One reason I don't currently have advertising on my site, is that it affords me the opportunity to accept and review books, food products and/or kitchen items on my own terms. I find it impressive that companies are engaging in grassroots marketing---seeking bloggers to review their product(s). It is a new medium, a new venue to reach consumers, another means to communicate brands. I was formerly in marketing, and appreciate companies that realize the potential---and importance---of reaching people via the internet.

All of that to bring you to a product that recently landed on my doorstep: POMS pomegranate juice. Their website is www.pomwonderful.com.

I agreed to review pomegranate juice, knowing full well that my family---self included---are not huge fans of this flavor. We would sooner sip down POG or pulpless orange juice, or my kids latest fave Simple Lemonade. But that doesn't mean POMS is without merit. In fact, pomegranate juice is full of antioxidants, iron and potassium. It really is quite good for you, and the POMS Wonderful brand is pure juice.

Taking on a product review gives me new eyes too, like when you become pregnant and all of a sudden notice everyone who is pregnant. Or when you buy a new Eurovan and it seems like you spot them everywhere. Soon after I started dwelling on POM juice, I found 2 different vinaigrette recipes, both utilizing POMS juice. Perhaps a new twist on raspberry vinaigrette? I was tickled, too, to find in a new cookbook [Rovers], pomegranate juice was chalked up by Chef Thierry Rautureau as a favorite ingredient to play with.

All chefs have favorite ingredients... I like to think about that. What are yours? What are mine? Sometimes, I tell my kids, you will find 'new favorites' but only if you are willing to try new foods [in this case, ingredients]. Just in case your salad needs a new, healthy twist, consider these:

Pomegranate Vinaigrette Keeps well in fridge for 10 days; makes 2 cups

1/4 cup POMS 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 2 T honey 2 tsp minced shallot 1 tsp fresh thyme 1 1/2 cups olive oil

Combine all but oil, puree in food processor. Then slowly add oil to emulsify. Season to taste with coarse salt and coarse pepper.

From ROVERS---my latest bedtime read---offers another version of Pomegranate vinaigrette:

1/4 cup POM juice 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 3 T olive oil

Combine in small saucepan, simmer to reduce to 2 T. Remove, whisk in oil.

For more POM Wonderful recipes, visit their recipe section on their site: here.