Almond Granita

1 quart almond milk, recipe follows
2 ounces almond paste
2 ounces sugar
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

In a blender, combine all ingredients and process to a puree. Strain into a stainless steel pan and freeze.

To serve: scrape ice with fork and spoon and place about 4 ounces in a serving glass. Serve immediately.

Yield: 8 servings

Almond Milk

2 quarts milk
1 pound almond meal
1 pound blanched whole almonds
2 ounces almond essence
1/2 cup sugar

In a stockpot, bring milk to a slow boil. Stir in almond meal and whole almonds. Simmer for 30 minutes. Turn off heat, cover pan, and allow to infuse for 20 minutes.

Uncover, and using an immersion blender, process to puree whole almonds. Strain through a fine strainer lined with a dampened cheesecloth. Stir in flavoring and sugar. Chill over bowl of ice.

Yield: 2 quarts