WE LOVE POMEGRANATES!

Relatively obscure 15 years ago, pomegranates have found a permanent place in the hearts and kitchens of chefs and novices alike.  What’s not to love?  With their sexy shape, brilliant color, sweet, tart juice and crunchy seeds they have won us over with their multitude of culinary and design applications.  Today, the pomegranate is a symbol for abundance, fertility and good luck.

With pomegranate season hitting its stride (September – March) our chefs at 12 Street Catering delight in putting these ‘beauteous berries’ to work in recipes that enhance 12 Street’s  fall & winter menus.

Below we are sharing a few of these ideas and recipes with you!

The fresh fleshy seeds of pomegranates compliment any green salad by adding a wonderful sweet/tart flavor and pleasant crunch. Try them in pasta salads and whole grain salads too!

Pomegranate seeds add color, texture, and surprising flavor elements to fish, grilled vegetables and hors devours.  Sprinkle pomegranate seeds on top of hummus and guacamole dips before serving for that ‘extra surprise element’ or add to mousses, crème brulee, ice Cream, pudding & fruit desserts.

Our featured dessert this month: White Chocolate-Pomegranate Parfait!

Cocktails: The options here are endless.  Turn your margaritas, martinis, mojitos, and daiquiris into ruby jewels with a splash of pomegranate juice.  Add fresh pomegranate juice to your favorite apple cider or lemonade recipe for that special winter twist.

Décor: Dress up your holiday table with pomegranates. Use whole and cut pomegranates in arrangements, table settings and as garnish on food displays.

 Chef Jon’s Pomegranate Vinaigrette

1 Tbs. Dijon Mustard

4 Tbs. (1/4 Cup) MONIN Pomegranate Syrup

2 Tbs. Red Wine Vinegar

1 tsp. Kosher Salt

¼ tsp. Freshly Ground Black Pepper

1/3 Cup Grape Seed Oil or Canola Oil

In a small bowl whisk together first 5 ingredients until salt has dissolved.

Slowly add the 1/3 Cup of oil while whisking.

 *Makes ½ pint – (enough to dress 6-8 servings of tossed salad).  This dressing is also great on grilled fish or drizzled on grilled vegetables!