Roasted Pineapple With Green Tea And Melon Granita Recipes

LEMON-BASIL GRANITA

Steps:

• Combine the sugar with 3 cups water in a medium saucepan. Warm the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from the heat, and cool to room temperature.
• Add the basil to the sugar syrup and muddle the leaves with the base of a wooden spoon. Let steep for 1 hour. Strain the mixture into a 9-by-13-inch glass baking dish (discard the basil). Stir in the lemon juice and vodka, if using. Freeze until the mixture begins to set, about 2 hours. Scrape with a fork to form small crystals in the ice every 30 minutes to an hour until the mixture is fully frozen, about 1 hour more.
• Serve the granita in chilled glasses, garnished with the small basil leaves.

MOROCCAN MINT TEA GRANITA

Steps:

• In a large pot bring all ingredients to a boil, except food coloring. Remove from heat and allow to steep for 10 minutes. Strain and add coloring. Freeze with a metal whisk in mixture. During freezing, whisk periodically to add iciness and a grainy texture to the granita

CARIBBEAN ROASTED PINEAPPLE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• On a plate, mix together the peppercorns, allspice, cinnamon and salt. Sprinkle the spice rub evenly over the pineapple or roll the pineapple in it so it is evenly coated.
• Heat a medium Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the oil and place the pineapple in the pan. Cook, rotating the pineapple regularly, until light brown all over, about 3 minutes. Cover the pan and transfer to the oven. Roast until tender to the core when pierced with the tip of a knife, about 45 minutes. Uncover and allow the pineapple to cool to room temperature in the pan.
• Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine the cream, sugar and rum. Using a handheld mixer, beat on high speed until soft peaks form, about 3 minutes.
• Slice the pineapple into 1-inch-thick rounds. Place 1 slice on each plate. Dollop with a spoonful of cream and a crumble of gingersnaps. Drizzle any remaining juice over the top.