Discovering Pomegranates: Piquant Perfection

Pomegranates, originated in the arid regions of the Mediterranean, grow on shrubby trees. This fruit with its red leathery rind is full of ruby-colored seeds. The edible seeds are both tangy and sweet.

On a recent visit to southern California, I spent a day at the Getty Villa in Malibu. The Getty Villa, modeled after a Roman country house, shows off the lifestyle of this time. Love for symmetry, nature and beauty is evident in the gardens, the architectural details and the sculpture.

Walking through the herb garden, we first noticed the symmetrical plantings of lavender, thyme, mint and rosemary. Olive trees lined the length of the courtyard. A single bright red pomegranate hung from a leafy tree.

Later, back in Seattle, I bought a couple of pomegranates at the grocery store. I cut the fruit open, and looked at the glistening jewel-like seeds. I tasted one and loved the tangy taste and the slightly crunchy flavor.

One pomegranate gave me about 2 cups of seeds. I decided to make some pomegranate syrup. The pomegranate seeds went into my blender and after about 1 minute on high, they had turned into bright red juice. I strained the juice through cheesecloth to remove any grit remaining from the seeds. I added the juice to a small sauce pan stirred in 1/4 cup of sugar and brought the mixture to a boil for about 5 minutes. After letting the syrup cool, I put it in a jar and stored it in the refrigerator.

To celebrate pomegranates, I decided to create a Champagne Cocktail flavored with pomegranate syrup. Piquant and perfect, this festive drink is dedicated to the Romans and their beautiful country homes.