10 Ways to Cook with Pomegranates This Holiday Season

Pomegranates are at their peak during the holidays, so we’€™re adding them to our holiday menus and daily meals whenever possible. With a naturally long shelf life (they can be stored on the counter for a month, or in the fridge for two), incorporate them into your holiday décor by placing bowls of this season’€™s most popular fruit on your table, sideboard or kitchen countertops.
To release the seeds from the pith, follow our simple guide to opening a pomegranate. Wondering about the health benefits of this seasonal superfood? Here’€™s just a few to consider:

• Pomegranates are packed full of powerful antioxidants thought to offer heart-health and anti-cancer benefits.
• Studies suggest drinking pomegranate juice may slow the progression of prostate cancer.
• Excellent source of fibre, B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin K and potassium.

Here are some serving suggestions for including this fruit in ways the whole family can enjoy:

1. Mix 1 oz. pomegranate juice with milk for a sweet seasonal sip for the kids.
2. Combine equal parts pomegranate juice, gin, and sparkling water for a seasonal cocktail you’€™ll feel good about drinking.
3. Cocktail fans can make their own grenadine by combining 2 cups of pomegranate juice and 1 cup of cane sugar and simmering until reduced by half.
4. Sprinkle pomegranate arils (seeds) over salads and most desserts (stay tuned for a holiday dessert recipe I can’€™t get enough of).
5. Add to grain salads like quinoa and couscous along with crushed pistachios and the zest and juice of an orange or clementine.
6. Make a punch with 1 cup pomegranate juice, 1 cup pear nectar, ¼ cup orange liqueur, and 1 bottle champagne or sparkling wine. Serve with lots of ice, and garnish with sliced pears and pomegranate arils. To make kid friendly, replace the orange liqueur with orange juice and the champagne with ginger ale.
7. Combine 1 cup pomegranate juice, 1 Tbsp honey or maple syrup and ¼ tsp garlic powder and use as a glaze for roast chicken and/or pork.
8. Make a healthy holiday chocolate bark by spreading a thin layer of melted dark chocolate on a sheet of parchment paper, and top with pomegranate arils, shaved coconut, chopped pistachios and sea salt.
9. For breakfast, sprinkle pomegranate arils over bowls of oatmeal and blend into smoothies.
10. Use pomegranate juice in vinaigrettes for salad.