Pomegranate Sorbet & Giveaway!

Did you know how good Pomegranates are for you? One of the researched health benefits of pomegranates is protecting cardiovascular health, including reducing LDL (bad cholesterol)oxidation. Eating healthy is an important form of prevention against Cardiovascular Disease, the number one killer in women. According to the American Heart Association, eating a healthy diet includes whole grains and delicious fresh fruits. What better way to include delicious fresh fruits in your diet than with fresh pomegranates and pomegranate juice.

I recently had the opportunity to taste POM Wonderful's 100% Pomegranate Juice (not my first time, though it has been a while). While I love to eat the pomegranate fruit, the juice alone was a little strong for me to drink in large quantities. Instead I set out to find a delicious, but still healthy, recipe so I could enjoy the health benefits of pomegranates as well as the taste. Pomegranate sorbet with dark chocolate curls is an excellent alternative for those who love to eat sweets, but are making an effort to eat healthy and limit their dessert intake.

Pomegranate Sorbet with Dark Chocolate Curls
adapted from Williams-Sonoma

• 2 c 100% pomegranate juice
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 Tbs corn syrup

In a saucepan, combine the water, sugar and corn syrup and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the pomegranate juice and let cool. Refrigerate the sorbet mixture for about 2 hours. Transfer the mixture to an ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturers instructions, about 30 minutes. Then, transfer to a sealed freezer safe bowl and freeze 2 hours before serving. Alternatively, you can place the mixture in a stainless-steel bowl and place in the freezer until frozen, about 4 hours, stirring every 30 minutes. Serve in bowls with dark chocolate curls as garnish.

I added the dark chocolate curls for a contrasting flavor, as well as a pretty garnish, and because dark chocolate has researched health benefits as well.

Dark Chocolate Curls
from The Pioneer Woman Cooks

• 3 oz. dark chocolate
• 1 Tbs Vegetable Shortening

Place chocolate and shortening in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for 30-45 seconds, or until shortening is hot and melted. Remove and stir with a fork to combine. Turn a metal cookie sheet upside down and pour chocolate onto it. Spread with a knife or spatula into a very thin layer. Place cookie sheet in the freezer until chocolate is solid. Remove. Using a knife or spatula scrap the chocolate off of the cookie sheet. When chocolate is at the right temperature, it will curl instead of flake. Transfer curls to a storage container or Ziploc bag and store in the freezer until ready for use.

Did I mention that this is a giveaway post? 1 lucky winner will win a total of 5 coupons for a free 16 0z. bottle of POM Wonderful's 100% Pomegranate Juice!

The Rules:
-Leave a comment ON THIS POST telling me why you want to win. Anonymous comments must be signed with your first name and last initial so I can contact you if you win.
-You have until MIDNIGHT PST on March 20th to enter this giveaway.
-One randomly chosen winner will be announced by midnight PST on March 21st.
-Open to US & Canadian Residents.

Extra Entries:
Additional entries can be earned by doing any of the following, giving you up to 5 total entries. Leave a separate comment for each of these items.

1. Follow goodLife {eats} blog. How do I follow? OR Subscribe to goodLife {eats} with one of the subscription options (see right side bar).
2. Follow me on Twitter @goodLifeEats. Leave a comment with your twitter name and let me know you're a follower. (only new followers eligible)
3. Tweet about this giveaway. Leave the link to your Twitter post in a comment.
4. Post about this giveaway in your blog. Leave the link to your post in a comment.

Pomegranate and Juice photo credit to POM Wonderful.