Coffee Granita

Serves 4.

INGREDIENTS:
2 cups freshly brewed strong coffee or espresso, slightly cooled
3 tablespoons date syrup or maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS:

• Whisk together the coffee, syrup, and vanilla. Then pour into an 8x8-inch glass, metal, or ceramic baking dish and let cool completely. Place in a stable spot in the freezer and leave for 1 hour.

• After 1 hour, use a fork to scrape the entire mixture, making sure to get the edges (this is where the granita tends to freeze first). Return to the freezer and scrape again every 30 minutes for the next 2 hours.

• After 3 hours and 5 rounds of scraping, the granita should be ready and can be stored in the freezer until ready to eat.

• When ready to serve, simply scrape again to loosen all the ice crystals, divide the granita into four glasses or bowls, and serve immediately.

*Adapted from Gwyneth Paltrow