White Christmas - Food Extravaganza!

This year I have decided that regardless of what the weather man says, I am going to have a white christmas.  Christmas is one of my favourite holiday's and I love the time spent with family and friends and of course, all the amazing food!

Whether you are having an intimate dinner for two, an open house or holiday buffet, incorperating a white theme can add a festive and elegant feel to your celebrations.  This theme also works well for a new years party.  Here are a few ideas to get you started!

Flatbread 2 ways
Pears, goats cheese and pecans.
Yukon Gold potatoes, white asparagus, thyme and pecarino!

White Crudite Platter
Endive, fennel, white asparagus, cauliflower, mushrooms, daikon
and a herbed buttermilk dip!

Gingerbread Cake dusted with powdered sugar, white meringues,
yogurt covered star pretzels, boozy bites!

Thai Winter Rolls with Rice Noodles, jicama,
cucumber and cilantro.

Scallop Ceviche with hearts of palm, cucumber, lime and parsley,
lime juice and olive oil.

Everyone loves popcorn!  Who can resist this rosemary and parmesan bowl!

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