Concord Grape Granita and Cream Cheese Ice Cream

Inspired by the French tradition of eating cheese and grapes for dessert, this icy dessert gets its sweet, tangy taste from Concord grape juice, which is balanced by the smoothness of the cream cheese ice cream. You can serve each separately, but when served together they strike the perfect balance. 

Recipe

Concord Grape Granita

Total Time: 4 Hours 30 Minutes | Active Time: 30 Minutes | Serves Eight

Ingredients:

• 1/4 C plus 2 T sugar
• 1/4 C plus 2 T water
• 1 3/4 C plus 2 T fresh Concord grape juice

Directions:

1. In a saucepan, simmer the sugar and water to dissolve the sugar. Let cool.
2. In a 9-inch square, glass baking dish, combine the sugar syrup and grape juice. Freeze for 30 minutes. Using 2 forks, scrape any frozen crystals into the center of the dish. Continue to freeze, scraping every 30 minutes, until the mixture is totally frozen and granular, about 4 hours total. Scrape the granita into chilled bowls and serve.

Cream Cheese Ice Cream

Cook Time: 2 Hours 20 Minutes | Active Time: 20 Minutes | Serves Eight

Ingredients:

•  8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 C milk
• 1 T fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 C sugar
• 1/8 t salt
• 1 C heavy cream
• 3 egg yolks
• Special equipment: an ice cream maker

Directions:

1.  In a sauce pan, combine cheese, milk, egg yolks lemon juice, sugar, and salt under medium heat. 
2. Transfer to a bowl, then stir in cream and cream cheese until thickened.
3. Freeze cream cheese mixture in ice cream maker. Transfer to an airtight container and put in freezer to harden, at least 2 hours.
4. Let ice cream soften 5 minutes before serving.

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