Granita di Caffe con Panna (Italian Coffee Granita)

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 1 cup strong espresso coffee
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup whipped cream, or to taste

Steps

1. Bring water and sugar to a boil in a small saucepan; simmer until a candy thermometer reads 250 degrees F (120 degrees C), about 5 minutes.
2. Remove saucepan from heat; add coffee and vanilla. Pour into a metal bowl and mix well. Cool granita mixture to room temperature, about 10 minutes. Freeze for 1 hour.
3. Stir the granita vigorously to break up ice crystals. Repeat freezing and breaking up process 4 to 5 more times, 2 to 2 1/2 hours total.
4. Drop spoonfuls of whipped cream into 4 short glasses. Divide granita mixture evenly among the glasses. Top with remaining whipped cream.