The Excellent Ingredient of the Week
Pomegranate molasses is an ingredient from the Middle East. It is a reduction of pomegranate juice — cooked until it has the viscosity of molasses, but that's where the similarity ends. Pomegranate molasses is a versatile ingredient which can be used in everything from advanced drink mixology to baking and roasting. It is available in Santa Fe at Ziggy's International market (near Tiny's and next to Susan's Wine and Liquors). Here is a recipe for an amazing Pomegranate-Olive Jam.
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups pitted Kalamata olives
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup pomegranate molasses
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 cup thyme honey or other full-flavored honey
Procedure
In a pan large enough to hold the chopped olives, cook the sugar, pomegranate molasses, and pepper flakes over medium heat for 5 minutes. Stir in the chopped olives and cook for 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and stir in the honey. Place in a glass container and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving. Serve with a garlicky Goat Cheese Spread on crusty toasted baguette and top with Pomegranate-Olive Jam.
