10 ways to cook with pomegranate

Source: Web exclusive, December 2010

When buying pomegranates, choose ones that are deep-red coloured and are heavy for their size; this usually indicates that they’ll be sweet-flavoured, juicy ones.

The best way to separate pomegranate seeds is to slice off the top of a pomegranate and then cut it in half. Pry pieces apart, separating white pulp from seeds, over a bowl. Add seeds and any attached pulp to bowl. Add water. The pulp will float to the top; remove and discard. Strain the water leaving the seeds behind. Separated pomegranate seeds will keep well for at least three days, in a sealed container. Or freeze in an airtight container for up to one month.

Winter Pomegranate Salad

Create a seasonal salad by tossing fresh greens, such as baby spinach and/or arugula with sliced Bosc pears, toasted walnuts, crumbled blue cheese and pomegranate seeds in a lemon vinaigrette.

Holiday Pomegranate Cider

Heat apple cider with pomegranate juice and a cinnamon stick. Remove cinnamon stick. Serve in heatproof glass mugs and add a sprinkling of pomegranate seeds.

Pomegranate Roasted Vegetables

Spice up roasted root vegetables by tossing them with maple syrup and fresh pomegranate seeds.

Chicken with Pomegranate Salsa

Put together a pretty main course by topping seasoned sautéed or roasted chicken with a pomegranate salsa. While preparing chicken, stir finely chopped red pepper and bite-sized orange segments with pomegranate seeds. Serve salsa over chicken.

Wilted Greens with Pomegranate

You can make this impressive side dish in five minutes, flat. Simply sauté kale or spinach in a little oil and add pinches of ground cumin. Cook until wilted. Squeeze fresh orange juice overtop and sprinkle with fresh pomegranate seeds.

Pommery and Pomegranate Pork

Create a stress-free, showstopper main course by spreading a mixture of pomegranate molasses and grainy Dijon over lean pork tenderloin. Roast and then slice. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and fresh mint.

Layered Lemon Cream and Pomegranate Dessert

Whip up a delicious and lower-calorie dessert with almost no effort. Strain low-fat yogurt in cheesecloth until thick, about three hours. Spoon thickened yogurt into wine glasses. Top with a dollop of lemon curd and a sprinkling of pomegranate seeds.

Pomegranate Fruit Salad

A fresh fruit salad makes a pretty’and tasty’addition to any brunch menu. Be sure to use a mix of the season’s best produce, including clementines, grapefruit, Blood oranges, apples and pears. Slice fruit into bite-sized pieces. Toss with a little lemon juice and honey and finish by sprinkling with plenty of fresh pomegranate seeds.

Pomegranate Meringue Clouds

Make a stunning and lower-fat dessert by drizzling meringue nests with melted dark chocolate, then sprinkle with pomegranate seeds. Serve immediately.

Pomegranate Cosmo

Add a dose of antioxidants to your next cocktail by adding a few pomegranate seeds. Simply pour 1 oz (28 mL) vodka and 1/2 oz (14 mL) Triple Sec over ice in a glass. Top with pure cranberry juice and a squeeze of lime juice. Garnish with with pomegranate seeds and a slice of lime.

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