... don't get me started.

The puns are endless! I was selected to participate in an all-pomegranate event hosted by POM Wonderful (Thank you Poms!). So for over a week my brain has been swimming in red juice... no not blood. Pomegranate juice, seeds, jelly, sauces, molasses, syrup, cocktails, putting pomegranate seeds into pork-stuffing, topping baked brie... I never knew there were so many pomerific ideas to use pomegranate juice. Until I put my mind to it.

And if you know me. You know putting my mind to something means... I really put my mind to it. Like when your kids watch tv and you can't get their attention. You call their name, but they are in a trance. Or when you are watching a good movie or entrenched in a juicy novel. My current 'juice' is pomegranate. And now I see red:

Pomgria. Pom-tini's. Pomcello (oh yes I did: make limoncello minus lemons sub pomegranate seeds)... am finding it is divine with a splash of ginger syrup...

And of COURSE the jars came out. I made pomegranate molasses and pomegranate jelly (the low-sugar version). POMS sent me two crates of pomegranates, so I became a BIT of a pomfessional de-seeding this lovely red fruit (as did Anthony---my 15 year old son---who by the end was doing it blind-folded). Actually, I watched some de-seeding videos, red contrary instructions and sampled multiple techniques. I found this to be the easiest/most logical and effective:

Soon: you will see my full-on, pomegranate-inspired menu. From drinks to entrees, appetizers and desserts. What fun---what a pomtastic challenge---to pull a single ingredient into every aspect of a meal.

By the way. I think it is useful for you to know:

• select pomegranates by weight, not color. The heavier---the juicier.
• pomegranates last a month (1 month), and even longer if you shove them in your fridge (2 months).
• pomegranate seeds last 2 weeks in your fridge---and freeze brilliantly.
• Pom Wonderful sent me 2 boxes of pomegranates to participate in a pomegranate party... and a sexy apron with two well-placed pomegranates on it. Think about it.
• Pom Wonderful is the largest US grower of pomegranates; they are all the rage because they are pomtastic marketers AND pomegranates really ARE good for you.
• Pom season is October - January.
• The seeds are called Arils.
• Health benefits: antioxidants, iron, folate, fiber, potassium, vitamin K and C.