Posted by MaryEllen29 8/21/02 12:43:53 pm

Serves 8.

2 oranges, zested and juiced, see Note
1/2 cup Nutella
3 cups water
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 whole vanilla bean, split and scraped

Note: To zest the oranges, after washing them thoroughly, scrape the rind of the orange against a fine cheese grater or citrus zester, being careful not to remove the bitter white pith that surrounds the orange. (Grated citrus rind contains the aromatic oils that give flavor to food.)

To juice the oranges, cut them in half and, using a juicer (also called a reamer), or a spoon inserted in the center of each piece, squeeze the oranges over a bowl with a strainer to catch any seeds.

Pour all the ingredients into a 2-quart saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring constantly. Boil for 1 minute and then remove from heat.

Strain the mixture into a 13 x 9-inch casserole dish and place it in the freezer for 2 hours, scraping every 30 minutes with a fork. (At first the mixture will be liquid and seem as if you're only stirring it, but as it freezes, it will begin to get icy and you'll eventually be able to scrape it.) Continue until the mixture is completely frozen and crystallized.

Transfer the mixture to a food processor and pulse it a few times to create a smoother Italian ice. Freeze until ready to serve.