SWEET BITES: SIMPLE BERRY-LEMONADE SNOW CONE GRANITA RECIPE

Gosh I hated being away from this online space and (gasp!) social media last week, but have been busy finishing up a few big design projects before the kids are home for summer — just a week and a half left. Not sure who is more ready and excited, me or the kids! That being said, posts might be random and sparse for the next couple weeks but then I have quite a few summer-y DIY’s, kid crafts, recipes and adventures that I can hardly wait to document and share! Make sure to sign up for emails below (if you haven’t already) so you don’t miss out!!! Now onto todays post….

With all of the hot weather and outdoor playtime in our future a frozen treat seemed to be in order and granitas (aka Italian ice) are a new fave around here. They are technically vegan, gluten free, and made from fresh ingredients, yet totally delicious and full of sugar. But who doesn’t need a little extra sugar in the summertime!

Here’s how to make them:

BERRY LEMONADE GRANITAS, takes 20 minutes hands-on time (3 hours start to finish), makes 10-12 small servings

You’ll Need:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3 cups of your favorite homemade or store-bought lemonade
• 1-2 cups raspberries, blueberries or sliced strawberries
• a few hours of down-time
• OPTIONAL, extra berries and mint for garnish and paper snow cones, wood paddle spoons and cute straws for serving

Here’s How:

1. Pour sugar and water into a saucepan and bring to a boil for one minute to make a simple syrup. Add fresh berries and let simmer, stirring often for about 5 minutes. (Or grab a flavored lemonade at the store and skip the berry step!)
2. Remove mixture from heat, spoon or strain out the berries and set in an ice bath to cool.
3. Pour mixture into a 9×13 or larger baking dish. Add lemonade and stir together carefully. Place in the freezer.
4. Every 20-30 minutes use a fork to break up the mixture then return to the freezer and repeat until it you have a nice fluffy/icy/crystal texture.
5. Scoop into cups or these snow cones and garnish with berries and mint!

//We used a marker to add a cute design to the handle end of wood ice cream spoons//

YAY for summer you guys!!! Looking forward to making more of these and trying new flavors. Maybe an adult version for cocktail hour or a red, white and blue combo for the 4th of July… What flavor would you want to try?

XOXO, Rae