Cranberry Granitas

Since the weather outside has already gotten (in my mind) ridiculously HOT, I thought I'd share this granita recipe I got from Giada on Food Network back when we had cable. I made it this week and it is YUMMY! You can of course make a kid (and preggers) friendly version without the vodka and even trick them by calling it an ice cream treat. But I'm a big fan of vodka...

Ingredients

• 2 cups cranberry juice
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup vodka
• 6 fresh cranberries, for garnish

Directions

Whisk the cranberry juice and sugar in a heavy medium saucepan over medium heat just until the sugar dissolves. Pour the cranberry mixture into a 13 by 9 by 2-inch glass baking dish. Cool completely. Whisk in the lime juice and vodka. Freeze until the granita becomes slushy, about 2 hours. Using fork, stir to blend. Continue freezing the granita until frozen, stirring every hour to form crystals, at least 5 hours or overnight.

Divide the granita among 6 dessert glasses. Garnish with fresh cranberries, if desired, and serve.

4 square margaritas

This is my favorite margarita recipe. We made them for Cinco de Mayo, they never disappoint! 

12 oz. of Limeade

12 oz. of Fresca

12 oz. of Corona (light)

12 oz. of tequila

we served them on the rocks, if you blend them watch out the foam from the beer and Fresca is out of control. A lesson from last year.