Cantaloupe Basil Granita


Serves 4

A luxurious way to enjoy sweet summer cantaloupe without putting in too much effort!

INGREDIENTS

1 medium sized cantaloupe, ripe, cut in 1 inch cubes
1 cup basil simple syrup, recipe follows
Pinch of salt

PREPARATION

Place the cantaloupe chunks and simple syrup in the bowl of food processor or blender and blend until smooth.  Add a pinch of salt and blend again.  Pour into a metal pan with sides and allow to freeze, scraping with a fork occasionally.  To serve, scrape with fork.  Garnish with a fresh basil leaf.

Basil Simple Syrup

INGREDIENTS

½ cup water
½ cup sugar
½ cup fresh basil chopped fine

PREPARATION

Place all ingredients in a heavy bottom sauce pan and bring to a boil.  Reduce and simmer for about 10 minutes.  Allow mixture to cool to room temperature and then blend. Strain with cheesecloth if you like.