Coffee Granita

Don't forget that your freezer is more than just a place to store frozen food. Don't have an ice cream maker? You can still make frosty treats like this Coffee Granita using just your freezer.

Ingredients

• 4 cups freshly brewed decaf espresso or double-strength coffee
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons coffee flavored liqueur (Kahlua)
• 2 cups whipping cream
• 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• shaved chocolate or cocoa powder for garnish

Directions

1. While coffee is hot, stir in sugar until dissolved; add coffee flavored liqueur. Pour mixture into a 13x9-inch baking dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and freeze approximately 45 minutes or until icy at edge of pan. Whisk to distribute frozen portions evenly. Cover and freeze again until icy at edge of pan and overall texture is slushy, about 45 minutes. Whisk to distribute frozen portions evenly. Cover and return to freezer and freeze about 3 hours or until frozen solid. Remove from freezer.

2. Using a fork, scrape granita down length of pan, forming icy flakes. Return to freezer for at least 1 hour. Can be made 1 day ahead. When served, the granita should look like a fluffy pile of dry brown crystals.

3. In a medium bowl, whip whipping cream and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Taste and whisk in more vanilla extract if necessary. Cover and store in refrigerator until ready to serve.

4. To serve, scoop flaked granita into tall goblets or parfait glasses, filling halfway. Top with prepared whipped cream and sprinkle with shaved chocolate or cocoa powder for garnish. Serve immediately with iced tea spoons.

Makes 8 servings.