63 comments

Strawberry Chamomile Granita

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I have a tendency to go on kicks…  and I’m on two kicks right now. Kick #1… a Cosby Show kick. While in Ann Arbor, I met up with a friend who said that she was watching the Cosby Show from first episode to last. I was intrigued… and found myself on Netflix following suit. Now, after making my way through Season 1 in less than a week, I think it’s safe to say, I’m on a kick. Like many folks, I watched the Cosby Show growing up, but I was Rudy’s age, so I watched it from the kids’ perspectives. Now, an adult (albeit an adult who doesn’t yet have children), I am watching it from Cliff and Claire’s perspectives. Hilarious. HILARIOUS, I tell you! 😀

Kick #2… you guessed it… a granita kick. I made my first granita two years ago for a dinner party I was having. I served it as a palate cleanser of sorts–that first granita was a watermelon-ginger granita with vanilla vodka and frozen blood oranges. I’ve been hooked ever since. So, when a few days ago I found myself too hot to think, I knew a nice, icy granita would cool me down. I had some fresh strawberries in the fridge and chamomile tea in my cabinet. The combination exceeded my expectation and if taste was a feeling, this granita would be like a gentle feather gliding again the back of your hand. I’m not exactly sure why, but something about the chamomile made the granita taste soft. This recipe is a keeper… for sure. Stay tuned for my other granita creations!

Strawberry Chamomile Granita (Printable Recipe)

Ingredients:

3 cups water

6 chamomile tea bags

2 tablespoons sugar or agave

1 cup fresh strawberries–pureed

Method:

*Bring water to boil in large pot. Add tea bags and sugar/agave. Steep the tea bags in the water until the liquid cools to room temperature. Puree strawberries. Blend pureed strawberries with cooled tea. Add the chamomile-strawberry mixture to a 8 x 8 glass dish. Freeze until completely solid.

*Scrape the frozen mixture with a fork until the entire dish is scraped up. Freeze approximately two hours. Scrape again. Freeze approximately two additional hours. Scrape for the last time (three scrapes is good!). Enjoy!

Written by

Tiffany M. Griffin is the woman behind Como Water, Washington DC’s premiere veg-centric cuisine consulting company. Through cooking classes, demonstrations, catering, and consultations, Como Water gives people the opportunity to learn how to prepare veg-centric cuisine that boasts maximum flavor, with minimal effort. Tiffany is quickly becoming a go-to expert on the future of veg-centric cuisine, and is a regular contributor to Como Water, the blog, as well as to vegetarian and vegan sites across the Internet. For over a decade, this self-taught, entrepreneurial expert has developed a set of tried and true techniques for making simple, delicious, and sometimes decadent veg-centric dishes. Featured on the Steve Harvey Show and other leading media outlets, Tiffany was born and raised in Springfield, MA. She then earned Bachelors degrees in Psychology and Communications from Boston College and a PhD in Social Psychology from the University of Michigan. She now resides in Washington DC, where she has worked in the US Senate and at a federal agency on issues around health, food, nutrition, and international food aid/development, and of course, as the owner of Como Water. Tiffany gets culinary inspiration from the food she grew up eating, and from her travels throughout Latin America, the Caribbean, Western Europe, and Sub-Saharan Africa. She is dedicated to sharing her wealth of knowledge on veg-centric cuisine with others and to help others live by her mantra—love life, live long, and eat veg-centric cuisine!

Comments

  1. Greg

    This sounds good. I am usually a sorbet maker, but I just may have to try making some granitas this year.

    June 21, 2011
  2. Lindsey@Lindselicious

    Only 2 Tbsp of sugar?! Awesome! I am going to try this. Love the cosby show too- Rudy and Bud, so cute.

    June 21, 2011
  3. Lisa Fine

    I would love to try to make a granite. This combination sounds delightful.

    June 21, 2011
  4. Ann

    I love granita! I did the same – I watched Season 1 of Glee in about 4 days! Looks delicious!

    June 21, 2011
  5. Liz

    Perfect treat on these hot summer days…and strawberry chamomile sounds delish!

    June 21, 2011
  6. Erin @ Dinners, Dishes and Desserts

    Looks amazing! I have never made granita, but this makes me think it is definitely something I should try!

    June 21, 2011
  7. Happy When Not Hungry

    Wow this granita looks so refreshing! Love the flavors too!

    June 21, 2011
  8. Laura @ Sprint2theTable

    “the chamomile made the granita taste soft” – I love this description! Could almost taste it from my seat. 🙂

    June 21, 2011
  9. madge @ vegetariancasserolequeen

    The Cosby Show! Awesome. I loved all things Bill Cosby when I was younger. Do you remember Picture Pages???

