Pomegranate Splash!

I don’t know about you, but the change to Daylight Saving Time has to be one of the hardest things to get your body adjusted to!  I am seriously not myself for a good week or more while my biorhythms get into the new order of things, and my poor little boy is experiencing the same difficulty.  So what to do when you need to get everyone off to work and school but you’re over tired and moving slowly?  Sitting down for breakfast is nearly impossible unless you can get away with going to work in your pj’s (in my dreams!).  Since I was awake last night, when I should have been in bed (my body still thinks it’s an hour earlier of course), I decided that planning ahead for the next morning was in order… based on what I had on hand in the fridge, freezer and pantry, a smoothie looked to be my best course of action.

Nothing beats the fresh taste of a smoothie and there isn’t any better way to pack  a  full load of nutrition in a quick and easy breakfast than with yogurt, berries and a little pomegranate  — And bonus,  it can move around with you while you get ready!  Try this one on for size, you won’t be disappointed!

Sherea

Pomegranate Berry Smoothie

1 C  Low Fat or Fat Free  Vanilla (or Plain) Yogurt

1 C  fresh or frozen berries of choice (I like the mixed frozen berries for a full flavenoid and antioxidant boost)

1 banana (optional – it makes the smoothie a little thicker which may or may not suit your taste)

1 tbs     pomegranate reduction sauce***

1.     Place all ingredients in a blender and blend together until smooth.

2.     Serve in a tall glass with a straw!  How’s that for easy!!

Servings: 2

Cooking Tips

*** Stir in  1Tbs of Flax Seed oil (cold pressed) after blending for the added benefits of healthy Omega-3’s!
***This and similar items can be found at www.clubsauce.com.  Consider using blueberry merlot, black currant cabernet, tart cherry syrah, or pomegranate port as additional compliments to this dish. (The alcohol has been cooked out during the reduction process)

It was one of those perfect, lazy winter Sunday mornings when being cuddled up at home was the ultimate and creativity could flow unbridled! An old friend, who has had a year filled with challenge, was coming for breakfast and I wanted to make it very special.  When that is the case the first thing that pops into my head is my favorite creativity-inducing ingredient, Pomegranate Splash! Reduction Sauce

So…..I made THE MOST FABULOUS ……..

French Toast with Pears and Pomegranate Sauce

Prep Time: 30 Minutes

4 Servings

5 large eggs
1 C. whole milk
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/4 tsp. ground cardamom, divided
4 3/4 inch-thick slices of egg bread
4 tablespoons butter, divided
2 firm but ripe pears, cored and cut into 1/3 inch slices
3/4 C. Splash Shiro Plum Sake Reduction Sauce

Whisk eggs, milk, vanilla and 1/2 tsp. cardamom to blend in 15×10x2 inch glass baking dish.Add bread slices and let stand until egg mixture is absorbed, turning bread slices occasionally with spatula.

Meanwhile, melt 1 tablespoon butter in large skillet over med-high heat. Add pears; saute until beginning to soften. Transfer pears to plate. Add 2 tbsp. butter to skillet and melt. Add pomegranate sauce and remaining 3/4 tsp. of cardamom. Simmer about 2 mins. and remove from heat.

Melt remaining 1 tbsp. butter in skillet over med. heat. Add bread slices and cook until golden brown, about 3 mins. on each side. Cut French Toast slices diagonally, arrange on plates, top with pear slices and sauce and serve.

YUM!!!
Carol F.