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Basil-Lemon Granita

 4 to 5 lemons (1 1/3 lb. total), rinsed
 2/3 cup sugar
 1/3 cup minced fresh basil leaves (see notes)
Step 1
1

Grate 1 tablespoon peel (yellow part only) from about three lemons. Ream juice from enough lemons to make 3/4 cup. In an 8- or 9-inch square baking pan, mix peel, juice, and 1 1/2 cups water.

Step 2
2

In a food processor or blender, whirl sugar until very fine. Add basil and whirl until very finely minced. Stir sugar mixture into lemon mixture until sugar is dissolved.

Step 3
3

Cover and freeze mixture until firm, about 6 hours.

Step 4
4

Scrape the tines of a fork quickly across frozen mixture to break into fluffy granules. Scoop granita into chilled bowls or wine or sherbet glasses and serve immediately.