Lemon-Berry Granita with Balsamic & Basil

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Lemon-Berry Granita with Balsamic & Basil

Posted by Cassie / 61 comments » / Drinks

Granitas are for celebrating. We are doing some celebrating today, won’t you join in? You might know this sweet girl named Megan. She shares her wit and genuine love for food at Wanna Be a Country Clever. And you might know that she’s getting hitched, and it’s right around the corner.

This fact calls for a few things:

1. celebrating
2. and more celebrating
3. and friends to help her celebrate.

(This is where you and I come in!)

SURPRISE Megan! We threw you a shower and it’s jam-packed with major flavor and fun. We are so stinking happy for you and Ben! Enjoy your treats and every single moment to come!

Drinks
Cassie | Bake Your Day | Lemon-Berry Granitas with Balsamic & Basil (You are here!)
Laurie | Simply Scratch | Blueberry Lemonade Spritzers

Entrees
Jeanne | Inside NanaBread’s Head | Greek Salmon Wraps
Michelle | A Recipe Junkie | Fresh Melon & Crispy Proscuitto Salad

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Lemon-Berry Granita with Basamic & Basil Recipe

Yield: 6 (1/2-cup) servings

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

A sweet summer slushy: fresh strawberries, tangy balsamic, sweet basil and tart lemon.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup water
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil leaves
2 tsp. lemon zest, freshly grated
1 pound fresh strawberries, stems removed, halved
2 Tbs. lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1 Tbs. high-quality balsamic vinegar

Directions:

In a small saucepan, combine the water, sugar, chopped basil leaves and lemon zest. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture slightly thickens, 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.

Puree the strawberries using a blender or food processor until smooth. Add the lemon juice and balsamic vinegar and pulse to combine. Pour in the slightly cooled syrup and pulse again just until well-combined.

Pour the mixture into an 8x8 baking dish. Cover lightly with plastic wrap and place in the freezer. Freeze for 60 minutes, and then gently scrape the top layer with a fork. Replace the plastic wrap and freeze another 30 minutes, and re-scrape the top layer with a fork. Repeat 2-3 more times until it is frozen through. Divide into four serving glasses and garnish with additional fruit and basil.

Cassie's Notes:
I have made these with and without adding alcohol. Honestly, I liked them much better without but to make them a little boozy, add 1 1/2 tablespoons of rum or vodka (or your choice of liquor) in with the lemon juice and balsamic vinegar.

Megan & Ben, I wish you nothing but the happiest of days as you walk through life together!

xoxo

Posted by Cassie on August 1, 2012

61 Comments »

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61 Responses to “Lemon-Berry Granita with Balsamic & Basil”

1

A Surprise for the Bride! Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Puffs « Comfortably Domestic — August 1, 2012 @ 4:30 am

[...] Cassie @ Bake Your Day’s Lemon Berry Granita with Balsamic & Basil [...]
2

Red Velvet Ice Cream Cupcakes | Cravings of a Lunatic — August 1, 2012 @ 4:31 am

[...] Cassie from Bake Your Day brought Lemon-Berry Granita with Balsamic and Basil [...]
3

Greek Salmon Wraps for the Bride | Inside NanaBread's Head — August 1, 2012 @ 4:33 am

[...] Drinks: Laurie of Simply Scratch – Blueberry Lemonade Spritzers Cassie of Bake Your Day – Lemon-Berry Granita with Balsamic & Basil [...]
4

Kathryn — August 1, 2012 @ 5:41 am

Such a perfect contribution Cassie! Lovely combination of flavours here.
5

Kim | At Home WIth Kim — August 1, 2012 @ 6:02 am

What a fun idea to do for your friend!!! Love this. And your recipe? Okay YUM. I still have some basil that has survived the drought and this sounds like the perfect use for it. We are entertaining over the weekend and this would make such a great dessert after we cookout. Love it! Have a great day Friend!!!!
6

Melon & Crispy Prosciutto Salad - confessions of a recipe junkie — August 1, 2012 @ 6:02 am

[...] Cassie | Bake Your Day: Lemon-Berry Granita w/ Balsamic Basil [...]
7

Jen @ Savory Simple — August 1, 2012 @ 6:25 am

How sweet! Granitas are certainly perfect for celebrating. Can’t wait to check out all of the other contributions!
8

Rachel Cooks — August 1, 2012 @ 6:41 am

Aww I love MEgan! And this looks like a great way to celebrate!
9

Edamame crostini — August 1, 2012 @ 6:47 am

[...] Cassie- Bake Your Day: Lemonberry granita with balsamic & basil [...]
10

Laurie {Simply Scratch} — August 1, 2012 @ 7:15 am

Ummm you know how I love granitas… and this is so perfect! Yay for Megan getting married!
11

