Saturday, November 21, 2009

Blue Cheese Pomegranate Bites





Earlier this month I saw that fresh pomegranates were in abundance at my market. I love pomegranates, they are not only delicious, but beautiful as well. Cut into a ripe pomegranate and you are rewarded with the sweet ruby red treasure contained within. I'm not exactly sure why, but for me they herald the beginning of holiday season. Maybe it's that glorious red color. Whatever the reason, fresh pomegranates mean the holidays must be upon us! With the holiday party season in mind, I thought I use my fresh pomegranates to make some appetizers. These are easy and fairly quick to make. You can make up the pomegranate syrup ahead of time. It will keep for several weeks in the refrigerator. Make extra syrup, it's so good you'll want to have some to drizzle it over ice cream, yogurt, pancakes etc.






Blue Cheese Pomegranate Bites


1  (8-ounce) piece of blue cheese, chilled (you can also use the crumbled blue cheese)

1 1/2   packages frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed

1/3  cup  pomegranate syrup (recipe below)

1/4 cup arils (seeds) from 1 large pomegranate

Preparation:
If not using the crumbled blue cheese, cut cheese into 24 cubes, and set aside.
Roll pastry into a 15- x 10-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface; cut into 24 squares. Fit squares into miniature muffin pans, extending corners slightly above cup rims.
Bake pastry at 425° for 10 to 12 minutes or until it begins to brown. Remove from oven, and gently press handle of a wooden spoon into center of each pastry, forming a shell.
Spoon 1/2 teaspoon syrup into each shell; top with a piece of blue cheese. Bake 5 more minutes or until cheese melts. Top with the fresh pomegranate arils (seeds) and serve immediately.





Pomegranate Syrup 

Ingredients:

 4 cups fresh pomegranate juice

2 1/2 cups sugar

1 teaspoon lemon juice

Preparation:

In a saucepan, combine pomegranate juice, sugar and lemon juice over medium heat.
Stir until sugar has completely dissolved.
Allow to cook over medium high heat for 20-25 minutes, or until juice is the consistency of syrup.
Remove from heat and allow to cool. Store in airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.






These appetizers are also very versatile. 24 wine-and-cheese crackers may be substituted. Top each cracker with the cheese, and drizzle with the syrup; place on a baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 5 minutes or until cheese melts. Top with the fresh pomegranate arils. Brie could be substituted for the blue cheese.



17 comments:

glamah16 said...

Those are beautiful for entertaining. Great idea.

Jamie said...

Wow! Wonderful recipe and I bet it tastes fabulous! Thanks for the recipe for the Pom syrup. Wonderful!

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

These colours and flavours would be perfect for the holidays.

grace said...

these are just some of the most elegant and pretty little nibbles i've ever seen! they'd dress up any party, and that's that--nice flavor combo!

Scate said...

I love how the arils (learned something new!) are showcased - and the size/shape of these bites are perfect for the party season.
thanks!

Recipes and Food said...

These look amazing. I can't wait to try it. I also noticed that pomegranates were in season. I had one the other day and it was delicious!

Sarah Caron said...

I saw the headline for this post in the BlogHer box and had to click through. They look even better than they sounded (if that's even possible). YUM. How could you go wrong with something that combines so many amazing flavors and textures?!?

chow and chatter said...

these look beautiful and so creative

Gloria Baker said...

This look absolutely delicious and beautiful! gloria

Chocolate Shavings said...

I like the sweet/savory with the tangy blue cheese and pomegranates. Delicious!

Anonymous said...

i love the last two photos!
heh im a blue cheese fan :)
but i need to confess ive never had a pomergranate :S

Mini Baker said...

My mom has three HUGE pomegranate bushes (lucky us, they are so expensive in the stores!)
So I will have to give these a try!
-Mini Baker

RecipeGirl said...

I've just recently become a fan of Pomegranate arils. They're so beautiful to use in recipes for the holidays. These look fabulous. You should enter them in the www.123PuffPastry.com contest to win a trip to NYC!!

Jason said...

Wow, what an awesome idea! I need to try this! =)

Zoe said...

I love pomegranate, this looks delicious!

Primary Work at Home said...

Wow very wonderful. I like it. Thanks for sharing your recipe.

Lindsay Rudolph said...

Those look really good! The blue cheese with the sweet fruit flavor is probably delish! Nice idea.