Ina Garten’s Pomegranate Gimlet

Here’s another treat that would be perfect for Valentine’s Day! ❤

This cocktail is composed of many of my favorites. I love a classic gimlet. 🙂 This pomegranate version would also be festive for the holidays or just tasty any other time of the year.

This recipe was adapted from Today.com. I modified the proportions to make individual cocktails. The volumes for 6 gimlets are also noted below.

Yield: one cocktail

• 2 oz (4 T) gin
• 1 1/2 oz (2 1/2 T) pomegranate juice (I used Trader Joe’s)
• 1 1/2 oz (2 1/2 T) freshly squeezed lime juice (from 1 lime)
• 2/3 oz (1 1/2 T) agave nectar or simple syrup
• lime slice and pomegranate seeds, for garnish

For a Crowd:

Yield: six cocktails

• 1 1/2 cups gin
• 1 cup pomegranate juice
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (6 to 8 limes)
• 1/2 cup simple syrup
• 6 lime slices and pomegranate seeds, for garnish

1. At least one hour before serving, place martini glass(es) in the freezer.
2. Combine the gin, pomegranate juice, lime juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice (for 1 cocktail) or large pitcher (for 6 drinks).
3. If making multiple drinks, fill a cocktail shaker half full with ice and add the drink mixture until the shaker is three quarters full.
4. Shake for a full 15 seconds.
5. Pour the mixture into the frozen martini glasses and garnish with a teaspoon of pomegranate seeds, or more to taste, and a slice of lime.

Note: To make your own simple syrup, combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a small pot and heat just until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is clear. Refrigerate until cold.

Fresh Strawberry Gelato

I am always a little apprehensive to make strawberry ice cream. In the past, I’ve tried various strategies to keep the berries from becoming icy and hard in the finished product. Pureeing the berries in this gelato was the perfect solution. My beautiful freshly picked berries may have helped too. 🙂

This recipe was adapted from Katrina and Carmelo Turillo, owners of La Divina Gelateria in New Orleans, via Bon Appetit. I didn’t strain the puree, chilled the base overnight in the refrigerator, and churned the gelato for 25 minutes in my ice cream maker. I may add some vanilla extract next time. It was excellent!

Yield: Makes about 4 cups

• 3/4 cup sugar (preferably organic)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 1/4 cups sliced hulled strawberries
• 2 tablespoons pomegranate juice
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, optional

1. Prepare a large bowl of ice water.
2. Stir sugar and cornstarch in heavy medium saucepan. Whisk in milk and cream.
3. Whisk over medium heat until gelato base thickens and begins to bubble, about 5 minutes. Pour into bowl.
4. Immerse bowl in prepared ice water to cool, stirring occasionally.
5. Puree strawberries in processor. Stir into gelato base.
6. Mix in pomegranate juice and vanilla, if using.
7. Chill 3 hours or overnight.
8. Process in ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s instructions, about 25 to 30 minutes.
9. Transfer to container. Cover surface directly with plastic wrap and the container lid; freeze until firm, at least 3 hours and up to 2 days.

One Year Ago:

• Milk Bar Sugar Cookie-Cake Squares

Two Years Ago:

• Strawberry Cornmeal Griddle Cakes
• Lemony Butter Cookies

Three Years Ago:

• Oven-Baked Blueberry Pancake
• Mini “M&M” Cookies

Four Years Ago:

• Whole-Wheat Raspberry Ricotta Scones
• Pretzel-Shortbread Bars

Roasted Vegetables with Pomegranate Vinaigrette

Several years ago, I served this side dish for Thanksgiving. I loved the pop of color from the pomegranate seeds! The seeds also add a contrasting texture and freshness.

This recipe calls for a Romanesco cauliflower which I was unfamiliar with. Ironically, I received my first Romanesco cauliflower in my CSA box the day before Thanksgiving. It was so beautiful I used it as a centerpiece on our table instead of roasting it! 🙂 I substituted my CSA broccoli.

This recipe was adapted from Martha Stewart Living. I roasted the vegetables after taking the turkey out of the oven. Fabulous.

Yield: Serves 12

For the Roasted Vegetables:

• 1 large head regular cauliflower (about 2 pounds), cut into small florets
• 1 pound baby Romanesco cauliflower, or regular, cut into small florets (I used broccoli instead)
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch wedges
• 1 pound brussels sprouts, halved if large
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

For the Vinaigrette:

• 1/2 cup pomegranate juice
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1 cup pomegranate seeds

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees, preferably on convection.
2. Place vegetables on parchment paper-lined rimmed baking sheets, grouped by cooking times. (I used 3 baking sheets.)
3. Drizzle vegetables with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss.
4. Spread vegetables evenly on the baking sheets, and roast until golden, mixing halfway through, about 25 to 30 minutes. (I check the broccoli and cauliflower after 15 minutes.)
5. Meanwhile, make the vinaigrette. Put pomegranate juice to a bowl or measuring cup. Pour in oil in a slow, steady stream, whisking until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Just before serving, drizzle vinaigrette over warm vegetables, and toss with pomegranate seeds.

Romanesco Cauliflower

One Year Ago:

• Swiss Chard and Leek Gratin & Roasted Brussel Sprouts