The appearance of pomegranates is a clear, simple signal for the start of the holiday season. I noticed the small containers of the ready to eat fruit in the grocery store which is a lot easier and quicker than having to seed a pomegranate. If you are going to seed a pomegranate one of the best ways to take it apart is under water in a bowl (working in a bowl of water will help you avoid being stained by pomegranate juice.)
Minted Guacamole with Pomegranate Seeds
This recipe gives a new twist to Guacamole and looks like Christmas.
 2 avocados, halved and flesh scooped out 2 Tbsp finely diced red onion 1 Tbsp finely chopped fresh cilantro 1 Tbsp finely chopped fresh mint 1 tbsp fresh lime juice 1/4 tsp sea salt Pinch of cayenne 4 Tbsp pomegranate seeds (or more)  Put the avocado in a bowl and mash with a fork until mostly smooth. Add the onion, cilantro, mint, lime juice, salt, and cayenne and stir until well combined. Stir in 2 tablespoons of the pomegranate seeds and garnish with the remaining tablespoon of pomegranate seeds. Pomegranate and Clementine Salad
This is the perfect salad over the holidays when clementines are also in season. When I make the dressing I usually make 4 times the amount to make sure I have enough for the salad and if there are any leftovers, no problem, it will keep in the fridge for next time.
1 small head of Romaine lettuce washed and torn into small bite size pieces 1 small bunch spinach, washed and torn 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans chopped 1 pomegranate, seeds only (a small container of seeds) 2 to 3 clementines, segmented 1 red onion, thinly sliced 2 Tbsp pomegranate juice 1/4 cup sherry vinegar or rice vinegar 1/4 cup grape seed oil 1 tsp honey 1 tsp Dijon mustard Sea salt and black pepper, to taste  Combine the greens in a medium bowl. Sprinkle with walnuts, pomegranate seeds, Clementine segments and onions. Make the dressing by whisking together the pomegranate juice, sherry vinegar, grape seed oil, honey and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Toss with greens.
