Strawberry Granita
Description
The recipe won't take much time. To make the sugar syrup, combine 3/4 cup water and 4 tablespoons sugar in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until the sugar dissolves, about 2 minutes. Cool to room temperature. In a blender, mix half of the strawberries with the sugar syrup, lemon juice, and vodka (if using) until pureed. Strain the puree through a sieve. Pour the mixture into a square pan. Freeze for 2 to 3 hours. Stir the granita with a fork and freeze for another hour. Then stir again. Thirty minutes before serving, slice the remaining strawberries in half lengthwise and place them in a bowl. Add the remaining tablespoon of sugar, pepper, and vinegar. Mix and add basil. Divide the granita into portions, garnish with the strawberries, and serve chilled.