Sweet cherry granita

Ingredients

• •2 lb cherries, stemmed and pitted, or 3 bags (12 oz each) frozen cherries, thawed
• •1/2 cup sugar
• •1 tbsp lemon juice
• •3/4 cup almond-flavored liqueur, such as Disaronno (optional)
• •whipped cream or mascarpone cheese (optional), for serving

Steps

1. 1In a blender, puree cherries, sugar, and lemon juice until sugar is dissolved and mixture is smooth. Pour into an 8-inch square baking dish. Freeze 6 hours, scraping with fork every hour (mixture should be icy and fluffy).
2. 2To serve, pour 1 tablespoon liqueur into each of 12 small bowls or glasses. Top with 1/2 cup granita and a small dollop of whipped cream, if desired. Serve immediately.