Limoncello, Pear and Riesling Granita

A lovely Italian-inspired summertime treat. Very small scoops would make an excellent palate freshener between dinner courses. A dry Riesling balances the sweet liqueur, but according to your taste you may substitute other fruity wines, ranging from a dry Gewurztraminer to a sweet dessert wine or port. Cooking time is approximate freezing time.

• Ready In: 2 hrs 15 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1  cup water
• 2  cups riesling wine
• 1⁄2 cup sugar
• 2  ripe pears, peeled, seeded and cut into quarters
• 1⁄4 cup  limoncello
•  lemon zest (optional) or  lemon slice, to garnish (optional)
•  mint sprig, to garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Mix water, 1 cup of the wine and the sugar in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil.
2. Add pears, lower the heat to simmer and cook the pears gently, about 10 minutes. Let cool slightly in cooking liquid.
3. Drain the pears, reserving the cooking liquid.
4. Puree the pears in a food processor until smooth (you should have 1 cup of pear puree).
5. Transfer to a mixing bowl and add the cooking liquid, the remaining wine and the limoncello to the bowl; mix well.
6. Pour into a shallow metal pan that will fit into the freezer and freeze.
7. Gently stir the granita every 20 minutes or until frozen to allow the mixture to freeze without separating and give the proper crystalline texture.
8. Once the granita is frozen, scrape the mixture with a spoon or ice-cream scoop into a pretty glass and serve immediately.
9. Garnish with lemon zest or a sprig of mint.