Pomegranate Dessert Food

POMEGRANATE PAVLOVA

Steps:

• In a stand mixer bowl, combine the egg whites, granulated sugar and salt. Place over a saucepan of boiling water and whisk continuously until the mixture is opaque and ribbony and sugar is completely dissolved, about 10 minutes. (Feel some between your fingers; if it feels smooth without granules, you're good. You can also test readiness by the temperature. The mixture should be around 140 degrees F.)
• Attach the bowl to the stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and whip the egg white mixture until the bowl has cooled off and the whites are stiff glossy peaks, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the powdered sugar and cider vinegar and combine thoroughly.
• Preheat the oven to 210 degrees F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Plop the egg white mixture onto the center of the prepared baking sheet and spread into a 9-inch circle with a well-defined cavity for filling. Bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, then turn off the oven and allow to sit in there for another 2 hours. Remove the meringue from the oven and reserve at room temperature in a dry place.
• Place the meringue on a serving dish. Fill the cavity with the Curd, then top with the sliced apple, grapes, pomegranate seeds and candied nuts.
• Combine the orange juice, pomegranate juice, powdered sugar, eggs, egg yolks and salt in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-low heat and whisk continuously (not too vigorously, though, just gently) until mixture has thickened, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the stove and add the butter, a chunk at a time, whisking until it is fully melted and combined. Add food the coloring and stir it in.
• Transfer the curd to a dish or container, leaving behind any curdled bits that may have formed on the bottom of the saucepan. Cover the surface of the curd with plastic wrap and refrigerate until cold, about 1 hour.

SPICED PEARS AND POMEGRANATE

Steps:

• Place the sliced pears and pomegranate seeds into a bowl. Toss with lemon juice to coat. Combine the brown sugar, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a small cup or bowl, then mix into the fruit. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to blend the flavors. Serve in individual dishes, and garnish with a sprinkling of chopped almonds and a sprig of mint.