I spent several summers in my almost 20’s frequenting Java Jack’s in South Minneapolis. It was a late-night, chain-smoking, Soundgarden-cranking coffee hangout, an odd choice for an early-morning, non-smoking, Sarah McLachlan-loving woman. But my sister and I drove there every single night after we closed down the shopping mall coffee shop we worked at, and spent our evenings out on the patio slurping down granitas with the regulars. They weren’t real granitas, of course, just some sugary coffee spinning around all day in a worn-out slushy machine, but I drank more of them then I could ever count, and enjoyed every single drop.
So when I got a copy of Tasting Rome in the mail (Katie Parla and Kristina Gill’s beautiful new book that focuses on both traditional and contemporary recipes from their lives in Rome) and flipped open to find a recipe for a real granita, I got to work right away making it. Strong, cold coffee, a bit of sugar, and whipped cream piled to the sky is a bit more sophisticated than the concoction I drank on those hot summer nights years ago. Both have their place, but I’m looking forward to warm afternoons on the back porch, not a whiff of cigarette smoke, and Ella Fitzgerald scatting quietly while I sip my icy drink.
‘While crafting this book, we sought inspiration in peripheral, graffiti-clad neighborhoods, patrician districts, archeological parks, neighborhood bakeries, artisanal gelato shops, dimly lit cocktail bars, chaotic markets, and innovative restaurants. The result of our explorations is this collection of recipes that embraces Roman flavors and goes beyond the tight focus on tradition to acknowledge that the city’s cuisine has evolved and that strict tradition, while predominant, certainly isn’t the only reality.’ – From Tasting Rome
GIVEAWAY: Clarkson Potter is giving away a 3 copies of Tasting Rome. Each winner will also receive a set of three 8×10 prints from the book, an 18×24-inch hand drawn map of the center of Rome by Lena Corwin and a set of exclusive recipes which aren’t in the book. To enter, please leave a comment below, with your name and email address. (If you want to tell me what music you’re loving lately that would be lovely! But not necessary.) Giveaway open worldwide, and entries will close on Sunday, April 10. The winners will be chosen at random.
Granita di Caffe
From Tasting Rome, by Katie Parla and Kristina Gill
For the granita
2 cups freshly brewed coffee, warm
5 tablespoons sugar
For the whipped cream
3/4 cup heavy cream
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon Pernod (Frangelico tastes good here, too)
Make the granita: Combine the coffee and sugar in a medium bowl and allow to cool, about 20 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a rimmed baking sheet and place in the freezer for 30 minutes, until crystals begin to form. Scrape the crystals with a fork to break them up. Repeat this process every 15 minutes until the whole baking sheet has become fluffy ice, six to eight times.
Meanwhile, make the whipped cream: In a medium bowl, whip the cream until it starts to thicken. Add the sugar and Pernod, and continue to whip until soft peaks form.
Serve the granita in a juice or parfait glass, layering it with the whipped cream.
Disclosure: Clarkson Potter sent me this book to review, but (as always) all opinions are my own.
133 Comments
Jane
Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at 8:11 pmCoffee granita may be my favorite summer refresher ever. Now I seriously need to try it with whipped cream.
I’ve been relistening to the Smiths and Morrissey lately and enjoying them all over again.
Rebecca
Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at 7:43 pmCold and caffeinated gravitas are a godsend in Rome in the summer! The perfect treat to cut the heat and humidity. This recipe looks lovely – I can’t wait to try it!
Erika
Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at 6:42 pmWould love to try this coffee granita and other recipes from the book!
Veronica E
Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at 6:34 pmI’m listening to the classical solo piano radio station on Pandora… I don’t think there’s many songs on here but it was nice for a bit
Martha Anter
Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at 5:49 pmI’d love to win the book!
Sofiane Fraihat
Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at 5:36 pmCurrently listening to Adele 🙂
[email protected]
Kaitlin
Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at 12:41 pmI’ve been listening to more jazz lately. I hated it when I was younger but I’m learning to appreciate it more as an adult. This coffee granita looks so lovely and refreshing for summer!
