This amazingly easy recipe is a perfect, slightly sweet ending to a decadent meal or an afternoon treat on a lazy Sunday. After blending the ingredients, all you need to do is let the mixture sit in the freezer.

　　

Ingredients

Makes about 6 cups

　　1 cup hot water

　　3/4 cup sugar

　　2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

　　3 cups sliced hulled strawberries (1 pound whole berries), plus additional for garnish

　　Special equipment: 13 by 9-inch nonstick baking pan

　　

Step 1

Stir the hot water, sugar, and lemon juice in a small bowl until the sugar dissolves. Blend 3 cups of strawberries in a food processor until smooth. Add the sugar syrup and blend until combined.

　　

Step 2

Pour the mixture into a 13 by 9-inch nonstick metal baking pan. Freeze until icy around edges, about 25 minutes. Using a fork, stir the icy portions into the middle of the pan. Freeze until mixture is frozen, stirring the edges into the center every 20 to 30 minutes, about 1 1/2 hours. Using a fork, scrape the granita into flaky crystals. Cover tightly and freeze.

　　

Step 3

Scrape the granita into bowls. Garnish with berries and serve.

　　

Do ahead

Step 4

The GRANITA can be made 1 day ahead. Keep frozen.

　　The Epicurious Cookbook