Flash in the Pan: Red And Green Festive Cocktail*

* AKA Cranberry, Pomegranate and Kale Detox Juice (but don’t tell anyone about the detox part)

[Sometimes, you just want a dish that’s quick and easy–no fuss.  I’ve decided to offer a mini-post every once in a while, for a dish that comes together incredibly quickly or else is so simple to make that no recipe is required. Here’s today’s “Flash in the Pan.” (For other FitP recipes, see “Categories” at right).]

I know–right now, everyone else in the world is baking cookies, Pinning cookies, tweeting about cookies, posting cookies on Facebook, sharing cookie roundups or making cookies as gifts. . . and here I am offering you a JUICE.  Not only that, it’s actually a detox juice, which means it’s uber-healthy, too, what with all the antioxidants and chlorophyll it contains.

Man, that Ricki is a downer. (Yeah, and have you heard how she goes on and on about how much she hates winter, too? Whine, whine, whinge, whinge, ‘I can’t stand ice and snow, I loathe the cold, I hate the boots and mitts, blah blah blabbedy blah’? Seriously annoying.)

But wait!! Before you flit off to the next mega cookie blog, consider how great you’ll feel sipping on this lovely, fruity, naturally sweet concoction as you debate whether to bake up the Sugar-Free Sugar Cookies or the Chocolate Macaroons. Your desire to consume massive amounts of cookie dough will magically dissipate (well, maybe a wee bit) and you’ll be helping your body cleanse and prepare for the onslaught of heavy meals in the next few weeks–all at the same time.

When I whipped up this libation the other morning, it suddenly occurred to me that I have never posted a juice on this blog. How is that possible?? I drink freshly squeezed juice every week, sometimes several times. My usual veg/fruit beverage of choice contains kale, cucumber, carrot, beet, ginger, apple and lemon, with a garlic clove thrown in for antibacterial good measure (you don’t taste it in the final product) and a bit of whatever herb I’ve got in the house, usually cilantro or parsley. Over the years, I’ve ventured more into the “green” aspect of green juices and smoothies, so whereas I started with the ratio of fruits to vegetables weighing heavily toward fruit, these days I am happy with more alkalizing greens and the juice still tastes great to me.

The HH, unfortunately, won’t partake of my creations. He takes one look at the mucky green elixir, sniffs it tentatively, then declares, “It smells like grass. It reeks of cholorophyll! Ptewy!”.  (Silly guy doesn’t know what he’s missing).

With this juice, though, I endeavored to create something the HH would actually like, too, with a flavor profile that highlights the fruity components.  It still boasts some great detoxifying properties via the kale (which encourages the liver to excrete toxins and also provides minerals, vitamins and fiber); and the fruits add their own beneifts, with heart-healthy antioxidants called punicalagins via the pomegranate and proanthocyanidins from the fresh cranberries. Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and cancer prevention, and the pear, apart from offering fiber and more antioxidants, is just plain yummy.

I adored this juice, which felt very seasonal and festive to me, and provided a great break from the massive quantities of baking I’ve been doing lately.  It’s naturally sweet, but if you prefer a sweeter drink, add the optional stevia.

Given the ingredients, you may be wondering, did the HH imbibe?  Well, yes, he did give it a taste, and even tentatively approved it.  “It’s good,” he said, but then stopped to lick his lips and reconsider.  “But it would be even better without the cholorophyll.” Next thing I knew, he was reaching for a cookie.

Bah. Humbug!

Other drinks & foods with cranberry:

• Protein-Rich Cranberry Smoothie
• Calcium-Rich Cranberry Smoothie (scroll down for the recipe)
• Cranberry Ice Cream
• Quick Cranberry-Apple Compote

Other drinks & foods with kale or leafy greens:

• Alkaline Lime Smoothie
• Mystery Smoothie
• Brilliantly Beet Smoothie
• Kale Salad, Fully Loaded
• Chickpea and Kale Sandwich Spread
• Sweet Potato and Kale Balls
• Easy Smoky BBQ Kale Chips

Other drinks & foods that support detox: 

• Anti-Inflammatory Latte
• Ginger-Mint Iced Tea
• Swamp Thing Smoothie
• Veggie-Full Sweet Smoothie
• Delectable Detox Slaw

“Mum, we really don’t get why you hate winter so much.  I mean, it feels perfectly balmy when you’ve got a permanent fur coat on. Play Time!”

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Last Year at this Time: Dog Day: The Results Are In 

Two Years Ago: Grain-Free Double Ginger Quinoa Scones (gluten free; ACD All Stages)

Three Years Ago: Stevia-Sweetened, Gluten-Free Blueberry Lemon Muffins (gluten free; ACD  3 and beyond)

Four Years Ago:  Dog Day: I’m FReE [Elsie finally gets the cone off after her surgery]

Five Years Ago: Mostly Raw Chocolate Truffles (gluten free; ACD  Maintenance)

© Ricki Heller