whipped up in no time at all!

Orange Granita

Ingredients

3/4 cup Sugar
1 Tablespoon Grated Orange Zest
2 ½ Cups of Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice - (Mandarins or Tangerines will also work)

Putting It All Together

Make simple syrup by combining the sugar, water, and orange zest in a small saucepan. Heat on medium until the sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Then, simmer for one minute.

Cool the syrup at room temperature for 10 mins, and then add the fresh squeezed orange juice. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a 9” x 13” Pyrex baking pan and place it on the bottom freezer drawer.

Every 20-30 minutes, gently stir the ice up with a fork, to prevent it from turning into a big ice cube.

The delectable dessert should be ready after about 2 hours. Scoop some up in a bowl and eat on its own or top with whipped cream or sweetened condensed milk for a special treat - Yum! Any leftovers (highly unlikely) will keep well in the freezer for 2-3 weeks, as long as the Granita is covered tightly with plastic wrap.

HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE JULY 4th!

Resources: Miranda Church, Lisa Church, Dean Church