A combination of fresh grapefruit juice and Campari (the bitter Italian aperitif) gives the granita a refreshing bite. A dollop of whipped cream brings everything into balance.
Recipe information
Yield
6 servings
Ingredients
Granita:
Vanilla whipped cream:
Preparation
For granita:
Step 1
Combine 1 cup grapefruit juice and sugar in medium saucepan. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat and bring to boil. Remove from heat; stir in remaining 1 cup grapefruit juice, Campari, and grated peel. Pour mixture into 11x7x2-inch glass baking dish or metal baking pan. Cover and freeze until firm, at least 8 hours or overnight. DO AHEAD: Can be made 3 days ahead. Keep frozen.
Step 2
Using sharp knife, cut off all peel and white pith from 4 grapefruits. Working over bowl to catch juices and using small sharp knife, cut between membranes to release segments into bowl. Squeeze any remaining juice from membranes into bowl. DO AHEAD: Can be made 4 hours ahead. Cover; chill.
For vanilla whipped cream:
Step 3
Combine whipping cream, crème fraîche, and powdered sugar in medium bowl. Scrape in seeds from vanilla bean; reserve bean. Using electric mixer, beat mixture until soft peaks form. Add reserved vanilla bean to cream mixture; cover and chill at least 2 hours. DO AHEAD: Can be made 4 hours ahead. Keep chilled.Remove vanilla bean and rewhisk cream mixture until thick before using.
Step 4
Using fork, scrape surface of granita to form icy flakes. Divide grapefruit segments and juices from bowl among 6 dessert glasses. Divide granita among glasses. Top each with large dollop of vanilla whipped cream and serve immediately.
