Great Chicago Italian Recipes

Many things say summertime in Chicago and Italian ice and gelato are just two of them.  One of the greatest things about summer is going over to Mario's on Taylor Street and enjoying the many flavored Italian ice they have to offer.  People line up down the block just for a cup of this Italian delicacy.

And let's not forget the rich and creamy taste of gelato. One of the best places for gelato in Chicago is Cafe Gelato at 2934 West Division, nearly everything in the shop was brought over from Italy.  The flavors range from pistachio to tiramisu.

But if you can't make the trip to either one of these places the next best thing is to make your own.  Except for waiting for the ice and gelato to freeze, it really doesn't take that much time or effort to make these delicious Italian desserts right in your own kitchen.

Italian ice is a little easier to make at home than the gelato.   Just get the kids involved if you need an extra hand.   Either dessert can be made in a variety of different flavors but the best and traditional flavor for Italian ice is lemon.  The sweet lemony flavor thats not to tart and not to sweet can be made right at home for the whole family to enjoy.  No more standing in those long lines in the hot summer sun.

Italian ice is called granita in Italy and is eaten in abundance in the summertime.  By using large ripe juicy lemons for this recipe you'll be able make the best Italian lemon granita in your neighborhood.  Maybe you can even set up your own stand.

Enjoy! 

 
INGREDIENTS

The juice of 8 lemons

3 cups of water

3 cups of sugar

2 Tbls of lemon zest

PREPARATION 

Place the lemon zest in a saucepan with the sugar and water and bring to a simmer.

Let the mixture cool down.

Juice the lemons in a separate bowl and remove the seeds.

Pour the juice into the sugar water and stir.

Place the mixture in a shallow baking dish and place in the freezer.

After around 20 minutes scrape the ice with a fork or a spoon.

Repeat every 15 minutes until the granita gets thick and slushy.

Serve with a fresh slice of lemon