Pomegranate Creme' Elixir

Looking for an elegantly luscious elixir for your New Year's soiree?

First, allow me to elaborate on why am calling this an elixir. Here is one definition from vocabulary.com:

Miraculous, magical, and maybe a little mysterious, an elixir is a sweet substance or solution that cures the problem at hand.

A few years ago in New York City, a friend from Iran introduced me to "pomegranate molasses." Its rich and sultry hue and texture captivated me. I began experimenting. One day, I added some to coconut milk and slowly stirred it in. A deep red ribbon in a pool of white and then the taste... Wow! At the time, I did not realize that molasses was loaded with sugar as some of the labels on these bottles are misleading. Discovered the sugary truth, I stopped using the red stuff. Ever since, I have been scouting for a solution to this perplexing problem.

Fast forward to a few days ago. Transplanted to California a year ago on New Year's Eve, I am coming up on a first anniversary in this grand terrain where pomegranates grow. So, they have been on my mind and plentiful in the kitchen. A few weeks ago, I fresh juiced one for the first time (see last post). It was an inspired moment of pure pleasure! Anyway, a few days ago, I happened to have a can of coconut milk, which had just opened. I suddenly saw (remembered, one might say) that red ribbon dancing in that pool of white. And so, I set to task and so, this mysterious concoction came to life. It is like life's many wonders, quite rich, so serve in portions appropriate to your occasion and inclination.

Pomegranate Creme' Elixir

1 can whole fat Coconut Milk
(Organic Native Forest  Classic, my fave)
4 to 8 oz. pomegranate juice (depending on preferred sweetness)
(see last post for juicing yourself, or buy the juice, available at many healthfood stores)
1 tsp - 1Tbsp (to your taste) Vanilla flavor
(Frontier brand, alcohol-free)
Pint-size Mason jar with lid, or a blender

Open the can of coconut milk and with a rubber spatula, carefully get all the luscious fatty coconut cream and transfer into the glass jar along with the coconut "water." Use a fork or small wire whisk to blend the two, or if have need to go electric and tools handy, can pour into a blender or use a handheld blender stick. I enjoy the old school approach of hands on. As you like...

Add the juice and vanilla. I recommend a little vanilla at a time. You can easily add more while subtracting could be a bit problematic.

Here are some delightful options:

Option 1: As is (Miraculous)
                Straight Up or On the Rocks

Option 2: Spiced (Mysterious)
                Add a dash of cardamom. Remember, a little mystery goes a long way

Option 3: Pudding (Magical)

               Add 1/4 cup chia seeds, shake or stir into the blended elixir. Wait 30minutes and watch the                    alchemy unfold before your patient eyes. Kind of like the ball slowly dropping at Times Square on New Year's Eve, only lots and lots of them . . .