Pomegranates

So the whole "Sexy Food" conversation we've all been having (see the October post) started with a statement that pomegranates are a sexy food. And I, of course, would agree. But these guys also bring me straight back to my childhood.

I remember eating these whacky fruits when I was a kid, juice dripping down my arm, staining my shirt and giving my lips a strange, purple hue.

I loved the way the seeds were clumped together. I loved the way they almost pop in your mouth when you bite them. I even loved the strange game of dodging the crazy, bitter white parts.

I haven't bought them in years. Mainly because they usually require coughing up about half a months rent to purchase one. Imagine my delight, when perusing the produce isle at Safeway the other day, I saw them not only on sale, but buy-one-get-one-free! Even though the "one" that I had to buy to get my free one was still overpriced, I couldn't pass that up!

I looked up some recipes to see what exciting thing I could do with them, and did find a couple. However once I cut into the first one and began to pluck the ruby seeds out & into a bowl, I couldn't help myself from grabbing a spoon and eating the whole thing like it was a bowl of cereal.

So I declared that the other one would be reserved for adding to a simple green salad, like they do at my favorite sandwich place on occasion. I ended up with another bowl of seeds that this time I dutifully put into the fridge to reserve for said salad. But each time I opened the fridge, I grabbed a handful, until what is left is a sad little pile left in the bottom of a bowl, awaiting their mingling with leafy greens.

We'll see if the salad happens, but even if it doesn't, I am content to have been brought back to one of my many childhood food memories. AND, if you happen upon a sexy pomegranate and need an idea for what to do with it, toss it in a simple salad with a balsamic dressing and enjoy the crunch, the color and maybe even a blast from the past!