Sometimes I get a bit stuck on one food, I think whatever it is that I’m into is so great that I keep making it over and over again.

Sometimes these food passions are phases (like last summer when I made Vanilla Bean Cake 14 times!), sometimes they are just foods I’ll always love (like blueberries), and other times it’s foods that are in season and available for a little while (like persimmons).

Well, I’m in the seasonal obsession mode right now with Pomegranates.

I’ve been making this simple Pomegranate Coconut Parfait over and over again because I love it. I’ve also served it to guests several times, it makes for a very elegant desert. Everyone loves it! It even got the comment “This is a gourmet desert” from a friend who gravitates more to white sugar and white flour deserts.

It’s super easy to make – it just takes a bit of time to get the arils (seeds) – free from the pomegranate shell.

I take a pretty basic approach to getting the Arils out. I cut the pomegranate in quarters and then I gently pry the seeds out. It goes pretty quickly. My hands turn red and I make a bit of a mess, but I enjoy it. There are less messy and more exacting ways of getting the arils free. Many folks extract the arils under water. You can see how that’s done here.

Update:  Since posting this blog a couple of you have pointed me to the direction of banging the arils out. Here’s a how-to and here’s a product that will help you get those precious seeds free.

Besides being a delicacy, pomegranates are so good for you. They are:

• high in fiber
• high in antioxidants
• high in Vit. C & K

Pomegranate Coconut Parfait:

Ingredients:

• pomegranate – as many arils (pomegranate seeds) as you are willing to extract
• coconut milk – full fat from a can. My favorite is Native Forest coconut milk, because their cans are BPA free.
• maple syrup
• raspberries (optional) defrost frozen raspberries for an additional flourish on top.

Directions:

• Whip coconut milk so it’s frothy and without lumps. This is not a necessary step but it does make the parfait even more luscious.
• Top pomegranate with coconut milk.
• Drizzle a bit of maple syrup on top
• Add a spoonful of raspberries on top  (optional)

Enjoy!

P.S.

Be sure to join me for my free call on Monday Jan. 9th 2012.

“What to do & What to eat:

The busy mom solution to reclaim your body and end the war with food.”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

4 Responses

1. Robyn says:

   January 5, 2012 at 5:32 am

   Oh my gosh….this looks so delicious! I’ve always shied away from the pomegranate mess but you’ve inspired me! Going to make this this week! Thank you Nina!

   Reply
2. Brenda says:

   January 5, 2012 at 6:18 pm

   Love it!! Just made it and it tastes delicious, but couldn’t get the coconut milk to look as nice and frothy as yours, had to pour it rather than spoon it:) any tips?

   Reply
   • ninamanolson says:

     January 5, 2012 at 7:01 pm

     How frothy your coconut milk gets depends on 2 things. The brand you use and how much you whip it. I use an electric beater which also helps. Before I got into whipping the coconut milk, I would just stir and use it straight out of the can. That was also super tasty, but not as deluxe.

     Reply
3. Tiffany Youngren says:

   January 10, 2012 at 12:46 am

   Oh my gosh – this parfait looks amazing. I am CRAVING coconut/pomegranate now! Nice job!

   ~ Tiffany

   Transfer of Health
   Healthy Living and Recipes

   Reply