Lime Granita with Candied Mint Leaves and Crème Fraîche

A refreshing frozen lime dessert served with sweetened crème fraîche and decorated with candied mint leaves. This elegant Italian-style ice combines the tartness of fresh lime with sweet syrup for a perfect summer treat.

6 servings
6 hr 15 min

Ingredients

  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ cup fresh lime juice
  • 12 pieces candied mint leaves
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 12 leaves fresh mint leaves
  • 1 large egg white
  • ½ cup créme fraîche
  • tablespoons powdered sugar

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Bring 2 cups water and 1 cup sugar to boil in medium saucepan, stirring until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat to medium and simmer 5 minutes. Cool syrup. Stir in lime juice. Transfer lime syrup to 11 x 7 x 2-inch glass baking dish. Cover and place in freezer. Stir every 45 minutes until frozen, about 3 hours. DO AHEAD Granita can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and keep frozen.

    180 min

  2. 2.

    Place sugar on small shallow plate. Brush both sides of 1 mint leaf lightly with egg white; dredge in sugar. Transfer mint leaf to rack. Repeat with remaining mint leaves. Let mint stand at room temperature until dry, about 3 hours. DO AHEAD Can be made 1 day ahead. Store in airtight container at room temperature.

    180 min

  3. 3.

    Mix créme fraîche and sugar. DO AHEAD Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.

    5 min

  4. 4.

    Using fork, scrape granita to loosen. Spoon granita into bowls or lime halves; drizzle with créme fraîche, garnish with candied mint leaves, and serve immediately.

    10 min

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