Flourish with Food: The Sweet Side

Last month, Flourish with Food introduced CNN’s Eat ⎸but better series, which focuses on the Mediterranean way of eating. This e-newsletter is a module in their free Life ⎸but better series. https://www.cnn.com/newsletters/life-but-better

A recent Eat ⎸but better feature, “dessert reinvented”, caught my eye. Sweets originating in the countries surrounding the Mediterranean include flan, tiramisu, baklava, and cannoli. Decadent and yummy splurges!

However, these sweets are saved for special occasions, which is consistent with the Mediterranean Diet Pyramid’s guidance “to eat sweets less often”. https://oldwayspt.org/traditional-diets/mediterranean-diet

Interestingly, everyday meals in the region are often finished off with fresh or dried fruit. Typical choices include figs, dates, citrus fruits, pomegranate arils, and grapes. While they can be served in their simplest form, something more interesting may be desired.

The “dessert reinvented” feature included a link to Pomegranate Poached Pears. https://chefabbiegellman.com/how-to-poach-pears. As a pear and pom juice lover, the recipe had to be tried. Result…delicious and easy. The pears held well in the refrigerator for several days. Warmed chopped pears were tasty in cooked oatmeal.

Recipe prep note: Substitutes were used for the 3 less-common ingredients: ¼ tsp ground cinnamon (cinnamon stick), ¼ tsp ground cloves (4 whole cloves) and 4 Tbsp maple syrup (⅓ c. maple sugar).

Be sure to enjoy the pomegranate juice, as it’s an antioxidant superhero. The spiced pom juice nicely flavored club soda for a fizzy beverage.

Ideas for elegant whole or dried fruit:

• Dried fruit dipped in chocolate 
• Fresh berries drizzled with chocolate balsamic
• Goat cheese or ricotta stuffed figs and dates
• Fresh grilled pineapple