Zingy Tea Granita

From EatingWell: Summer 2002, The EatingWell Diabetes Cookbook (2005) — Subscribe Now!

Granita, a sweet Italian ice, is characterized by its grainy texture. Lemon Zinger tea, which gets its distinctive flavor from hibiscus flowers, gives this one an exquisite garnet hue and refreshing taste.

8 servings, 1/2 cup each

Active Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 2 1/4 hours (including 2 hours steeping and chilling time)

Nutrition Profile

Ingredients

2/3 cup sugar
4 Lemon Zinger tea bags
3 cups boiling water
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Preparation

Place sugar and tea bags in a heatproof bowl. Pour in boiling water; stir until sugar has dissolved. Let steep until cooled to room temperature, about 1 hour.
Remove the tea bags, squeezing out liquid. Stir in lemon juice. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour or overnight.
Pour the tea mixture into an ice cream maker and freeze according to manufacturer's directions. (Alternatively, freeze the mixture in a shallow metal pan until solid, about 6 hours. Break into chunks and process in a food processor until smooth and creamy.) Serve immediately or transfer to a storage container and let harden in the freezer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Serve in chilled dishes.

Tips & Notes

Make Ahead Tip: Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 days. Let soften in the refrigerator for 1/2 hour before serving. | Equipment: Ice cream maker or food processor