Rachel — August 1, 2012 @ 7:18 am

This looks so delicious – might have to make some for my Summer party!
12

Sausage and Red Pepper Stuffed Mushrooms | Baked by Rachel — August 1, 2012 @ 7:24 am

[...] Drinks: Blueberry lemonade sprtizers – Simply Scratch Lemon-berry granita with balsamic & basil – Bake Your Day [...]
13

Mini Cherry Pies » Table for Two — August 1, 2012 @ 7:28 am

[...] Cassie, Bake Your Day - Lemon-Berry Granita with Balsamic & Basil [...]
14

Averie @ Averie Cooks — August 1, 2012 @ 7:55 am

Perfect for summer! Love the color it turned out to be!
15

NanaBread (Jeanne) — August 1, 2012 @ 7:55 am

I made my first granita this summer, and loved it. Yours looks awesome. I would have never thought to include balsamic vinegar. What a great surprise! I love to pour a little lemon or lime flavored seltzer water over granita for an impromptu summer spritzer. Very refreshing. Can’t wait to try your version, Cassie. It’s a perfect excuse to toast Megan & Ben and their big day.
16

Audra@The-Baker-Chick — August 1, 2012 @ 8:11 am

That sounds so good Cassie! So refreshing!
17

amy @ fearless homemaker — August 1, 2012 @ 8:12 am

this is so gorgeous + looks so refreshing – yum!
18

Parsley Sage — August 1, 2012 @ 8:37 am

What a lovely Hen Do! So delicious and fun And this granita is out of control! Balasmic vinegar!? Be still my heart!
19

Ali @ Gimme Some Oven — August 1, 2012 @ 8:46 am

So beautiful!!! And looks positively delicious (even if we’re not supposed to use that word)!!
20

Megan {Country Cleaver} — August 1, 2012 @ 9:07 am

o.O Cassie – you have just made me drool all over myself with this. Wow! Thank you all so very much for everything, you are all dolls. I kept wondering why the heck my phone was buzzing so much this morning – and SURPRISE indeed!!!
I’m so absolutely going to be making these. Like, this weekend. YUM!

Thanks again Cassie, I love ya doll XOXOXO
21

Rachel @ Baked by Rachel — August 1, 2012 @ 9:26 am

I want one of these – right now!
22

Kim Bee — August 1, 2012 @ 9:27 am

Cassie this is simply gorgeous. I adore granita and have to try this one. Thanks for inviting me to join you ladies. Wish we could have done it in person. Would have been so much fun.
23

Bobbie {the vegan crew} — August 1, 2012 @ 9:38 am

Wow, this is so pretty, Cassie!
24

Anna — August 1, 2012 @ 9:46 am

So pretty, and what a delicious shower you all put together!! I love Megan – definitely wishing her all the best!!
25

Meagan @ A Zesty Bite — August 1, 2012 @ 9:55 am

I love granita!!!! This looks amazing Cassie! This past week I made a watermleon kiwi granita.
26

Kirsten/Comfortably Domestic — August 1, 2012 @ 10:19 am

I love some basil with my berries! Your balsamic addition is a neat twist, Cassie. Love it!
27

SURPRISE! Cheesecake-Stuffed Strawberries | La Petite Pancake — August 1, 2012 @ 10:22 am

[...] Lemon-Berry Granita with Balsamic & Basil – Bake Your Day [...]
28

Erin @ Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts — August 1, 2012 @ 10:39 am

These are definitely celebratory worth! What an amazing line up of treats to help her celebrate with!
29

Mads — August 1, 2012 @ 10:51 am

I still haven’t tried strawberries mixed with balsamic and basil, but I bet the savory sweet combination is to die for. I don’t think I’ve ever had a granita either, so this recipe is high on my radar. They look adorable!
30

Laura (Tutti Dolci) — August 1, 2012 @ 10:51 am

What a fun idea! This granita looks so flavorful and refreshing. Love!
31

Jackie @ Domestic Fits — August 1, 2012 @ 11:36 am

YAY Megan! And yay for this granita
32

Sarah — August 1, 2012 @ 11:44 am

Yummy, all my favorite flavors!
33

Jill — August 1, 2012 @ 12:15 pm

Wow. I was just thinking about making a watermelon granita but this looks so much better. Delish!
34

Jessica@AKitchenAddiction — August 1, 2012 @ 12:30 pm

These drinks are perfect for celebrating! Congratulations to Megan!
35

Julie @ Table for Two — August 1, 2012 @ 12:45 pm

this looks absolutely refreshing and such a great choice to bring to the drinks table!! thank you for helping me coordinate this kick butt event! i think it went super well and the results were great..thank you from the bottom of my heart! we’re such a great team xoxo
36

