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If you like icey, you will love a Rhubarb-Granita.
Originally associated with Italy, a rhubarb-granita can be served at any time of the day or night. It would not be considered strange to see a granita served at breakfast in Italy. Rhubarb is simply the flavoring, but what is a granita? First of all, it can be classified as a dessert, but some refer to it as a drink because of the ice. It is made with water and a syrup. The syrup consists of any seasonal fruit you may prefer. The mixture is simply frozen. Every so often, it is given a stir with a spatula to put the crystals that have formed on the top back into the frozen mixture. The result is a wonderfully flavored ice crystal drink or dessert, however you prefer to categorize it. A granita can be shaved if it is frozen to an even harder consistency. The difference between this and shaved ice though, is that with a granita, the flavoring is mixed right in with the ice. For shaved ice, the flavor is simply poured over the top. May seem trivial but.... A rhubarb-granita can have alcohol added to it if you like, but is fine without it too.
Rhubarb-Granita Bring to a boil: 2 stalks of rhubarb chopped 3 cups of water 1 1/2 cups of white sugar Gently boil until the rhubarb is soft. Make sure the sugar has completely dissolved. Strain and add more water (at least another 2 cups). Add 2 tblsp. of gin or vodka and mix well. Pour into a metal container and freeze for 2 hours. Give it a stir occasionally to put the ice crystal back into the mix. Serve in a small bowl or a tall glass. Garnish with a cherry.
Rhubarb and Strawberry
1 cup sugar 2 cups chopped rhubarb 1/2 cup mashed strawberries 2 cups water Bring to a good simmer over low heat.
When rhubarb is tender and the sugar has dissolved, remove Add 2 cups of water and place in a metal pan. Freeze for at least 3 hours and stir occasionally. Scoop into individual serving dishes.
Breakup with a fork to bring the ice crystals to the top.
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