Not overly sweet, and with a spunky kick, this palate cleanser is a take on the traditional Italian combination of strawberries, black pepper, and balsamic vinegar. (It also tastes great in a Bloody Mary.)

　　

Ingredients

Makes about 1 quart

　　2 pounds vine-ripened tomatoes (about 4 medium; preferably red)

　　1/4 cup superfine granulated sugar

　　2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper

　　1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

　　

Step 1

Quarter tomatoes and in a food processor purée with sugar until smooth. Pour purée through a sieve, pressing hard on solids, into a shallow metal baking pan. Stir in pepper and vinegar until combined well. Freeze mixture, covered, stirring and crushing lumps with a fork about every 30 minutes, until no longer slushy but not frozen solid, 2 to 3 hours. Granita may be made 2 days ahead and frozen, covered.

　　

Step 2

Just before serving, scrape granita with a fork to lighten texture and break up ice crystals.