Heather | Farmgirl Gourmet — August 1, 2012 @ 12:56 pm

WOAH! This granita is currently rocking my brain. It sounds and looks incredible. This is a must-make for certain!!

xo
Heather
37

Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet — August 1, 2012 @ 1:28 pm

This granita sounds so refreshing! Looove it!
38

JulieD — August 1, 2012 @ 5:43 pm

Love the flavor combination!! And congrats to Megan!!
39

Aggie — August 1, 2012 @ 6:03 pm

This looks so refreshing! I love surprise showers! Congrats Megan!
40

Paula - bell'alimento — August 1, 2012 @ 6:09 pm

Oh gurl! Yes please! Bring on the brain freeze!
41

Lauren @ Climbing Grier Mountain — August 1, 2012 @ 6:19 pm

Whoo-hoo! Congrats to Megan! You ladies rock. And you can be your sweet tookus I’ll be making this granita this weekend. Holla!
42

Michelle @A Recipe Junkie — August 1, 2012 @ 8:00 pm

this looks great!! love the martini glass thanks for making all this happen!! YAY MEGAN & BEN!
43

A Shower for Megan… | Tenaciously Yours, — August 1, 2012 @ 8:38 pm

[...] Drinks Laurie’s Blueberry Lemonade Spritzers Cassie’s Lemon-Berry Granita with Balsamic & Basil [...]
44

Kat — August 1, 2012 @ 9:02 pm

I absolutely love the basil-balsamic combo (who doesn’t?!) but I love how you brought in the lemon and the berries – clever and gorgeous and delicious all at once. Wish we could have chatted on a couch over this one in real life!
45

Nami | Just One Cookbook — August 1, 2012 @ 10:01 pm

Beautiful and delicious granita! Congrats Megan! Food bloggers are so kind and thoughtful and we’re in such a great community.
46

Heidi @foodiecrush — August 2, 2012 @ 12:13 am

This looks way too easy NOT to try and what a great reason to top it into a martini glass. Clinks all around!
47

Tara @ Unsophisticook — August 2, 2012 @ 9:11 am

This looks fantastic — and sooo easy!
48

Kari@Loaves and Dishes — August 2, 2012 @ 10:40 am

This Granita looks so refreshing for a hot summer day. Love that you added balsamic, perfect with the strawberries and basil…bellisimo!
49

Jennie @themessybakerblog — August 2, 2012 @ 11:09 am

Cassie, this granita looks killer. I love the flavor combination.

Congrats, Megan!!!
50

katie — August 2, 2012 @ 1:43 pm

yum! What a great dessert to entertain with!
51

Erin @ Texanerin Baking — August 2, 2012 @ 2:31 pm

How fun! What a time thing to do for your friend.

And this looks amazing! I’ve never made or even had granita before. I absolutely love the color! Definitely looks worth making.
52

Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love. — August 2, 2012 @ 7:18 pm

What a sweet thing to do for Megan! This is a really great, refreshing drink! Or heck, even dessert!
53

Sommer@ASpicyPerspective — August 2, 2012 @ 8:51 pm

What a fun way to celebrate! Your granita is perfectly stunning.
54

eton mess & a surprise virtual hen party | Foodies Love This — August 3, 2012 @ 5:28 am

[...] Laurie from Simply Scratch brought Blueberry Lemonade Spritzers Cassie from Bake Your Day brought Lemon-Berry Granita with Balsamic and Basil [...]
55

Valerie @ From Valerie's Kitchen — August 3, 2012 @ 11:45 am

I absolutely love granita and yours looks so good!
56

Miss @ Miss in the Kitchen — August 3, 2012 @ 8:50 pm

What a lovely, cool and refreshing treat! It’s pretty too, perfect for a shower!
57

Kristen — August 8, 2012 @ 2:30 pm

What a perfect granita recipe and a perfect occassion!
58

Marly — August 14, 2012 @ 11:23 am

Love this recipe -so simple, so perfect!
59

Lemon Lavender Greek Yogurt Pound Cake — August 29, 2012 @ 8:09 am

[...] Lemon-Berry Granita [...]
60

Farmgirl Gourmet Deviled Eggs 3 Ways - A Virtual Bridal Shower for Megan - Farmgirl Gourmet — October 16, 2012 @ 4:05 am

[...] Lemon-Berry Granita with Balsamic & Basil – Bake Your Day [...]
61

100 Best Super Bowl Party Recipes | the little kitchen — January 30, 2013 @ 12:37 am

[...] Eat Live Run Blueberry Lime-Aid Slushy from Picky Palate Carolina Peach Sangria from Recipe Girl Lemon-Berry Granita with Balsamic & Basil from Bake Your Day Warm Cardigan, A Hot Cocktail from Sippity Sup The Sazerac from Bunkycooks White [...]