A refreshing and delightful frozen dessert combining the tangy flavors of citrus and apple with a hint of mint.
In a saucepan, combine the water, sugar, orange zest, and mint leaves. Heat until the sugar dissolves completely, then remove from heat.
Ensure the sugar is fully dissolved to avoid grainy texture in the granita.
Strain the syrup to remove the mint leaves and zest, then return the syrup to the saucepan.
Straining ensures a smooth syrup without any solid particles.
Add the chopped apples to the syrup and cook until they are soft and pulpy. Allow the mixture to cool.
Cooling the mixture before blending helps preserve the fresh flavors.
Blend the cooled apple mixture with lemon juice and Grand Marnier until smooth.
Blending thoroughly ensures a consistent texture for the granita.
Pour the blended mixture into a freezer-safe dish, cover with plastic wrap, and freeze.
For best results, freeze the mixture overnight.
Scrape the frozen mixture with a fork every 30 minutes to create fine crystals until fully frozen.
Regular scraping prevents the granita from freezing into a solid block.
Serve the granita in glasses or bowls, garnished with fresh mint leaves.
Serving in chilled glasses enhances the refreshing experience.