Frozen Strawberry “Pink Lemonade”

This easy granita makes a light and refreshing dessert.

• 2-1/4 cups water
• 1 cup sugar 
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 pint strawberries, rinsed if necessary, puréed, and strained (to yield about 1/2 cup)
• Crisp cookies for garnish (optional)

In a saucepan, combine the water and sugar and cook over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat and add the lemon juice and strawberry purée. Pour the mixture into a shallow pan or dish and put it in the freezer. Stir with a fork every 30 to 40 minutes to create a flaky texture, until all the liquid is frozen. Serve the granita in chilled glasses and garnish with fresh strawberries and crisp cookies, if you like.