A Few of My Favorite Things

Pomegranate Vinaigrette
I love food; I am the luckiest person in the world that I get to spend everyday with the two things I love most in life – my husband Jim, who is the business manager, and the food. I look forward to getting to share my passion for food.

A recent ingredient that I fell in love with is Pomegranate vinegar. I found a great small producer out of Santa Barbara, Spindel Farms (http://www.spindelfarms.com/) and they are great to ship it up to me here in Petaluma. This vinegar has a complex fruity flavor with just a touch of sweetness.

Here is the recipe that I created for their upcoming cookbook.

Spindel Farms Pomegranate Couscous

Ingredients
1 c Spindel Farms Pomegranate Vinegar
3 c Olive Oil
2 T Honey
Salt & Pepper to taste

Salad ingredients
3 c Israeli or Pearl Couscous
3 c Boiling Water
2 T Olive Oil

1 lbs Butter Nut Squash
2 T Olive Oil
½ c Red Bell Pepper - diced
¼ c Currants
¼ c Craisins
¼ c Flat Leaf Parsley - chopped
¼ c Pumpkin Seeds - toasted

Instructions
Combine first 4 ingredients - mix well. This is a great dressing for any salad

Bring water to a boil and stir in couscous and olive oil
Remove from heat and allow to bloom - approx 30 minutes
Allow to cool

Dice butternut squash, then toss in olive oil and salt and pepper
Place on baking sheet and bake till tender – approx 15-30 minutes
Allow to cool

Combine all of salad ingredients
Dress to taste with Pomegranate Vinaigrette

Serve with a selection of cheese or grilled meats

Serves 4-6