One person's granita is another's snow cone

When I told my sons we were having granita for dessert, they quickly excused themselves from the table, claiming they were full.

When I told them the following night that they could have a snow cone for dessert, they stayed put.

Even though there was no day-glow orange syrup pooling in the dessert bowl, they related to the term "snow cone." If we wanted, we could make snow cones at home every day thanks to the recent reissue of a popular toy.

That's right, after a decade off the shelves, the Original Snoopy Sno-Cone Machine is back (look for it at major retailers for $9.99 to $14.99).

It looks and works just as you remember. You drop ice cubes into the chute at the peak of Snoopy's house, then use the Snoopy-topped plunger to push down the ice while cranking the shaver. Out come ice shavings ready to be packed into a cone and drenched in flavored syrup.

The problem is, you can run out of that sugary syrup quickly. I say skip the syrup altogether. Simply freeze your favorite juice or juice blend -- perhaps a 100 percent cherry juice or your favorite low-sugar lemonade -- in ice cube trays and send those down the chute. If the kids want the carnival colors, add a drop or two of McCormick Neon food dye to the liquid before freezing.

Basil instincts: It's a no-brainer to clip the basil growing in your garden (or your neighbor's garden, as the case may be) and toss it into pasta or roll it into meatballs.

But this savory herb can add a peppery contrast to sweet dishes as well.

Try this recipe, passed along by Associated Press food editor J.M. Hirsch: In a large bowl, combine 1 green apple (cored and cut into small chunks), 2 cups sliced strawberries, 1 cup blueberries and 2 large peaches (pitted and diced). In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons cider vinegar with ˜ teaspoon salt. Drizzle the vinegar mixture over the fruit and gently toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle ˜ cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, cut into slivers, over the fruit and gently mix in. Let stand 15 minutes to allow flavors to blend. Serves four to six.

As with any fruit salad, use what fruit you have on hand.

King's candy: To commemorate the 30th anniversary of Elvis Presley's (alleged) death, Reese's is shaking things up with a limited-edition line of Reese's Peanut Butter & Banana Creme Cups.

The King's love of peanut butter and banana sandwiches is legendary, but I doubt this candy will reach that status.

I predict sales will be brisk as fans try to collect the four different images of Elvis (young Elvis, Vegas Elvis) -- not for the taste of the candy, which didn't go over well with a tasting panel.

Still, you might want to rip open a package for the chance to win a trip for four to Graceland in Memphis, Tenn., a scarf owned by Elvis, or the grand prize: an overhauled, redesigned custom Reese's Elvis Tribute Car decked out with a television, satellite radio, MP3 compatibility, GPS and a mini-refrigerator stocked with -- what else -- Reese's Elvis Cups.

Give food, get food: You can make your trip to the Illinois State Fair not so draining on your wallet by donating a box, bag or can of nonperishable food at the 4-H booth at the fairgrounds in Springfield.

Donors will receive discount coupons redeemable for favorite state fair foods. Items can be dropped off at the 4-H tent located north of Ethnic Village; 4-H youth will in turn take the food items to local food pantries.

The fair continues through Aug. 19. Get fair details at wwww.agr.state.il.us/isf.