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Orange Granita with Balsamic and Mint Strawberries

February 4, 2013 By Lena

We’re BA-ACK!

Well, technically we’ve been back for exactly 6 hours… because after a late night flight and two flight delays… we didn’t touch down in Toronto until well after 2:00 a.m.

Did I mention that -10°C in the middle of the night, after vacationing in Florida, feels like pure torture?

Now I’d like to say that I’ve got my wits about me and am ready to bang off another brilliant blog post, but the truth is, I’m exhausted from four days of non-stop sight-seeing; two whiny children who slept at the wrong times and fought a few hundred times; and frankly, am depressed that I can’t live in Orlando year-round. It is quite honestly my happy place.

However, I realize that you’re probably tired of seeing my same old post from last Wednesday (in the spirit of family travel, I decided to shut down completely and enjoy time spent with my loved ones). So, to take myself back into a Florida state of mind, I’ll be making this recipe for Orange Granita with Balsamic and Mint Strawberries very soon (maybe even today). It’s just one of the fabulous recipes you can find on the Florida Citrus Facebook Page, where they feature a Citrus Recipe Swap. 

The thing I love about granitas is that while they sound incredibly sophisticated, they’re really just scraped ice. Ever wonder what to serve your boyfriend’s parents, a discerning friend, or others you’re out to impress? Serve them a granita. The traditional Italian ice dessert is the perfect way to cleanse the palette, particularly after a rich meal. And with the addition of orange juice, this dessert is full of purifying antioxidants and will satisfy most sweet tooths in a fresh, healthy way.

Think this dessert will take me back to the Sunshine State? I’m counting on it! I can already taste the tangy, citrusy goodness. Serve in martini glasses for extra panache.

¼ cup sugar
1¾ cup 100% Florida orange juice
1 Tbsp lemon juice
3 cups sliced fresh strawberries
1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
3 Tbsp fresh mint cut into long, thin strips

Place sugar and 1/4 cup orange juice in a small saucepan, and bring the mixture to a boil.

Remove from heat and stir in remaining 1 1/2 cups orange juice and lemon juice. Pour the mixture into a 9-inch by 13-inch shallow pan and place in the freezer.

Every few minutes, stir and scrape the granita with a spoon to create an icy texture. This procedure takes about 30 to 45 minutes depending on your freezer.

Combine sliced strawberries, mint and balsamic vinegar in a small bowl and let sit while granita freezes. Serve 2 ounces of granita topped with 3 ounces of strawberry mixture in individual dessert bowls.

Filed Under: Food Tagged With: Florida Citrus, Florida Feel Better, healthy living, orange juice, recipe, Visit Orlando

Previous Post: « We’re Off to Visit Orlando!
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Debbie Bashford

    February 4, 2013 at 9:36 am

    Sounds so good

    • Lena

      February 5, 2013 at 7:06 pm

      Totally! I can’t wait to make it!

  2. Julia

    February 4, 2013 at 10:53 am

    This looks so refreshing. Welcome home!

    • Lena

      February 5, 2013 at 7:07 pm

      Thank you Julia!

  3. Kristina

    February 4, 2013 at 11:43 am

    Sounds delicious!

    • Lena

      February 5, 2013 at 7:07 pm

      :) I’ll be trying it soon!

  4. Cindy

    February 4, 2013 at 12:06 pm

    Sounds refreshing. Can’t wait to try it.

    • Lena

      February 5, 2013 at 7:07 pm

      Please let me know what you think if you do!

  5. InezbyDesign

    February 4, 2013 at 12:16 pm

    Welcome home…sort of! I can see you would rather be somewhere else :) And I’m right up there with you, Spring can’t come soon enough. This looks like a tasty treat.

    • Lena

      February 5, 2013 at 7:08 pm

      It’s true – the weather is less than welcoming, but, it IS good to be home :)

  6. Freda Mans

    February 4, 2013 at 12:21 pm

    Welcome back! That dessert looks yummy!

    • Lena

      February 5, 2013 at 7:08 pm

      Thank you Freda!

  7. Lisa H

    February 4, 2013 at 1:05 pm

    Welcome home! Hope you got a bit of tan to remind you of paradise while you readjust to reality :o

    • Lena

      February 5, 2013 at 7:08 pm

      Yes, I do have a hint of bronze, Lisa! Thank you!

  8. Victoria Ess

    February 4, 2013 at 2:47 pm

    Welcome back! Your posts were missed, but I look forward to hearing about your travels, as always!

    • Lena

      February 5, 2013 at 7:09 pm

      Thank you Victoria :) Just getting back into the groove of things!

  9. Tricha Fraser

    February 4, 2013 at 4:31 pm

    Welcome back. Can’t wait to hear all about your trip.

    • Lena

      February 5, 2013 at 7:09 pm

      :) Thanks Tricha!

  10. Michelle Chow

    February 4, 2013 at 5:45 pm

    A nice, simple, light dessert. Nice way to end the meal. You are right Lena it sound difficult but is fairly easy to make. Love this idea. Sorry to hear the trip wasn’t as smooth as the last one to Florida but nice to hear from you again. Welcome back, Lena. :)

    • Lena

      February 5, 2013 at 7:09 pm

      Thank you so much Michelle!