    June 21, 2011
  10. Anne

    Oh Tiffany! This is so beautiful! With all the food you make…your colors always look so vibrant! I love granitas. I have yet to make one. But I especially love the addition of chamomile tea in this. It’s what I drink when I want to escape the chaos of my own head some days! And such a beautiful presentation! No wonder you are becoming a top 9 champ! Congrats to you! And….Happy Tuesday! : )

    June 21, 2011
  11. Betsy

    This looks great! We’re hosting an online seasonal potluck and June is strawberry month! If you’d like to link your recipe, we’d love to have you! http://bit.ly/eLlgG2

    June 22, 2011
  12. Manu

    Oh the Cosby Show! I used to watch it too as a child… and used to love it back then as well! hehehehe I love granite… I have never made them at home as I have always been “scared” of the ice scraping part… hahahaha I have tried so many new things recently that I may give granita a try too in summer! I LOVE chamomile…. I drink litres of it! It must taste divine with strawberries! 🙂

    June 22, 2011
  13. Nami @ Just One Cookbook

    Granita! That’s what I need right now… it’s getting warm here in SF (finally). I wish some strawberry granita is ready for me to eat! Looks beautiful and yummy! I see there are 3 serving… those 3 for you? LOL. =P

    June 22, 2011
  14. Cristina

    Your granita looks beautiful…lovely color. I sure could have served myself a helping or two of your strawberry chamomile granita today (so warm this evening!) Perfect for the onset of Summertime! 😉

    June 22, 2011
  15. ping

    I was so into the Cosby show when I was little too! Never missed an episode.
    The granita looks so inviting! It’s so crazy hot here … I need that!

    June 22, 2011
  16. something_good

    Oh, yes! Just in time for this hot morning, over here (30 degrees Celsius already and it’s only 9 o’clock…)

    June 22, 2011
  17. Medeja

    What a great color! And I love that chamomile flavor 🙂

    June 22, 2011
  18. Annie Oakley's Kitchen

    I don’t know if I’ve ever had granita. Is it like Italian ice? In and case it sounds and looks delicious and pretty easy!

    June 22, 2011
  19. Hester Casey - Alchemy

    Oh I loved the Cosby Show as a child, but had forgotten all about it. Maybe I need to get the DVDs and watch it as an adult. I love when you discover a whole new layer of humour.

    Beautiful granita – what an amazing colour! I’m intrigued by the chamomile flavour (my favourite herbal tea) – I am going to have to try this (when the weather warms up – it is more like mid-winter here than mid-summer!)

    June 22, 2011
  20. Tina@flourtrader

    Tea and strawberry-neat idea. I have yet to even see strawberry tea and you have made Granita. Refreshing and creative post here-thanks for sharing.

    June 22, 2011
  21. Linda

    This looks not only pretty – but so refreshing! I’ve never made granita before – I think I’ll start with your recipe. Thanks!

    June 22, 2011
  22. Kate@Diethood.com

    Chamomille tea?! That is sooo interesting!! Awesome recipe, Tiff..thank you for sharing! Bookmarked.. can’t wait to try it!

    June 22, 2011
  23. Shaheen

    Oh I thoroughly enjoyed readign this post. There wasn’t much on British TV featuring ‘Black’ families or families from visible minority ethnic backgrounds, so The Cosby Show was one show my whole family would sit down to watch. I would like to do what you have done, watch it through adult eyes.

    Love the look of your strawberry granita, though I am liking the sound of the watermelon one moreso.

    June 22, 2011
  24. Treat and Trick

    Chamomile tea is a nice addition to this fantastic dessert! Lovely shots….

    June 22, 2011
  25. PolaM

    Great idea to mix in chamomile!

    June 22, 2011
  26. Linda

    Ooh, I get on “kicks” too! I had pneumonia for a week and watched Desparate Housewifes nonstop!! Now as for granita, I haven’t made it in years but I’m thinking once I try your recipe, as it looks so good, I’ll be starting a new “kick”!!

    June 22, 2011
  27. briarrose

    Wonderful flavor choice….this looks so good.

    June 22, 2011
  28. Tina (PinayInTexas)

    Your granita looks so refreshing — so perfect for the very hot Texas weather!

    June 22, 2011
  29. visda

    Love your Granita recipe. I have never made them but you make them sound doable at home.:-) It has got pretty hot here these days and this is a perfect recipe to try. Thanks for sharing.

    June 22, 2011
  30. Alicia@ eco friendly homemaking

    Not only does this look and sound delicious it is so pretty! Such a gorgeous color!

    June 22, 2011
  31. elisabeth@foodandthriftfinds

    Well, I’m not going there…Cosby show wasn’t that long ago, in the eighties?…every one claiming to be a child back then?…just an observation!
    Your strawberry granita is gorgeous, colorful, and super yummy. The photos are spectacular!
    Thanks, for sharing:DDD

    June 22, 2011
  32. Parsley Sage

    Soft? Okay, now its my turn to be intrigued…

    June 22, 2011
  33. Christine

    I use to watch the Crosby Show. Your recipe looks great.

    June 22, 2011
  34. Sandra

    How perfect is this description, “a gentle feather gliding again the back of your hand”. Way to get all mellow and smooth Tiff! The colors is gorgeous the flavor combo is off the charts.

