Minted Pomegranate Yogurt With Grapefruit Salad Food

WINTER CITRUS & POMEGRANATE FRUIT SALAD

Steps:

• Place the pomegranate on a surface that won't stain. Starting at the crown, cut a cross into the fruit about halfway down. Put a large bowl in the sink and, holding the pomegranate crown side down over the bowl, break it apart into quarters. Squeeze each quarter firmly over the bowl to release the seeds and juice, then bend each quarter back to release more seeds. (Don't worry about getting all the seeds out. What you really want is the juice, so squeeze the pomegranate again to release the juice from any remaining seeds still attached to the fruit.) Pick out any bits of the white membrane so all that remains in the bowl are seeds and juice.
• For the oranges and grapefruits, cut a slice off the top and bottom of each fruit so they sit flat on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, work your way around the fruits to remove all the skin and pith. Cupping the fruit in one hand and working over the bowl, carefully cut the segments out from between the membranes. (Be sure to cut only until you reach the middle of the fruit!) Firmly squeeze the remaining membranes over the bowl to release all the juices. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Be sure to serve this fruit salad in bowls, so the juice can be spooned up with the fruit.
• Note: Pomegranate juice will stain wooden cutting boards and some countertops. To be safe, you can cut pomegranates on disposable plastic shopping bags.

MINTED POMEGRANATE YOGURT WITH GRAPEFRUIT SALAD

Steps:

• Put the yogurt in a bowl and beat well. Fold in the pomegranate seeds and chopped mint. Sweeten with a little honey or sugar, if using, then chill until ready to serve.
• Peel the grapefruits, cutting off all the pith. Cut between membranes to remove segments, holding the fruit over a bowl to catch the juices.
• Mix the fruit segments with the reserved juices and orange flower water and add a little honey or sugar, if using. Stir gently then decorate with a few pomegranate seeds.
• Decorate the chilled yogurt with a scattering of pomegranate seeds and mint leaves, and serve with grapefruit salad.
• *Variation: You can use a mixture of oranges and blood oranges, intersperesed with thin segments of lemon. Lime segments work well with the grapefruit and mandarins or tangerines could be used too. As the idea is to create a refreshing, scented salad, juicy melons and kiwi fruit would also be ideal.

ROASTED CARROT SALAD WITH ARUGULA AND POMEGRANATE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 425 degrees. Toss carrots with salt, pepper and 2 tablespoons oil on a rimmed baking sheet, and bake until edges are caramelized and carrots are tender, 28 to 33 minutes. Remove from oven and immediately toss with cumin. Let cool for a few minutes while you make the dressing. Carrots should be slightly warm but not hot when tossed with the greens.
• In a large bowl, whisk together pomegranate molasses, lemon juice, garlic, mustard and large pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust lemon juice and seasonings if necessary. Whisk in remaining 1/4 cup oil until emulsified.
• Stir carrots into dressing, then gently toss with arugula, fennel and dill or mint. Serve immediately, drizzled with more olive oil and topped with pomegranate seeds, and yogurt and nuts or pita chips if using.

WINTER CITRUS SALAD WITH HONEY DRESSING

Steps:

• Peel citrus, removing as much pith as possible, and slice into wheels. Remove any pits, layer fruit on a serving dish, sprinkle with salt and garnish with chopped onion.
• Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, honey, lime juice and tarragon until well combined; taste, adjust seasoning as needed and drizzle over salad.