Are you afraid of the pomegranate?

Uh huh, that’s what I thought…

I was too until I found out they are really not that intimidating once you learn how to open one without having seeds fly all over your kitchen or getting hit by red juice. Just in case; maybe wear a red shirt. I came across a good tutorial on this website on how to open a pomegranate. You can “juice” a pomegranate if you like for its fresh juice or buy it in a jar. *See below on how to juice a pomegranate. I came across cherry pomegranate juice and decided to use that. Happy Holidays…

*How to juice a pomegranate (by Rachel Ray)

Roll the pomegranate on the counter applying firm pressure for about 1 minute. Roll it around so all sides get contact. Have a small pot or deep vessel available; insert a sharp paring knife about 1 inch deep into the side of the fruit. Holding the fruit over the vessel squeeze firmly with both hands using the heels of your hands to extract the juice into the pot.

Sparkling Holiday Pom Pom

recipe: food network magazine

yield: one cocktail

2 Tbsp. Lillet Liquor

2 Tbsp. pomegranate Juice or cherry pomegranate Juice

1 Tbsp. fresh pomegranate seeds

Sparkling rosé wine

Directions: (If you like your glass with a sugared rim-pour a small amount of juice on a plate and another plate place a small amount of sugar.  Dip the glass into the juice then dip glass into sugar). Combine 2 tablespoons each Lillet and pomegranate juice and 1 tablespoon pomegranate seeds in a champagne flute or martini glass. Top with sparkling rose. Top with fresh mint leaf if desired.