Fresh Strawberry Granita

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ripe strawberries, hulled and halved
• 1/3 cup white sugar, or to taste
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
• 1 tiny pinch salt

Directions

Rinse strawberries with cold water; let drain. Transfer berries to a blender and add sugar, water, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, and salt.

Pulse several times to get the mixture moving, then blend until smooth, about 1 minute. Pour into a large baking dish. Puree should only be about 3/8 inch deep in the dish.

Place dish uncovered in the freezer until mixture barely begins to freeze around the edges, about 45 minutes. Mixture will still be slushy in the center.

Lightly stir the crystals from the edge of the granita mixture into the center, using a fork, and mix thoroughly. Close freezer and chill until granita is nearly frozen, 30 to 40 more minutes. Mix lightly with a fork as before, scraping the crystals loose. Repeat freezing and stirring with the fork 3 to 4 times until the granita is light, crystals are separate, and granita looks dry and fluffy.

Portion granita into small serving bowls to serve.