Grapefruit Granita Ice Cream

Submitted by David E. Zerga David E. Zerga

 PINK GRAPEFRUIT GRANITA

 For the best color and flavor, I use Texas Ruby [also called Ruby Red]
grapefruit.  It gives a deep pink color and a sweet flavor.

 6 or 7 medium sized grapefruit
 1/2 cup [125ml] water
 1 cup [250g] sugar
 Mint sprigs
 Orange zest strips for garnish

 1. Set your freezer on its highest setting.

 2.  Squeeze the juice from the grapefruit and strain to produce a clear
juice.  You need 3 to 3 and 1/2 cups [750-875ml] juice.

 3.  In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the water and sugar.  Bring to a
boil and stir to dissolve the sugar.

 Stir gently to avoid getting sugar crystals on the side of the pan.  If any
crystals do form, brush them down with a pastry brush moistened with water.

 Add 2 mint sprigs and boil for 1 minute.  Set aside and cool to taste, about
10-12 minutes.  If the syrup has a good mint flavor, remove and discard the
mint.  If it does not, add additional mint as needed, boil and cool again.

 4.  When the syrup has cooled, stir it into the chilled grapefruit juice
until completely blended.  Pour mixture into a stainless steel or other
non-reactive bowl and place in freezer.

 I prefer to use stainless steel to plastic or other material as it seems to
give better ice crystal formation.

 5.  Check in about 20 minutes to see if ice crystals have formed.  If so,
stir with a fork to break them up.  Continue to check and re-stir every 15-20
minutes.

 This needs to be stirred to prevent the crystals from forming a solid mass. 
You need a uniformly textured granita.  Scrape down the sides and bottom of
the bowl each time.

 The granita should be formed after about 1 and 1/2 to 2 hours.  It can take
up to 3 hours if your freezer is not cold enough, is too full of food, etc.

 To serve, place 4-6 goblets in the refrigerator about 15 minutes before
serving.  Spoon the granita into chilled goblets and garnish with mint sprig
and orange zest strips.

 One might substitute orange or lemon juice.  If using lemon juice, you may
need to add additional sugar.

 Bon appetito!