Traci keel
Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at 12:07 pmAAAAH! Dying for this cookbook. I’m listening to Chris Stapleton- we live in Nashville, so he’s everywhere right now. I also love Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors. 🙂
Katia
Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at 12:07 pmI’m listening Moe ve Otesi, Pink and Depeche Mode. Also like Bebe.
Jacky
Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at 12:03 pmI’m loving Susanne Sundfør lately!
Rebecca
Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at 10:21 amThis book looks aMAZing! As far as music goes, I’ve been listening to a lot of light classical (Mozart wins for spring music!) and Broadway– mostly Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Ayunda
Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at 9:50 amGonna be traveling to Italy for the first time this year and granita sounds excellent!
Elise | Les Filles de Madeleine
Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at 8:44 amOooh, I can totally imagine myself sitting on the back porch with a coffee granita, flipping through this beautiful book. Oh, and I’d probably be listening to the new Charles Bradley album. Or the live sessions from Villagers. They have nothing to do with Rome, but they’re equally awesome.
Liz
Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at 7:54 amcurrently listening to bhangra/pop mashups! super fun 🙂 I’m a big fan of any involving ToveLo or Usher 🙂 And granita is the best! especially with panna on top…yummmm!
Nina
Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at 7:43 amTrevor Hall has been matching my Minnesota- almost, but not quite- Spring mood recently.
Geraldine
Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at 6:58 amCoffee, every way! Jenny Lewis, every day!
Janelle | Sucrose & Spice
Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at 6:01 amYUM granitas are so delicious! I’ve loved Billy Joel for forever, but I was recently reminded that his Turnstiles album is just incredible.
Heather Taylor
Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at 5:57 amLooks yummy! I am in the unfortunate season of listening mainly to Cartoon radio on Pandora. Although, they do sometimes play some pretty fun songs like Witch Doctor and Fresh Prince of Bel Aire 🙂
Lindsay
Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at 4:00 amThis looks amazing!!! And love the story! your writing is beautiful!
Rachel
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 11:53 pmI’ve been listening to Lana Del Rey’s ‘Honeymoon’ more than I would probably care to admit.
These granitas look just wonderful. I think I know what I’m doing this weekend!
Susan
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 11:41 pmWe have followed many of Katie’s recommendations for Rome. All have been excellent.
Jen
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 10:30 pmSummer in Italy right here in Minnesota sounds divine. The National is always a hit in the kitchen for me. May the person(s) chosen enjoy the book for all of us!
Gina
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 10:08 pmI am obsessed with ZZ Ward!
Nancy Nicholls
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 9:29 pmThis coffee granita speaks to me! I’m going to buy some beautiful stemware and serve them at my dinner party next week! I can taste the whipped cream, sweet sugar and icy coffee already!
Shelagh
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 6:51 pmCoffee coffee coffee! Love it! Would love to have this book too!
Speranza
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 5:50 pmThe soundtrack from the movie ‘High Fidelity’ is one of my all-time favorites and is very coffee friendly! As an aside I think this blog is exceptional and since entries are drawn randomly, I am not even sucking up here 🙂
Cheers regardless from Canada!
Camille
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 5:45 pmHi, thanks for the recipe and giveaway! I haven’t been listening to anything new lately but this post just made me want to check out what’s been happening so thanks! Have a great day 🙂
Kari
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 5:11 pmMorning granita takes me back to Sicily. This looks wonderful!
Kari
http://www.sweetteasweetie.com
Alex
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 4:11 pmI use your recipes regularly!
[email protected]
Angela
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 2:51 pmI love anything with coffee, that looks so delicious and refreshing!
Jenny
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 2:48 pmThe book looks so lovely and that drink sounds amazing.
