Day 8 - Cherry Lime Granita (desserts)

Cherry Lime Granita

I made this granita as part of a bloggers challenge sponsored by OXO last year. Its perfect for a hot summer's afternoon to share with the family. The basil simple syrup went on to star in many many more recipes..




You need:
1 lb Cherries (14 oz after pitting)
1/4 cup Basil simple syrup*
Juice of 1/2 a lime (add more if you prefer a tarter taste)  
 Combine all the ingredients in a blender jar and blend until smooth. Pour out into a shallow container, cover and freeze overnight. To serve, scrape the frozen crystals with a fork and into a goblet. Garnish with a basil leaf & serve.


*To make the Basil simple syrup, combine 1 cup of sugar with 1/2 a cup of water and a generous handful of Basil (I used the purple variety, which tinted the simple syrup a beautiful shade of pink). Bring to a gentle boil on low heat and simmer for about 10 - 15 minutes until the leaves have completely wilted and almost 'cooked' . Strain into a glass bottle, store for up to 2 weeks in the fridge.