Mango Lime Ice

All right, I can hear it now. 'This is inappropriate for winter!' Actually, it isn't. This simple little recipe acts as a palate cleanser, making it extremely appropriate to serve after particularly rich or strongly flavored meals. It can also be a nice little snack in lieu of fattening frozen dairy treats. It is extremely healthy since it is made with fresh, ripe mango and freshly squeezed lime juice. It is loaded with vitamins A and C and is just downright tasty, no matter which way you slice it. You can make this refined sugar-free (I hesitate to say "sugar free" because there's naturally occurring sugar here) by using any of your favorite artificial sweeteners - just make sure you follow the proper conversion amounts so it doesn't become overpoweringly sweet. I tend to use Truvia for non-baked goods, so I will make a note of the proper amount to use.

Mango Lime Ice

3 cups coarsely chopped peeled, ripe mango (about 4 mangoes)

1½ cups water

½ cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 6 limes)

1 cup sugar (or, 24 packets Truvia)

2 tsp. grated orange rind

Combine all the ingredients in a food processor or blender and process until smooth. You may need to process the ingredients in two batches.

Press the mango mixture through a fine sieve over a bowl, discarding the solids. Pour the mixture into an 8" square baking dish. Cover and freeze for 4 hours, or until firm. Scrape the mixture back into the food processor and process until slushy. Return to the pan and freeze for another three hours. Allow to soften slightly in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.

Scoop the mixture into small dishes and enjoy!

Serves 8 (serving size ½ cup)