When the skies start to clear here, and the forecast is in the 80’s for the rest of the week, you know Seattle has finally started summer. As many Seattleite natives, I would have to admit that I am not naturally inclined to love long periods of hot sun! So I am constantly thinking about ways to beat the heat. This morning I had a flash, or more like a blast from the past.

Remember when Granite’s were super popular? I think it was in the early to mid nineties, and they were all the rage! I am not sure whatever happened to the granite movement, but I am prepared to bring it back this summer. There isn’t much that is easier than shaved, flavored ice. It is delicious, refreshing, and best of all, really easy!

I take a metal pan, like a cake pan or a loaf pan, and pour it 1/2- 2/3 full of juice.
You simply cover with plastic wrap, and put the pan in the freezer at least until frozen, which should take a couple of hours. It is easiest if you scrape the top layers of ice every 30-40 minutes during the freezing process. However, if you don’t have time, and you are looking for an upper body workout, then you can scrape all of the ice at once when everything is frozen. I just use a stainless steel fork for the job.

You can go with simple, already prepared juices like grapefruit or cranberry. Another option is to make some “gourmet” hybrids. For example:
Pomegranate and mint, lemonade and basil, orange and fennel, etc.

These are all easily accomplished by mixing the juice and herbs in a blender, and then straining the juice through a sieve before freezing.

The great thing about the flavors is that the sky is the limit. You can totally use your imagination, just be aware that too much sugar, and/or too much booze, and the granite won’t freeze properly.

You can serve this in a chilled glass for a very pretty presentation.