  11. Tania Smith

    February 4, 2013 at 6:26 pm

    Sounds delish, however I am not a fan of mint. Can I leave it out or is it necessary?

    • Lena

      February 5, 2013 at 7:10 pm

      Of course you can leave it out Tania! You can also substitute basil (trust me) but it’s delish without it too.

  12. Nancy

    February 4, 2013 at 8:34 pm

    I bet that would be extra great with a bit of vodka lol. Man, looks and sounds delish.

    • Lena

      February 5, 2013 at 7:10 pm

      Heck ya, now you’re talking!

  13. Nicole W.

    February 4, 2013 at 9:47 pm

    Mmmm, this sounds really good! I LOVE the combination of strawberries & balsamic!

    • Lena

      February 5, 2013 at 7:10 pm

      Me too! It’s such a great sweet/acidic combination!

  14. CaitlinAnne

    February 4, 2013 at 10:25 pm

    I’ve been recently dying for a recipe to start testing out to perfect for the summer & i think i’ve found the one- this sound sOOOoo refreshing.

    • Lena

      February 5, 2013 at 7:11 pm

      I insist you try this one! It’s easy to perfect and looks so refreshing!

  15. Sophia

    February 5, 2013 at 1:50 am

    Sounds easy enough….even for me! p.s. welcome back!

    • Lena

      February 5, 2013 at 7:11 pm

      :) Thanks Sophia!

  16. Jennifer Abbott

    February 5, 2013 at 7:00 am

    That looks so sexy especially for Valentines Day!

    • Lena

      February 5, 2013 at 7:12 pm

      Indeed! I wonder if you could use blood oranges for a red dessert? Hmm…

  17. Marissa

    February 5, 2013 at 7:18 am

    Welcome back Lena! Your recipe sounds delish!

    • Lena

      February 5, 2013 at 7:12 pm

      Thank you Marissa!

  18. Soozle

    February 5, 2013 at 9:12 am

    Welcome back Lena! Looking forward to hearing about your trip when you and the fam are settled back in :-)

    • Lena

      February 5, 2013 at 7:12 pm

      Thanks so much :) It’s taking longer than usual because I’m so tired!!

  19. angie smith

    February 5, 2013 at 10:26 am

    ummmmmnomnom this sounds delish!

    • Lena

      February 5, 2013 at 7:12 pm

      :) I love it too! Can’t wait to make it!

  20. jan

    February 5, 2013 at 1:37 pm

    this was easy and so refreshing

  21. Teresa M.

    February 5, 2013 at 2:23 pm

    Welcome back Lena!! I hope that you and your family had a wonderful trip!! The boys – all 3 of them – must be exhausted and you too!

    • Lena

      February 5, 2013 at 7:13 pm

      Thanks Teresa!! We are rather tired, but I’m sure we’ll back to the routine in no time!

  22. Tanya

    February 5, 2013 at 4:19 pm

    That looks delicious!

    • Lena

      February 5, 2013 at 7:13 pm

      :) Please try it Tanya!

  23. Lee Pearson

    February 5, 2013 at 8:00 pm

    I hope you had a wonderful trip! This is such an unusual recipe and I must try it. Thank you

    • Lena

      February 5, 2013 at 8:52 pm

      Thank you Lee, please do!

  24. Michelle

    February 6, 2013 at 7:55 pm

    Sounds delicious! I wonder if the balsamic pairs well with other fruit juices.

    • Lena

      February 10, 2013 at 5:48 pm

      I’ve only heard of balsamic pairing with strawberries or pears, but I’m sure it would be great with other fruits too!

  25. TW

    February 6, 2013 at 9:29 pm

    Oh yum. I must try this!

    • Lena

      February 10, 2013 at 5:48 pm

      Please do!

  26. Caitlin G-H

    February 8, 2013 at 7:47 pm

    Definitely trying this for V-Day! :)

    • Lena

      February 10, 2013 at 5:48 pm

      What a great idea! Happy Valentine’s Day Caitlin!

  27. RubyRed67

    February 19, 2013 at 2:37 pm

    Mmmmm this looks delicious! I have all the ingredients, I think I should try it.

    • Lena

      March 3, 2013 at 10:49 pm

      I think you should try it too!

  28. Lisa

    February 19, 2013 at 11:21 pm

    Looks amazing! Will have to try it some time!

    • Lena

      March 3, 2013 at 10:49 pm

      Please do! Great recipe to hang on for entertaining!

  29. Mandy

    February 20, 2013 at 10:32 pm

    Interesting! Sounds good..something to try for sure!

    • Lena

      March 3, 2013 at 10:50 pm

      Please do Mandy!

  30. Crystal Hunter

    March 7, 2013 at 1:53 pm

    sounds delish

    • Lena

      March 10, 2013 at 1:47 pm

      It is – try it Crystal!

  31. Anne Taylor

    March 8, 2013 at 4:23 pm

    Yum! sounds delicious and refreshing! Thanks

  32. Lena

    March 10, 2013 at 1:47 pm

    You’re very welcome Anne!

  33. Debbie White Beattie

    April 22, 2018 at 6:50 pm

    This looks and sounds delicious and yummy !

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Toronto Blogger, Social Media Strategist for Listen to Lena Inc. Television & Radio Personality, Columnist and Speaker. Family Travel Expert. Star Wars Fanatic. Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion. Read More…

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