Though I have yet to try a pomegranate, I have had the opportunity to sample POM Wonderful - 100% pomegranate juice - and it was is a pleasure indeed. In addition to the pure pomegranate juice, POM Wonderful has come out with several new product lines, the juice blends and POMx Tea also being dairy-free (we will have to bug them about not using a dairy-free dark chocolate in their new bars – don’t they know that milk reduces the antioxidant power!). But, I must confess, even after sampling the delicious new blends and teas, I am still most loyal to their original antioxidant powerhouse, 100% Pomegranate Juice. It has a natural, sweet-tart flavor that blends a berry-like fruity sweetness with a contrasting bite, not unlike cranberry juice.

I also like the versatility of the pure pomegranate juice. It can be used in various recipes from baked goodies (loved it in the best-ever Pomegranate Ginger Cupcakes) to refreshing smoothies (try my POM-Mango Smoothie; trust me, it is a taste sensation not to be missed). Yet, with the mercury frequently dipping below freezing, a warm pomegranate beverage does sound enticing, which is why I opted to feature the “Eskimo Kiss” recipe from POM Wonderful (recipe below). It is a delightful spiced pomegranate-apple cider ...

Speaking of recipes, POM Wonderful is having a recipe contest. The recipe must use pomegranates (I guess I better track some down), but from there, the floor is open. Since POM Wonderful seems to be sorely lacking in dairy-free recipes on their website, I highly recommend you each enter a recipe to show them just how delicious their pomegranates can be without any milk or cheese! 

Eskimo Kiss (Spiced Pomegranate-Apple Cider)

This recipe and photo is from POM Wonderful. It is perfect for serving to guests or family members with special diets, including vegan, gluten-free, and the food allergic.

Ingredients:

• 1 quart freshly squeezed pomegranate juice* or POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice
• 2 quarts of fresh apple cider
• 8 cinnamon sticks
• 6 star anise
• 12 cloves
• 12 allspice berries, cracked

Preparation:

1. Place all ingredients in a saucepan.
2. Heat to just under a boil for 20 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and cover.
4. Steep for two hours.
5. Strain and serve hot with a cinnamon stick garnish.

* This cocktail can be made with freshly squeezed juice from a POM Wonderful pomegranate or by using POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice. To juice the pomegranate, cut it in half (as you would a grapefruit) and juice using a citrus reamer or a juicer. Pour mixture through a cheesecloth-lined strainer or sieve. One large POM Wonderful pomegranate will produce about 1/2 cup of juice.