Frozen coffee crystals topped with whipped cream is Sicily's coolest caffeine fix. This beloved mediterranean treat is a family summer tradition.
Brew 2 cups of strong espresso and pour into a shallow metal baking pan while still hot.
Add 0.5 cup of sugar to the hot coffee and stir until completely dissolved. Mix in 0.5 tsp vanilla extract.
Let the coffee mixture cool to room temperature, then place the pan in the freezer uncovered for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, scrape frozen edges toward the center using a fork; repeat scraping every 30 minutes for 3 hours until icy crystals have formed throughout.
Whip 0.5 cup heavy cream to soft peaks just before serving. Spoon granita crystals into chilled glasses and top generously with whipped cream.