Basil-Lemon Granita

Directions

1. 1
   Grate 1 tablespoon peel (yellow part only) from about three lemons. Ream juice from enough lemons to make 3/4 cup. In an 8- or 9-inch square baking pan, mix peel, juice, and 1 1/2 cups water.
2. 2
   In a food processor or blender, whirl sugar until very fine. Add basil and whirl until very finely minced. Stir sugar mixture into lemon mixture until sugar is dissolved.
3. 3
   Cover and freeze mixture until firm, about 6 hours.
4. 4
   Scrape the tines of a fork quickly across frozen mixture to break into fluffy granules. Scoop granita into chilled bowls or wine or sherbet glasses and serve immediately.