Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Pomegranate Molasses

 I love taking short breaks because you can't do everything, all the time.  This has always been my way no matter how much I love something.  Time to refresh.  Sometimes other stuff just needs to get done.  Dust bunnies aren't as cute as they sound.

Cooking and photographing the food can be a challenge sometimes because aspects of the process does not work out - such as . . .
  • the food doesn't look right or I screw something up like forget a main ingredient (who does that!), 
  • dark gloomy clouds pop up out of nowhere in the middle of a photo shoot and change the lighting to dismal grey and dungeon dark,   (note pic above)
  • cats that are completely energized by the cooler weather are shooting and flying across the room playing under and over the props without a care for what I might be trying to achieve, 
  • or the pressure is on because there is a hungry mouth repeating "are you finished yet? can I have some? please I have to leave soon!  I'm hungry." 
Short breaks just do me wonders.  I have recently been staying with my mom-in-law to help her out a bit which is a full time job when I am there.  I have two kids in college so instead of that busy hectic beginning of school time that I used to experience after Labor day, I am busy writing checks that are way bigger than expected.   Thanks to the economy, the great state of PA decided to decrease state funding just in time for my kid, I mean come on! 

The weather has turned and it has finally cooled down and the oppressive humidity has left.  Instead we are enjoying the cool winds of change and pulling out those comforters for cozy nights and coccoon sleeping.  Winter is inevitably on its way so I need to go buy some cozy socks.  That always makes me happy.  I won't turn on the heaters until frost bite starts to set in.   Open windows and fresh air are hard to give up.

What better way to start the Fall season than with making pomegranate molasses.  There are so many ways to use it and it is the perfect ingredient to have stashed in the frig.  I use it for many recipes such as salad dressings and glazes for roasting meats, poultry and vegetables.  This is an ingredient that I have a hard time finding in my area and when I do, it can be expensive.  I could probably seek it out at Indian markets or mail order but it is sooo easy to make and I can use organic, 100% pomegranate juice and it keeps in the refrigerator for up to 6 months, however it never last 6 months at my house.

Pomegranate Molasses
makes about 1 to 1 1/2 cups

1 bottle of 100% pomegranate juice (approx. 4 cups)
Juice of 1 lemon
1/2 cup sugar

Place pomegranate juice in a sauce pot (large surface area speeds up the reduction) and simmer at a good steady, gentle boil.  It will take up to 40 minutes or so before it is reduced down to 1 1/2 to 1 cup or thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.  It should be a syrup consistency.  Remember when it cools it will become thicker.  When it cools, if it is too thick, then rewarm it and add a tablespoon of water until you are happy with the consistency.

 This is what he bubble look like when it is starting to become syrupy.  There are 
bubbles across the surface.  It starts out boiling like water.

It is pouring pretty slow and thick.  Mine is probably a little thicker than it should be.


11 comments:

  1. This is so useful!!! I've been looking for it too!!

    I'm off to the shop!

    Thanks for sharing. Irma x

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  2. OMG, I was expecting a long process but this is really easy. Thanks for sharing this one.

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  3. I have seen this on store shelves but didn't know it could be made at home. It sounds delcious and like it would be realatively simple. Will have to try it out :)!

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  4. I've never seen pomegranate molasses sold anywhere here, and it's amazing how simple it is to make! I'm looking at your suggestions for its usage, and realize I'm missing out on some fantastic recipes....making this soon!

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  5. I sooo know the feeling of the people hovering over the food wondering if they can eat it before it's cold! Such a challenge for us food bloggers...haha. The molasses looks fabulous! Mmm

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  6. Wow - I've never thought of making my own molasses - great idea!

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  7. Taking a break is always great to refresh the soul, sorry about the checks Iknow by the time my kids are off to college the prices are going ot be outrageous. I love the molasses, thanks for sharing!

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  8. Glad you guys liked the pomegranate molasses. I have been looking around when I shop to see if I can find some. Not one bottle yet. I am interested in what they have at middle eastern markets - I don't know how soon that will happen!

    Can't wait to share some recipes with it.

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  9. Thanks for sharing this recipe, I'm very interested in making my own pomegranate molasses, didn't realize what was involved!

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  10. making this! i have three poms in the fruit bowl at home :)

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