Blackberry Granita Makes a Refreshing Treat

While shopping last weekend, I came across blackberries at an awesome price. I couldn’t resist picking some up, even though I had nothing specific in mind for them. Normally I would have decided on some sort of scone or muffin to make with them, but I opted to make something healthier and refreshing to enjoy in the warmer spring weather. Granita is a great dessert option for anyone looking for something with a whole lot of flavorful fruit. This blackberry granita is perfect for a light dessert or as way to cleanse the palate between courses. I don’t typically have the kind of dinner parties where this is required, but I have enjoyed many sorbets during multiple course meals at restaurants. This would work well and impress guests if you want to go that route.
If using this as a dessert, this is enough for two full servings in a 6 or 7 oz. dish. If you are using this to neutralize those taste buds between courses, there is enough for 4 to 6 servings. A little goes a long way.

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Blackberry Granita

Course Dessert/Appetizer

Author Emilie

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 cup fresh blackberries
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• pinch salt
• extra blackberries for garnish optional

Instructions

1. Cook water and honey over medium heat until honey fully melts and mixture begins a slight boil. (White sugar can be substituted for the honey.)
2. Remove from heat and bring to room temperature.
3. Puree honey water and remaining ingredients in blender until smooth.
4. Pour into fine mesh strainer into shallow dish to remove seeds.
5. Cover and freeze for at least 3 hours.
6. Scrape with fork and return to freezer until ready to serve.

I like to gently stir with a spoon to push puree through strainer. I only have a small mesh strainer because it is easier to store so it takes a bit longer, but it is is worth it! If you don’t have one, I highly recommend them. I use it for everything from sprinkling powdered sugar on cakes to brewing loose leaf tea.

I used a 9 inch cake plate, but any shallow dish will do.

This granita will start to melt fast, especially on a hot day so be sure to serve it right away. This recipe will work well with other berries so try experimenting!

Don’t happen to have tiny spoons like these already? You can get a set of 24 disposable mini spoons at the dollar store like I did. (You can’t even tell they are plastic, can you?) 

However you serve it, this blackberry granita definitely makes for a beautiful presentation! And at only 97 calories,  1/2 gram of fat and 1 gram of protein, it is a healthier dessert option. Keep in mind it does have 20 grams of sugar however. Because it packs quite the flavorful punch, one serving is satisfying.