Have You Ever Counted the Seeds in a Pomegranate?

Well, it felt great to take some time off and enjoy the last part of summer with my family but it is good to be home. One of the places we experienced in August was Israel. And, yes, I say experience rather than visit, vacation and or traveled to because that is exactly what it was - an experience. I cannot wait to go back. The energy, the passion, the mixing of cultures. The Middle East is a place onto it's own. 



We visited Moshav Amirim, located in the North and this is where I saw a pomegranate tree for the first time. I have seen them in the markets many times, but never in their natural environment! Love it.

In keeping with many of my prior blogs, I bring to you something for your taste buds (among other potential benefits). See below. 

Market in Tel Aviv - wish I could find pomegranate seeds in cup here!

Pomegranates are traditionally eaten on the second night of Rosh Hashanah, the holiday celebrating The Jewish New Year. There are several reasons cited for this  - click here for more info. I like that they have 613 seeds inside and that relates to the number of good deeds one has done in the past year or as a reminder of all the good deeds we are capable of in the coming year. In honor of the Jewish New Year and the Fall Season, below are some seasonal drinks.


Enjoy, Shanah Tovah to those who celebrate the Jewish New Year and Happy Fall to all!

By the way, I recently saw a postcard on Esty that used smashed pomegranate seeds as a dye on paper. (Just a thought for the kids while you experiment below.)

Pomegranate Martini - a version of Oprah's favorite


1 1/2 cups pomegranate juice
2 ounces Absolute Citron or plain vodka
1 ounce Cointreau liquor
Cup of ice
Garnish with a slice of lime (or apple for The New Year)

Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass and add garnish. 

New Year's Honey Appletini - adapted from Caleb Lentchner, executive chef at Marsha Brown's in New Hope, PA

2 parts Absolute Vodka

1 part apple schnapps or for a more sour taste, try sour apple pucker

Splash of lime juice

Honey and apple slices for garnish

Optional, pomegranate seeds for garnish

Drizzle inside of chilled martini glass with honey. Mix and shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass and add garnish - pop in a few seeds for fun.