![Orange Cream Granita](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/VyBiYCWzSFOCtADJd9ZkSpJK8HE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/orange-cream-granita-sl-87b5f4997f0544d6ae45502933196c47-8362b8030d32454492e7d0d8e941ffe2.jpg)
Alison Miksch; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham
A cool treat on a hot day is heaven. We're talking ice cream, ice pops, gelato, and even granita. Any yummy treat to beat the heat is welcomed during the dog days of summer. Some of our favorite ingredients to incorporate into desserts are in season during the summer. We love anything with berries, citrus, and even working in sweet corn. We never shy away from classics like blueberry cobbler or sheet cakes, but some days are just not meant to be spent in the heat of a cramped kitchen. While it's much too hot to turn on the oven on days like these, we have the recipe for you if you like whipping together something homemade. This frozen treat couldn't be easier to make. It takes just a few minutes of active time and you're on your way to a cool afternoon snack. You'll want to gather just a few ingredients for this recipe. One of the most important ingredients is the freshly squeezed orange juice. Freshly squeezed juice has bright flavor that can't be matched, which is why you won't want to cut corners here. While it can be a pain to freshly squeeze the juice yourself, believe us when we say it's worth it. Once your ingredients are gathered and mixed according to the instructions, you'll want to grab your pan and pour the mixture in. It's vital that you let the mixture freeze for four to five hours so ice crystals can form and your frozen treat is actually frozen and not just really cold. Once it's properly frozen, take an ice cream scoop and shave away portions of the icy mixture to serve in bowls. We love eating this orange cream granita on it's own, but if you're looking to spice things up, we think it would pair well with any simple baked goods you may have lying around. Before we serve our orange cream granita, we like to garnish it with some fresh mint leaves. The citrusy tang of the granita and the fresh minty spice from the leaves balance each other for the most refreshing flavor. This homemade treat will make all your sweet citrus dreams come true.
Ingredients
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1 1/2 teaspoons orange zest
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2 cups fresh orange juice (including pulp)
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1/2 cup Simple Syrup
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1/2 cup half-and-half
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2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Whipped cream (optional)
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Chilled orange liqueur (such as Grand Marnier), optional
Directions
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Whisk together first 6 ingredients in a medium bowl; pour into a 9- x 5-inch loaf pan. Freeze 4 to 5 hours or until ice crystals form, stirring every hour. If desired, top each serving with whipped cream or a shot of chilled orange liqueur.