the seduction of pomegranates

The culinary and mythological virtues of pomegranates have been extolled in art and literature since the time of the Ancient Greeks. Clearly, this exotic fruit has withstood the test of time for a reason. Famed for its lively color and refreshing juice, pomegranates add
beauty and flavor to appetizers, entrees, desserts and beverages.There are many wonderful recipes using pomegranates that are worthy of a Seduction Meal. Try a few before deciding upon your favorite as there is surely one that will add sparkle and a boost of love to your romantic soiree.

Pomegranate Cocktails

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Featured are three cocktails using  PAMA liquor: The Blushing Lady, Pama Passion, and Champagne Dreams.

The Blushing Lady

1 oz. PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur
2 oz. Vodka
1 oz. Pink Grapefruit Juice
Lemon Wedge
Course sugar, for garnish

Rub a wedge of lemon around the rim of a martini glass and dip the glass into a plate of coarse sugar. Set it aside. Pour the remaining ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into the garnished martini glass.

Go to the bottom of this post for the other two recipes. 

Halibut Rolled with Pomegranate Stuffing
recipe from the Pomegranate Councilserves 4

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1 large or 2 pounds firm-fleshed, 1/2 inch thick halibut
1 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup olive oil or butter
1 onion, peeled and thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup pomegranate juice or 3 tablespoons pomegranate paste
1 tablespoon slivered candied orange peel
2 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/4 teaspoon ground saffron, dissolved in 2 tablespoons of hot water
2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds

Rinse
fish in cold water. Pat dry with paper towel and rub both sides with 1
teaspoon salt. Heat 1/4 cup oil in a large frying pan and brown onion
and garlic. Add all ingredients except the saffron water and lime juice
and cook for 3 minutes. Mix well and remove stuffing from heat.

Preheat
oven to 400 degrees. Lay fish out on the baking dish. Place a layer of
stuffing on one end of the fish about 1 inch long and gently roll from
the stuffing end and pin closed if necessary. Pour the saffron water,
the rest of the oil, and the lime juice over the fish. Place in the
oven and bake 10-15 minutes (until the fish flakes easily with a fork),
basting from time to time.

Arrange the fish on a serving
platter. Pour the sauce from the baking dish over the fish and garnish
with walnuts and pomegranate seeds.

Pomegranate and Papaya Salad with Ginger Dressing
recipe from the Pomegranate Councilserves 6

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Pomegranate seeds add lively color, flavor and crunch to this ginger-spiked salad.

1 medium pomegranate
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1 clove garlic, chopped finely
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger or a generous 1/4 teaspoon
powdered
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
2 heads endive, separated into leaves
3 quarts baby lettuce or other torn lettuce leaves
1 medium papaya, peeled, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 tablespoons thinly sliced green part of green onion

Separate seeds from skin and pulp of pomegranate (you should have about 3/4 cup seeds); reserve. To make dressing, mix lemon juice and next 6 ingredients; whisk in oil. Reserve. On a large serving platter, arrange endive leaves like spokes with tips pointing out. Toss papaya with 1 tablespoon dressing; reserve. Toss lettuce with remaining dressing; mound over endive leaves. Top with reserved papaya; sprinkle with pomegranate seeds, then with green onion.

For a main dish–try adding a mound of crab or lobster salad in the center.

PAMA Cocktails

CHAMPAGNE DREAMS
1 ounce Pama
1 ounce Cointreau
1 ounce Fresh orange juice
3 ounces Champagne or sparkling wine

Assemble the first three ingredients in a cocktail glass with ice. Slowly pour in the Champagne while stirring very gently to retain the bubbles and chill the mixture. Strain into a Champagne flute and garnish with an orange zest.

PAMA PASSION
1 1/2 oz. PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur
¾ oz. Peach Schnapps
Orange Juice and Lemon Lime Soda
Splash Grenadine
Garnish with a lime

Jenn, from Leftover Queen has a delicious recipe for Pistachio Pomegranate Chicken. Visit her blog to review this recipe (and great photo), and much more–there are some really tasty romantic meals on her blog!