Sweet Tea and Mint Granita

This week we’re talking, eating and drinking all things tea.  Tea is the delicious drink of choice for southerners.  And it doesn’t get much better than a tall glass of ice cold tea on a hot summer day.  So, being from the south myself and growing up on the stuff I decided to see what all could be done with tea.  From refreshing drinks, tasty cocktails and even delicious desserts; there’s more to tea than just sipping.

When I think of hot summer days and ways to cool off, one of the things that pops into my head is a cold dessert.  Ice cream, a slush, ice box pie, snow cone; you name, it if it’s cold I think it fits the bill.  A granita is another treat that pops in my head.

Have you heard of a granita before?  If not let me fill you in.  It’s a semi-frozen dessert that originated from Sicily, the birth place of the feisty Sophia Petrillo.  Don’t you just love her?  I love her and her quotes and snarky remarks that only she can get away with!  Anyway…sorry for the detour.  Back to the granita.  It’s a combination water, sugar, and other various flavorings.  They are all combined to create a variation of Italian frozen ice.  In other words, it’s like a snow cone for adults!

The beauty of a granita is there are no special machines or tools required.  If you have a fork, pan and freezer then you have all it takes to make a delicious, frozen dessert that is perfect to help you beat the heat. Another thing I love about granitas is the options of flavors are endless; fresh fruit, wine, favorite beverage, various vegetables and the list goes on and on.

I am in love with this particular granita, it’s summer in the south in a dessert.  Boldly brewed sweet tea that is infused with a healthy handful of fresh mint.  It’s frozen, scraped occasionally during the process and the end result is flaky sweet tea ice crystals.  This, my friends, a delicious dessert that is worthy of being enjoyed on a hot summer day.

Sweet Tea and Mint Granita

Ingredients:


4 Cups water
1 1/2 Cups sugar
3 Large tea bags
1/2 Cup loosely packed mint leaves, plus more for garnish

Directions:


Combine water and sugar in a large saucepan and place over medium low heat.  Allow mixture to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved, about 5 minutes.  Remove from heat and add the tea bags and mint leaves and allow to steep for about 30-45 minutes.

Pour the mixture into a 8×8 or 9×9 pan, cover and place in the freezer for an hour.  Remove from freezer, using a fork, scrape the mixture and return the freezer.  Scrape the mixture every 30-45 minutes for 3-4 hours, until completely frozen.  Once completely frozen, remove from freezer and scrap with a fork until fluffy.

Gently scoop the granita into serving dishes, garnish with mint leaves (if desired) and serve.

Recipe source: A Lynsey Original