Melon granita with mint

Ingredients:

• 0.5 cups of sugar
• 10 sprigs of mint + leaves for serving
• 3 cups chopped melon
• 1/4 cup lime juice (from 2-3 limes)

Preparation:

1. Combine the sugar and 3/4 cup water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and add the mint, mashing it with a wooden spoon to coat it in the syrup. Let cool completely, then remove the mint with a slotted spoon and discard.
2. Combine the mint syrup, melon, and lime juice in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into an 18x27cm or 20x20cm metal baking dish.
3. Freeze the melon and mint syrup mixture until ice crystals begin to form around the edges, about 45 minutes. Use a fork to scrape the crystals toward the center of the pan, breaking up any large chunks. Continue freezing, scraping every 30 minutes or so, until the granita is completely frozen, 3-4 hours. Divide among chilled bowls and garnish with mint leaves.