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Ingredients
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Base Ingredients
Optional Ingredients
Method
Preparation
- 1
Juicing the Lemons
Roll the fresh lemons on the countertop to soften them. Cut them in half and juice them to yield about 1 cup of fresh lemon juice.
- 2
Making the Sugar Syrup
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar and 2 cups of water. Heat over medium heat while stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Mixing and Freezing
- 3
Combining Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice, the cooled sugar syrup, and lemon zest (if using). Mix well until fully combined.
- 4
Freezing the Mixture
Pour the mixture into a shallow dish or ice cream maker. If using an ice cream maker, churn according to the manufacturer's instructions. If using a shallow dish, place it in the freezer.
- 5
Scraping the Ice
If using a shallow dish, after about 1 hour, remove it from the freezer and use a fork to scrape the mixture to create a fluffy texture. Return it to the freezer. Repeat this process every 30 minutes until the Italian ice is fully frozen and fluffy.
Serving
- 6
Serving the Italian Ice
Once frozen and fluffy, scoop the lemon Italian ice into serving cups. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired. Serve immediately.
