Easy & Festive Pomegranate

As a child, I remember carefully, almost artistically, picking out pomegranate seeds one by one, and savouring the tangy sweetness each little jewel offered up.  Now, as a mother, nothing scares me more than letting my boys loose on half a pomegranate.  While there are many "tricks" to getting the seeds out, I have found a pomegranate gadget that I love.  I am not a fan of kitchen gadgets based on the fact that single purpose gadgets just  aren't worth the space they take up in my kitchen; but, the Pomegranate ART is a quick and useful gadget for removing the seeds.  One that my son Stowe loves to use! You can find them in most grocery stores in the produce sections.  I  bought mine at Loblaws for 7.99.

Pomegranate ART $7.99 at Loblaws

Quick Facts:

• Pomegranates are among the world's oldest cultivated fruits.
• In a season where foods are heavy and over indulgent, their crimson jewel-like arils (seeds), which are rich in anti-oxidants, can be an outstanding and festive addition to many side dishes or eaten alone as a snack.
• The anti-oxidant levels in pomegranates far exceed those of both red wine and green tea.
• Pomegranates are a good source of soluble and insoluble fibre.

Recipe

 Chunky Pomegranate and Avocado Salsa

2 Avocados, peeled and cubed
1 cup pomegranate arils
2 green onions, thinly sliced
2 Tbsp. coarsely chopped cilantro
1 jalapeno pepper, minced
1 Tbsp lime juice
2 Tbsp grapeseed oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp salt


Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and serve with tortilla chips or crackers.
Also great as a topping for grilled/baked fish or chicken.

Top your favourite Hummus with pomegranates and green onions!

Other fun ways to use pomegranates!

Once you have a bowl full of these juicy morsels you will want to eat them by the spoonful.  However they can also add a wow factor to dishes that need a little pick me up!

• Top your favourite hummus with plenty of pomegranate seeds and green onions!
• Top baked brie with pomegranate and nuts.
• Stir into a warm or cold grain side dish (rice, quinoa, freekeh, bulger)
• Mix a spoonful into your favourite Greek Yogurt.
• Use to garnish hearty curries or stews.

Greek Yogurt with Pomegranates Walnuts and Honey