So as we start the new year, here is one more “symbolic food” that I thought that I would make something with. The Pomegranate. This one is a bit controversial, to be honest. The oldest known symbolism of pomegranate is of fertility and abundance (all those little seeds!). Some cultures see it as a symbol for immortality and eternal life. And then there is the other extreme — some cultures see the fruit as a symbol of death. A lot of these are tied to religion, and as I am not the religious sort, I am going to just leave it as a spherical symbol (full circle) and abundance (all those seeds)! And it makes a really delicious, really easy to make jelly (I cheated and just used POM juice). Breakfast is served on a freshly baked piece of anadama bread.
Ingredients
4 cups pomegranate juice
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 box powdered low sugar pectin
3 cups sugar
a few teaspoons vodka (optional)
You will also need 5 1-cup jam jars.
Directions
If you are going to preserve the jam, prepare the jars and lids the way that you normally would for preserved jams or jellies. If you are just making refrigerator jam that will be gone in a few weeks, just make sure that you have clean and sterilized jars ready.
Combine the pomegranate juice, lemon juice, and pectin in a large pot. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook for 30 seconds. Carefully stir in the sugar. Return to a rolling boil and allow the jelly to cook for 15 minutes at a steady simmer. Skim any foam from the surface of the jam with a cold metal spoon.
Ladle the hot jelly into hot sterilized jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace. If not preserving for long term storage, cover with a clean dish towel and let cool. Once cool, drizzle with a bit of vodka, screw the lids tight and refrigerate. If preserving, follow your usual directions of a boiling water bath.
