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POM-gria

Posted on June 13, 2009 by kitchenbelle

The very generous folks from POM Wonderful sent me several bottles of POM Wonderful 100% pomegranate juice. They also sent a very informative fact sheet containing some interesting information about pomegranate juice and the health benefits of drinking it. Here are a couple of points that I found particularly interesting:

“Wonderful” is actually a variety of pomegranates known for its “unique combination of superior antioxidants, delicious taste, and deep crimson color.” I found this interesting because I thought “POM Wonderful” was just the name of the company! I had no idea it referred to a type of pomegranate.
Pomegranate juice is often referred to as “the most potent antioxidant in nature” and is linked to improved cardiovascular and prostate health.

POM Wonderful is 100% juice and does not contain any added sugar. Each 8 ounce bottle contains 150 calories. I have been sipping on these adorable little bottles of juice for a few weeks now (in fact I think I can credit them with nursing me back to health during a nasty flu virus).

Boston weather this week was much less than desirable, but suddenly, on Friday afternoon the sun came out! I immediately determined it was SANGRIA time. What better way to kick off a beautiful weekend than with a batch of fresh sangria!? I had a few bottles of POM Wonderful remaining and I knew they would make the perfect addition to my concoction!

POM-gria is not only delicious, but it is probably the most nutritious a cocktail could possibly be! The health benefits of red wine have been bludgeoned into our heads—right? Take that wine and add “the most potent antioxidant in nature” (POM Wonderful juice), raspberries (also touted for their high level of antioxidants), orange and peach slices (hello Vitamin C), and there you have a cocktail worthy of every sip.

POM-gria (Sangria):

1 12-ounce bottle of red wine
3 oranges, sliced with skin still on
2 peaches, sliced with skin still on
1-2 cups raspberries, frozen or fresh
the juice of two limes
2 8-ounce bottles of POM Wonderful 100% pomegranate juice
1/2 liter of Pomegranate flavored seltzer (Polar is great)

Put the orange slices, peach slices, and raspberries into a pitcher or container. Pour wine, lime juice, and POM Wonderful juice over all of the fruit. Let it sit for at least an hour. (Over night is best.) Just before serving add seltzer. Serve chilled.

Eating the wine-soaked fruit is the best part!

Filed under: beverage, orange, raspberry, Uncategorized, VEGETARIAN | 3 Comments »

Thai Lettuce Wraps

Posted on February 17, 2009 by kitchenbelle

This is a perfect “make Sunday and serve Monday and Tuesday” meal! The flavors deepen as the turkey marinates so a couple of days in the fridge actually boosts the flavor. The textures of the meat, vegetables, and nuts make these wraps satisfying to the palette. And they are fun to eat! I served them with a side of stir-fried vegetables. (They would also work well as a starter course.)

Thai Lettuce Wraps:

1 pound ground turkey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
2 tablespoons light soy sauce + 1 tablespoon
2 carrots, peeled and diced
6 scallions, finely chopped
4 limes, juiced
1.5 tablespoons Sriacha chili sauce (available in Asian markets or Asian ingredient aisle in grocery store)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
1 red pepper, finely diced
1 cucumber, peeled and finely diced
1 head Boston lettuce, leaves carefully removed, washed and spun dry in a salad spinner
1/4 cup roasted unsalted peanuts or almonds, coarsely chopped

Brown turkey. Season with salt and pepper. Place in a covered glass bowl and refrigerate until cool.

In another bowl, combine all ingredients (except pepper, cucumber, lettuce, and nuts). Add to turkey and mix. Cover and allow to marinate overnight, or at least 3-4 hours for best taste.

Remove from fridge and allow filling to come to room temperature. Stir turkey mixture and add one tablespoon of light soy sauce to moisten it up. Fill each piece of lettuce with filling. Top with dice bell pepper, cucumber, and chopped nuts. Roll up and enjoy!

Adapted from Biggest Loser Ed’s Thai Turkey Wrap Recipe.

Filed under: Appetizer, carrot, ground meat, Main Dish, turkey, Uncategorized | 2 Comments »