Although I might have expected National Apricot Day to arrive during the summer, when these fruits — which are among my very favorites — are in season, it's almost better to celebrate today, when their beautiful orange color can brighten the dreary gray of winter.

The flavor of apricots lends itself to everything from sweet pastries to savory tagines. And it shines in this recipe, which is ridiculously easy to make and can be served in either casual or sophisticated settings with equal ease.

The sugar and alcohol contents in this treat prevent the mixture from freezing solid. So what you find yourself with is essentially a grown-up slushie — fun and festive!

Apricot Prosecco Granita

1/2 cup Prosecco (or other sparkling white wine)
1/2 cup Solo apricot filling

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the wine and the apricot filling. Place into a shallow container, cover, and freeze overnight. When ready to serve, scrape it with a fork to form an ice; divide among decorative glasses and serve immediately.

Serves 2-4.

Mary Bilyeu writes for AnnArbor.com on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, telling about her adventures in the kitchen - making dinner, celebrating holidays, entering cooking contests, meeting new friends ... whatever strikes her fancy. She is also on a mission to find great deals for her Frugal Floozie Friday posts, seeking fabulous food at restaurants on the limited budget of only $5 per person. Feel free to email her with questions, comments, or suggestions: yentamary@gmail.com.

Go visit Mary's blog — Food Floozie — where she enthuses and effuses over all things food-related; and look for her monthly articles in the Washtenaw Jewish News. "Like" her on Facebook, or send a tweet on Twitter, too.

The phrase "You Should Only Be Happy" (written in Hebrew on the stone pictured in this post) comes from Deuteronomy 16:15 and is a wish for all her readers - when you come to visit here, may you always be happy.