Friday, January 20, 2012

Incredible Edible Ice

I stumbled across this video showing the amazing Chinese Ice Sculpture Festival!


With these incredible ice sculptures in mind, I concluded my Chinese New Year Menu with "Ginger, Lemon, and Mint Granita." The first time I made this was on a whim, and was certain it might bomb; however, all of my guests and I loved it! This refreshing icy dessert is as soothing as it is delicious! I can't think of a better way to start a new year! Add a fortune cookie and you're set! Try it, you'll be surprised!


Ginger, Lemon, and Mint Granita

Serves 4-6, (1/4-1/2 cup is an appropriate serving size)

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cups sugar
2 1/4 cups water
1 1/2-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
Handful of mint, stems and leaves separated, leaves finely chopped
1 tablespoon honey
Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Directions:

In a saucepan over medium heat, dissolve the sugar in the water and bring to a boil. Add the ginger, mint stems, and honey, and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, pour into a metal bowl, and let cool.

Strain the mixture into a freezer safe bowl or rectangular container. Stir in the chopped mint leaves and lemon juice and zest.

Place the bowl in the freezer. Once it starts to develop an ice crust, take out at 20 minute intervals and break up the ice thoroughly with a fork to make a crushed ice texture. Repeat the process until the mixture is completely frozen and crushed.

Divide between decorative glasses or dishes and serve.

Recipe from balancing flavors: east&west, by Tom Kime.

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