Limoncello, Pear and Riesling Granita
Bright and tangy, this frozen combo of limoncello, white wine and pears offers flavor-packed, refreshing ice crystals in each bite.

1 cup water
2 cups Riesling (see note)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 ripe pears peeled, seeded and cut into chunks
1/4 cup limoncello

Mix together water, 1 cup wine and sugar in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Add pears, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Let cool slightly in cooking liquid. Drain the pears, reserving the cooking liquid.

Puree the pears in a food processor until smooth. You should have 1 cup of pear puree. Transfer to a mixing bowl.

Add the cooking liquid, limoncello and remaining wine to the bowl. Mix well. Pour into a shallow pan that will fit into the freezer, such as an 8 X 8-inch cake pan, and freeze.

Gently stir the granita every 2 hours or until frozen. This allows the mixture to freeze without separating and gives a proper crystal-like texture.

Once the granita is frozen, scrape the mixture with a spoon or ice cream scoop and serve immediately. Garnish with lemon zest or a sprig of mint.

Note: You may substitute a dry Gewürztraminer, sweet dessert wine or port for the Riesling.

Serves 6.

Deb Fabricant

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