Cranberry Ice Aperitif

Directions

1. Sort cranberries, discarding any bruised or possibly decayed fruit; rinse and drain berries. In a 1- to 2-qt pan over high heat, bring cranberries and 1/2 c. water to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, till skins pop on berries, about 10 min. Add in sugar and stir till dissolved. Remove from heat.
2. Stir in 1/2 c. cool water, lemon peel, and lemon juice. In a blender, whirl half the mix at a time till smooth. Pour puree into a 9- by 5-inch loaf pan. Freeze till solid, at least 3 hrs, or possibly up to 1 week (cover when solid).
3. Cut cranberry ice into 1-inch cubes. With a wide spatula, lift cubes out of pan and drop three into each Champagne flute or possibly wineglass. Pour 1/4 to 1/3 c. wine over cubes. Garnish each glass with a mint sprig and serve immediately.
4. This recipe yields 9 to 12 servings.
5. Comments: For this festive aperitif, we use cranberry ice from Gerri Gilliland, owner of Lula in Los Angeles. Rather than using it in a drink, you can serve the ice plain as a palate refresher or possibly as a light dessert.