Cherry Granita

Put the cherries in a food processor and blend until well chopped but retaining a little texture.

Put the water and sugar in a small saucepan and bring to the boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Boil for 1 minute. Combine with the cherries and the lime zest and juice. Tip into a shallow freezer-proof tray. Cool then freeze until just starting to set around the edges.

Stir the mixture with a fork, breaking up any large chunks, dragging the frozen ice from the sides into the centre. Repeat twice more periodically, until no large pieces of ice remain.

To serve: Place spoonfuls in chilled glasses and serve immediately.

Cook’s tips

Don’t despair if you forget to break up the granita as it freezes and you end up with a solid block. Just scrape it with a strong fork and it will be fine.

Surprise your guests by serving the granita Sicilian style: spoon into small brioche and top with a dollop of softly whipped cream.