    June 22, 2011
  35. Karissa

    Haven’t seen that show in forever! I love strawberries and I LOVE chamomile (I actually have some chamomile tea waiting for me right now)..the two together in a granita = wowzer yumzer.

    June 23, 2011
  36. C1tr4

    Beautiful Color.. Bookmarked it ^,^ And Congratulation on Top 9 !

    June 23, 2011
  37. Lola

    Living in southern Italy I love granitas, in particular the almond with coffee one, what can I substitute strawberries for?

    June 23, 2011
  38. Hester Casey - Alchemy

    Hello again, just dropping by to say congrats on the No.1 spot – well deserved 🙂

    June 23, 2011
  39. Jill Colonna

    Love it when you’re on kicks like this: that granita looks so refreshingly vibrant for summer. Isn’t it interesting about the chamomile making it smooth? Beautiful. Loved the Cosby Show: haven’t seen it in years!

    June 23, 2011
  40. Natalie

    Congrats on Top 9 again!! You’re on a roll! I love this granita it sounds heavenly with the camomile, really soothing in this heat! I loved The Cosby Show too, I wanted to be Lisa Bonet (Denise) she was sooo gorgeous!! 😀

    June 23, 2011
  41. erinwyso

    So very pretty! Thanks for sharing!

    June 23, 2011
  42. Nava Krishnan

    Lovely dessert, the color makes it so attractive.

    June 23, 2011
  43. claudia lamascolo/aka pegasuslegend

    this looks sensational we will love it!
    http://blogsgotheart.blogspot.com/2011/06/giveaway-and-buffalo-chicken-chili-from.html

    June 23, 2011
  44. Peggy

    This looks like the perfect way to cool down during this hot summer!

    Getting on TV show kicks is the whole reason I LOVE Netflix! I’m currently on a Saturday Night Live kick as we speak – the 2000’s are PACKED with hilarious episodes =)

    June 23, 2011
  45. kitchenarian

    I love granita. It is so refreshing. I have bookmarked this recipe and I think it is going to be my summer ‘kick’ too! This is so deserving of the Top 9. Congrats!

    June 23, 2011
  46. Tes

    This is torture for me! I can’t get strawberry here this season in India 🙂 I wish I could make that for the weekend 🙂

    June 23, 2011
    • Tiffany

      Make it with mango! 😀

      June 29, 2011
  47. Evan @swEEts

    I get on kicks pretty easily as well! I tried watermelon granita for the first time last summer and fell in love.. I love the flavors youre adding to yours though! I can’t wait to try more this summer!

    June 23, 2011
  48. Chef Dennis

    what a beautiful delicious granita!! I have never made one, you make it look so good I may have to try it!
    Cheers
    Dennis

    June 23, 2011
  49. Trix

    Granita is so refreshing in summer, and I really get what you mean (I think) about the chamomile. Neat addition!

    June 23, 2011
  50. Beth Michelle

    There could be far worse things then a granita kick!!! This looks wonderful. I love the flavor combination you have going on. Yay for the Cosby show! I havent watched it in years but I always loved it as a child.

    June 23, 2011
  51. Kate@Diethood.com

    Congrats on Top 9!!!

    June 23, 2011
  52. Sommer@ASpicyPerspective

    Granita–that, is a GOOD kick! Maybe I need to jump on that as well. 🙂

    June 23, 2011
  53. sensiblecooking

    Strawberry Chamomile Granita, the name itself sounds something magical and calm for summer. I think I will be getting used to kick#2 pretty soon.

    June 23, 2011
  54. Kim - Liv Life

    I loved the Cosby Show! I think I’ve seen each and every episode, and while I’m a bit older than you – perhaps more along the lines of Theo’s age – I’ll bet it would be fun to watch now. I saw Bill Cosby one time in Las Vegas and he was fantastic, one of the best shows I’ve ever seen.
    Love the Granita as well. Gorgeous colors, love everything about it! Congrats on the Top 9!

    June 23, 2011
  55. Lilla

    Strawberry and chamomile! Sounds fresh and delicious… slurp 🙂
    Congrats on top 9!

    June 23, 2011
  56. Sandra

    Top 9, woo-hooooooo! Congratulations!!!!

    June 23, 2011
  57. Kristi Rimkus

    Refreshing and love the chamomile! Love the Cosby show too!

    June 23, 2011
  58. sarah

    I was on a Cosby show kick not too long ago and I think after this post I’ll be on a granita kick in no time- love the chamomile!

    June 23, 2011
  59. Terris@Freeeatsfood

    Congrats on Top 9. This looks so tasty and refreshing. I look forward to seeing your future granita posts. Hot weather makes it easy to go on a granita kick!

    June 24, 2011
  60. Island Vittles

    That gorgeous, vibrant colour says SUMMER! Looks delicious (as always!)…Theresa

    June 27, 2011
  61. Tiffany

    Thanks for the comments everyone! 😀

    June 29, 2011