I’ve been listening to lots of folksy bands lately like Mumford and Sons, The Head and the Heart and The Luminers. And then I found some awesome ones on a spotify playlist called ‘folk pop’. 🙂 My name is Jenny and e-mail is [email protected]
Leslie Woodside
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 2:47 pmI’m looking forward to trying one of these . I’ve also enjoyed reading all the music selections . I can always count on Tim Neufeld and The Glory Boys when I’m in the kitchen !
Laura
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 2:41 pmThis looks lovely! Hopefully I win this book. Would be the first cookbook I have ever owned!
MaryKay Lawrence
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 1:10 pmI can’t wait to make this coffee drink. It spells a summer afternoon out on our deck enjoying the day!
Julia@HappyFoods
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 1:00 pmOh my! I don’t drink coffee on regular basis but when I do I like to add some “extras” in it! Never tried this but it looks amazing! Love everything Italian!
Danielle
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 12:36 pmFeeling a bit old here — I haven’t heard of hardly any of the musicians/bands mentioned in the comments and I can’t even remember the last album I listed to! But back in the day I would have loved a coffee shop that blasted Soundgarden. 😉
This granita sounds and looks amazing.
jan
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 12:14 pmLapsley …Love.
Mari
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 12:06 pmHindi Zahra on the repeat these days, “The Man I Love”, mostly… 🙂 great blog you have, great recipes and photos! Whishing you so much more great stuff! 🙂
Anne Stephenson
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 12:03 pmRome sounds lovely as it’s on my bucket list. Since I’m all over music wise, I love Radio Paradise.
Kimberly R
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 11:53 amI have never had a granita before, but I do love coffee.
p.s. I have been listening to a lot of Coldplay and Calvin Harris most recently.
Brooke Janssens
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 11:47 amThis drink is as beautiful as it is delicious! I’d love to have a glass while dancing to “Drinkee” by Sofi Tukker. I’d give that cookbook a whole lotta love and use, believe me.
Rosie Dunningham
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 11:45 amWonderful giveaway, it looks like a beautiful book and prizes. The winner will be very lucky indeed 🙂 Lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of Chvrches and Birdy 🙂 Rosie x
Sara P.
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 11:41 amI loved Katie’s suggested places to eat when I was in Rome last year. The book looks lovely.
Ashley Robinson
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 11:37 amI am totally addicted to coffee and I might have to find a way to squeeze this granita in on my pregnancy caffeine limit 🙂 As for music, I’ve been feeling a little lost in the mornings since Oake left Cities 97 in the Twin Cities so the Burnt Toast podcast has been on heavy rotation.
Maneesha Pradhan
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 10:43 amI’ve been going old school. Beatles, Humperdinck, Elvis.
MH Rudolph
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 10:29 amSpring = artichokes in Rome!
Kelli Abrahamian
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 10:15 amThe book looks lovely. I would love to have a copy. We’ve been listening to JD McPherson. Heard him on the Current streamed from Minneapolis and now here him in person here in LA any chance we get.
Ellie | Hungry by Nature
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 9:55 amWell this just looks incredible! I just discovered Låpsley and am way into her.
Andreia V
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 9:31 amSuch a lovely and genius granita!
I will give it a try as hotter and summery days and nights are upon us.
I highly recommend you Aurea (Portuguese soul singer). Strong voice and lyrics that touches your heart (hope you enjoy it as much i do) 🙂
Ashley Carpenter
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 9:26 amI have had Thao and the Getdown Staydown on repeat.
Linda Mueller
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 9:22 amI love the nostalgia in your musings, want a granita soon, and have been listening to Melody Gardot more than usual, but this morning, a friend is coming to help me clean, and we will mop and dust to Marcia Ball, high-up happy NewOrleans jazz!
Wen
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 9:17 amThe Granita di Caffe makes me want to reach into my screen and grab it out for a sip! Looks really awesome. I’ve been listening to jazz and bossa nova music recently–perfect background music when I work 🙂
Sara @ Cake Over Steak
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 9:15 amOh dannnggg what an amazing giveaway! I spent 10 days in Italy in college, most of them in Rome, and it is my favorite place in the whole world. I’m kicking myself for not spending more of my precious college money there on food, instead of museum fees (although that was a great choice, too).
