Almond Granita

Preparation

1. Step 1

   In a saucepan combine 4 cups of water, the almond paste and milk. As it heats, use the back of a spoon or a potato masher to crush and dissolve the paste. When the mixture begins to steam -- before it boils -- take it off the heat. Let cool slightly, then carefully whiz with an immersion blender until the paste is fully incorporated. Pour into a cheesecloth-lined sieve set over a bowl. Let drain completely, without pressing the solids.

2. Step 2

   When cool, add a pinch of cinnamon. Pour into a shallow baking pan, and freeze. Check after about 30 minutes; when it begins to get icy, use the back of a large spoon to press down on the mixture and break it into pieces. Repeat several times over the next 2 hours, until the granita is fully frozen but broken into shards. To serve, place 1½ tablespoons crushed amaretti cookies in the bottom of a glass, followed by a serving of granita, and top with 2 more tablespoons crushed cookies.