Melon & Apple Granita

From EatingWell: July/August 2009 — Subscribe Now!

This granita uses sweet ripe melon for flavor, apple juice instead of sugar and a touch of lime juice to perk up the flavors. Berries look beautiful on top; or if you can find fresh figs, add them. For a vibrant look, make with an orange-fleshed melon, such as cantaloupe, Charentais or orange honeydew.

8 servings, about 3/4 cup granita & 1/4 cup fruit each

Active Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 4 1/2 hours (including freezing time)

Nutrition Profile

Ingredients

4 cups cubed ripe melon
1 cup unsweetened apple juice
1/4 cup lime juice
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 cup fresh raspberries
Fresh mint leaves, for garnish

Preparation

Combine melon, apple juice and lime juice in a blender; puree until smooth. Pour the mixture into a 9-by-13-inch glass or metal pan.
Place the pan on a level surface in your freezer. Freeze, stirring and scraping with a fork every 30 minutes, moving the frozen edges in toward the slushy center and crushing any lumps, until the granita is firm but not frozen solid, 3 to 4 hours.
Remove from the freezer; use a metal spatula or large spoon to break up the frozen ice into small slivers. Pack into an airtight plastic container and freeze for at least 1 hour more.
Remove from the freezer about 20 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Use a wide spoon or ice cream scoop to scrape the granita into shallow bowls. Sprinkle blueberries and raspberries over each portion and garnish with mint leaves, if desired.

Tips & Notes

Make Ahead Tip: Freeze for up to 1 week. Remove about 20 minutes before serving to soften slightly.

Nutrition

Per serving: 66 calories; 0 g fat (0 g sat, 0 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 17 g carbohydrates; 1 g protein; 2 g fiber; 17 mg sodium; 277 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C (40% daily value).

1 Carbohydrate Serving

Exchanges: 1 fruit