Pomegranate season is upon us, and this year I’ve been sprinkling their juice-encased seeds over melted chocolate and letting it set into a simple yet exquisite treat. But to get at the seeds, you first have to gain entry into these crimson fortresses, a task that may feel intimidating if you’ve never tried it. Listen: don’t pay a premium for a container of pomegranate seeds at the grocery store. Yes, deseeding a pomegranate is a little tedious, but consider it an exercise in mindful monotasking.
Once I’ve scored the peel just enough to break the pomme into quarters, I submerge the fruit in water and use my thumb to gently coax the seeds from their pithy cradles. I swear the seeds detach more readily in the water, and this approach also prevents juice from splattering all over your countertop.
Fun fact: the bulk of what we call a pomegranate seed is actually the juice sac, called an aril, that surrounds the seed. These tart, scarlet jewels burst between your teeth, leaving a tiny seed to chew on. What thrills! Throw them in your morning yogurt, sprinkle them over salads or ice cream, or like I’ve been doing, make yourself some pomegranate bark out of white or dark chocolate.
white and dark chocolate pomegranate bark
Ingredients:
1/2 cup dark or white chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil (or vegetable oil if you don't like the flavor of coconut)
pomegranate seeds
Directions:
Combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, and repeat. If there are still lumps after 60 seconds, microwave another 15 seconds. From there, any remaining lumps should break down as you stir.
Pour the melted chocolate onto a parchment-lined pan and use an offset spatula to spread it out evenly to about the thickness of pie crust or a bit thinner.
Sprinkle the pomegranate seeds over the chocolate.
Let the chocolate fully set in the fridge for about 30 minutes or until you can cleanly break the slab of chocolate into smaller pieces.
A beautiful, festive look and simply delicious treat!! (Gift worthy!)