Think Pink

If you've been having trouble lately getting your RDA of pink, these granitas should do the trick.  Easy to make, these are great outdoor or pool party drinks, because they get better as they melt.  And let's face it, they're just fun. 

Ingredients


1 cup water


3/4 cup sugar


2 fresh lemons; juiced (about 4 tablespoons) *see note


3 cups sliced hulled fresh strawberries (about 1 pound whole berries)

Directions


Make a simple syrup by combining the sugar with 1 cup of water in a saucepan.  Place over medium heat and heat until the sugar in completely dissolved; swirl the pan occasionally.  Let cool.

Place strawberries and lemon juice into a blender and blend until smooth.  Pour the cooled simple syrup into the strawberry and lemon puree, and blend to combine.

Pour the mixture into a 9×13 pan place it in the freezer for about 30 minutes.   Ice will begin to form along the outer edges of the pan.  Using a fork, stir the icy portions into middle of pan.  Freeze until mixture is frozen, stirring the edges into the center every 20 to 30 minutes for about 3-4 hours.  The using a fork, scrape the granita into flaky crystals, cover tightly and freeze.


Note: The juice of two lemons will give you a well balanced flavor, if you are looking for more of a lemon kick, just add more lemon juice.  You can also substitute limes for the lemons, and other berries or watermelon for the strawberries.