1. Cut a 1/2-inch slice off both ends of each prickly pear. Make a 1/2-inch deep incision down one side of the fruit, end to end. Carefully peel off the rind starting from the incision. Chop.

2. Place the chopped prickly pear fruit into a blender or food processor.

3. Add 1 cup of water, 1 cup of sugar, and the 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice.

4. Blend for several minutes or until the sugar has completely dissolved.

5. Strain the blended mixture through a medium-mesh sieve to remove any seeds and excess pulp.

6. Taste for sweetness and add more sugar if necessary.

7. Chill the strained mixture thoroughly in the refrigerator.

8. Once chilled, pour the mixture into the canister of an ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer's instructions.

9. If the mixture is too soft after churning, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for an additional couple of hours to achieve a firmer texture.

10. If you don't have an ice cream maker, pour the chilled mixture into a shallow dish and place it directly in the freezer. Stir the mixture every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals until it reaches the desired consistency.

11. Serve the Prickly Pear Ice in bowls or glasses.