Big Papa and I kicked off 2012 with a bit of bubbly, a special creation I concocted to welcome the New Year. I filled our glasses half-way with Cava, topped them off with a semi-sweet pomegranate wine from Armenia that I picked up this past summer at our favorite wine shop, and floated a few pomegranate seeds on top. Then we lifted our glasses, clinked them together, and toasted to happiness and good fortune in the coming year.

I love pomegranates with their ruby-red seeds that shine like jewels when the fruit is cut open. The name pomegranate derives from Middle French, pomme garnete, literally “seeded apple”; it is sometimes referred to as a Chinese apple. Many scholars also believe that the forbidden, yet irresistible fruit that Eve indulged in from the Garden of Eden was actually a pomegranate (and not an apple).

Pomegranates are also said to represent good luck because of their bright red color, which is thought to denote life and fertility. In many cultures, pomegranates are prominently featured during the winter holiday season and into the new year.  The fruit’s beneficial medicinal properties are often touted in health and cooking magazines. And the abundant seeds represent prosperity. Cheers to that!

Pomegranate Spritzer

 

Ingredients

• Bubbly (Cava, Prosecco or champagne)
• Pomegranate wine (or pomegranate juice like POM, in which case fill ¾ with bubbly)
• Pomegranate seeds

How to:

Fill a glass half-way with bubbly, top off with pomegranate wine (or juice). Float pomegranate seeds on top. Start sipping!

Come on-a my house my house, I’m gonna give you Christmas tree
Come on-a my house, my house, I’m gonna give you
Marriage ring and a pomegranate too ah

~Rosemary Clooney, Come on a my house

Want to launch your New Year with more deliciousness? Check out Wanderfood Wednesday!