Basil Plum Granita

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 5 whole allspice
• 1 1/2 pounds black plums, quartered and pitted
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 3/4 cup basil leaves

Preparation

1. 1. Place first 6 ingredients in a large saucepan over medium-high heat; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer for 15 minutes or until plums begin to fall apart, stirring occasionally. Place pan in a large ice-filled bowl; cool completely, stirring occasionally. Discard allspice.
2. 2. Place the plum mixture, lime juice, and basil in a blender; process until well blended. Press the plum mixture through a fine sieve over a bowl, and discard solids. Pour the mixture into an 8-inch square glass or ceramic baking dish. Cover and freeze until partially frozen (about 2 hours). Scrape with a fork, crushing any lumps. Freeze for 3 hours, scraping with a fork every hour, or until completely frozen.