Lime Basil Sorbet

Happy birthday to foodlove co-creator Megan! In celebration, here is a unique summer dessert that is easy to make and the perfect ending to a summer meal.  I went to a local ice cream shop the other day and tried their lime basil ice cream.  It was IN-credible, totally amaz!  I decided to re-create it at home and although the recipe I made was more like a sorbet than an ice cream, it was still really tasty.  You don't need an ice cream maker for this and it requires only a few ingredients.  If you wanted to be really fancy you could also serve this as a palate cleanser BEFORE dessert. Enjoy!

Servings: 8
Serving Size: About 1/4 cup
Points Plus: 2pp
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Freeze Time: 2 hours +
Level of Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients
1 1/3 cups water
1 1/3 cups sugar
5-6 limes, zested
1 1/3 cups lime juice
About 20 basil leaves

Directions
Place water and sugar in a saucepan, bring it to a boil. Add lime zest and simmer for about 4 minutes. Remove the mixture from the heat and allow it to cool for about 30 minutes. Cut basil into really small pieces, and then using a mortal and pistol (if you have one, if you don't use the back of a spoon) pound the basil so that the juices release. After the water and sugar mixture has cooled, add the lime juice and basil puree.  Stir this mixture and let sit so that it infuses, about 30 minutes. Pour the mixture through a fine sieve to remove all of the basil pieces, then pour it into a plastic Tupperware container with a lid.  Place it into the freezer and let it set for at least 2 hours.  While it is freezing, stir it every 30 minutes. Scoop into a pretty glass and serve with a basil leave and tiny spoon!

Tip
This recipe could easily be made with lemons instead of limes.

XOXO - Katie

Recipe adapted from here.