The Invitation:a dairy-free family party featuring pomegranates in made by hand decor and menu items
Click on pictures to enlarge for more detail and visit the Flickr set for outtakes.
The Decor:
fresh pomegranate holders for hand rolled beeswax candles
hand cut pomegranate paper place mats
Stevens family silver, set by Lillian
The Lesson: Lillian, age five, tells how to open a pomegranate
Lil showed her aunts how to open a pom too, with some interference from the big hound Devie. Watch those videos on our youtube channel.
The Meal: home-hunted squirrel rillette, pomegranate cranberry compote and danish goat cheese on homemade bread points
citrus marinated local tatsoi salad with pomegranate arils
pomegranate glazed Red’s pork shoulder over pan fried polenta squares
rustic Ohio apple pomegranate pie
The Drinks: harvest sunset (tequila, nectarine pomegranate juice, homemade grenadine)
pomegranate mulled wine
homemade pomegranate cordial
The Take Aways: Fresh California pomegranate season is October through January. Use the fresh arils during the winter to brighten up winter meals.
Choose pomegranates based on weight, as heavier poms have more juicy arils.
Pomegranate arils are packed with healthy benefits including polyphenol antioxidants, iron, and fiber.
Store pomegranates at room temperature for up to one month or in the refrigerator for up to two months. Because poms can be stored at room temperature, they are useful as a unique edible decorations on a table-scape.
Excess fresh pomegranate arils can be frozen or made into delicious pomegranate cider if you happen to have a cider press.
Hand made dishes featuring pomegranates are a seasonal treat best enjoyed with family and homespun beauty.
Disclosure: POM Wonderful provided pomegranates, juice, apron, and POM logo materials for myself and my guests. POM is awarding prizes to ten party hosts. All non-pomegranate ingredients were purchased by me and all recipes are my own.