Pavlina the food lover
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 9:11 amAs much as I enjoy my coffee black and pure, this recipe is shouting summer and sunshine and can’t wait to try it! (it would be even better drunk while going through the amazing cookbook 🙂
Brian @ A Thought For Food
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 9:08 amBoston’s a coffee drinking town… but even more, it’s an ice coffee drinking town. So, I think I could totally get on board with an afternoon coffee granita.
As I type, I’m grooving to Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats. I can’t get enough of their album. It’s been playing on a loop for the last week.
Georgiana Brady
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 8:57 amI love the Beatles! Coffee, Coffee, Coffee how I love it too.
Marcia
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 8:53 amI listen to Pandora at work as background music (my taste goes from classic rock > 70’s stuff> you know, oldies!)
Ah, Rome…sometimes I’ll listen to Andrea Bocelli and pretend I am there.
Britney Nucci
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 8:44 amBring on summer! This looks lovely….can’t wait to give it a whirl. Husband and I rocking out yesterday to live recording of Manu Chao…..so good. Used to listen to him backpacking around Europe.
Avery
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 8:31 amI had exactly this on a sweltering day in Rome this past summer, and it was unbelievably good – I’ll have to try this at home!
Marlene
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 8:17 amI just subscribed an got this email this morning. Great way to start the day. I own a cafe and it always looking for inspiration and new items to offer our patrons. And…a long time ago I was in Italy for a few months and spent time in Rome and fell in love with the city. All good things.
Jen
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 8:09 amGreat recipe! Looking forward to trying it. I often listen to Horse Feathers while in the kitchen.
Allie S
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 7:59 amLeon Bridges!!
Linda L.
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 7:58 amI’ll have to try this – it certainly beats the coffee shop version which I know contains things I can’t pronounce and that my grandmother had never heard of! I love recipes that are just ingredients that are in my kitchen. I’ll make it as is the first time but then will probably lower the sugar a bit – 8 tablespoons seems a lot. Thanks!
Kelsey Raymond
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 7:44 amI found out about Foy Vance (not Vance Joy) on Spotify last week and I’m loving his music. It’s great music to work to!
Jan
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 7:40 amlooks really interesting, thank you!
NatalieJ
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 7:40 amI’m loving some old school jazz ella fitzgerald and 70s funk at the moment.
Totally chill and mellow.
Sarah
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 7:28 amYum! I’m not the biggest coffee fan, but that looks amazing! All that whipped cream… 😉
I’m loving Ellie Holcomb right now. Her songs are so encouraging and uplifting to me.
Carol
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 7:27 amYum! I love anything coffee. My favorite is affogato.
Janet T
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 7:01 amI have to make this while music from Frankie Cosmo is playing in the background.
Susan S.
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 6:44 amEarly jazz recordings are playing here. And a new recipe for an old favorite from my favorite city is most welcome. Thanks for the giveaway chance. Grazie.
Caitlin
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 6:36 amMmm coffee and whipped cream, what’s not to like?
Janice
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 6:34 amThe coffee granita looks delicious!
Nancy
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 6:29 amLove Cage the Elephant, Spoon and Neko Case-granita looks awesome!
Jane Garnett
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 6:13 amI’ve been listening to Cuban-Canadian singer songwriter Alex Cuba lately. Latin music that just makes you want to move 🙂
Love granita but have never made it myself. I’ll have to give it a try.
Thanks for the giveaway.
Becca | Spices and Spatulas
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 6:08 amThis looks INCREDIBLE! It makes me wish spring would hurry up and actually arrive over here in New Jersey. As for music, I’m listening to any warm-weather playlists on spotify, hoping the weather catches up with my mood…
cori
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 5:48 amOh my gosh I would love some of this recipe right now. Looks wonderful!
Stephanie
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 5:46 amI finally started listening to the Black Keys, but I have a lot of Beatles tunes going, always. I have never had coffee granite and I must fix that! I would be great for company in the summer. Thanks!
