For a patriotic dessert that will help beat the heat, try making this red, white + blue fruit granita.
Place half of the red fruit into a mixing bowl and set the other half aside in a shallow 8x8 freezer-safe dish. Place half of the blue fruit into another mixing bowl and set the other half aside in another shallow 8x8 freezer-safe dish.
Divide the sugar, salt, lemon juice, and water between the mixing bowls and toss each separately to combine. Let the fruits marinate for about 30 minutes.
Once the fruits have marinated, pure them separately in a blender or food processor until smooth. Stir together the pured red fruit and reserved red fruit in the freezer-safe dish. Stir together the pured blue fruit and reserved blue fruit in the other freezer-safe dish. Transfer both dishes to the freezer.
Stir the mixture every 30 minutes until it freezes into a slushy consistency, about 3 hours total.
To serve, break up the granita with a fork and layer into a serving dish or glass. Top with whipped cream, crème fraîche and/or a few splashes of your favorite liqueur as desired.
Always drink responsibly.