Stephanie
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 5:48 am*granita! Damn autocorrect. (I’d probably have coffee granite too though, because, well, coffee. 🙂 )
Li Jiayan
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 5:42 amListening to Justin Bieber Love Yourself (:
Lexi
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 5:05 amThis looks like a great way to have granita. Perfect for long summer evenings!
Debbie G
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 5:05 amBook looks lovely. I am a country music & late 60’s early 70’s (best music ever) girl.
Ven V
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 2:58 amBeen listening to Anderson.Paak. And Hootie and the blowfish.
Sj Dc
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 2:20 amI’ve been listening to folk rock on a loop lately..Been loving The Lumineers
Uschi E
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 1:50 amI’m not able to stop listening to David Bowies ‘Major Tom’. Thanks for sharing this wonderful post. Kind regards from Germany. Uschi
Laura
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 1:34 amI might listen to Paolo Conte or Paolo Nutini. or probably some zen music, as it just calms my nerves, which is my I cook anyway!
Lisa D.
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 12:36 amI can’t wait to try this recipe…looks amazing! I’ve been enjoying WomanChild by Cecile McLorin Salvant.
Rebecca Horrigan
Monday, April 4, 2016 at 12:03 amI’ve been enjoying The Beach Boys!
Liz S.
Sunday, April 3, 2016 at 11:45 pmMusic I’m loving lately? Oldies (specifically, Frank Sinatra. Classic).
Natalie
Sunday, April 3, 2016 at 10:41 pmNew explosions in the sky album!
Neil
Sunday, April 3, 2016 at 10:28 pmThis recipe makes me long for my past summer holidays in Rome. Definitely going to make this a lot!
Am
Sunday, April 3, 2016 at 9:45 pmAll the recipes I’ve seen from this cookbook so far sound amazing! I’m sure it’ll be a new classic.
I’ve been listening to The Last Shadow Puppets’ new album. Everything Alex Turner writes is just genius. (I’m a big Arctic Monkeys fan as well.)
Emily Love
Sunday, April 3, 2016 at 9:26 pmlately I’ve been listening to old French jazz playlists on Spotify, especially while cooking or cleaning!
Teresa
Sunday, April 3, 2016 at 8:44 pmBeen listening to the soundtrack from Hamilton recently; fabulous!
Katherine
Sunday, April 3, 2016 at 8:38 pmI’m living in South Minneapolis now, but I haven’t found Java Jack’s! Looking forward to trying this granita recipe soon with the Warner weather…
Linn
Sunday, April 3, 2016 at 8:33 pmAbsolutely love Sia’s new album!!
valentina | sweet kabocha
Sunday, April 3, 2016 at 8:21 pmThis coffee granita reminds me my summer in Sicily!
Holly
Sunday, April 3, 2016 at 8:11 pmI’ve never had a granita, but it looks awesome! The over-sweetened starbucks stuff doesn’t do much for me, so I’ve pretty much stuck with plain black coffee, but clearly I need to try my hand at making some concoctions myself (or just go to Rome. I like that idea too).
Barbara Langlois
Sunday, April 3, 2016 at 7:40 pmI love everything coffee. Ice cream, lattes, affigato, you name it. Would love to try this recipe. And a map of Rome! Awesome! Love your blog!
Katrina
Sunday, April 3, 2016 at 6:44 pmCoffee granita is the dang best. This looks awesome!!
Cristina
Sunday, April 3, 2016 at 6:43 pmI’ve been listening to AURORA – Running With The Wolves, light me up – femme, and Låpsley – Love Is Blind. I’ve also been making my way steadily through NPR’s Austin 100. Good listening!
heather (delicious not gorgeous)
Sunday, April 3, 2016 at 6:35 pmi’ve been listening to kina grannis and nataly dawn’s mashup of “no” and a bunch of other songs non-stop since it came out last week. trying to sprinkle in some other songs, but i keep going back to the mashup.