Fruits and Fiction

Today's blog is devoted to fruits (The Pomegranate) and Fiction (Kim Edward's new novel, "THE LAKE OF DREAMS".

Have you eaten pomegranates? I like pomegranate juice and I've also tried the arils (juice sacs) but I have never purchased one from the grocery store and cut it open. A listener called the other day wanting to know the proper way to open a pomegranate and in case you've been wondering this as well, here is a 3-step process to go from messy to easy...

1. cut off the crown and cut the pomegranate into sections.

2. Place sections in a bowl of water; roll out the arils (juice sacs) with your fingers and discard everything else.

3. Strain out the water; eat the juicy seeds (arils)!

This fruit is believed to have been brought to California by the Spanish Padres over 200 years ago when they grew them at their missions. Today, the San Joaquin Valley is the only concentrated area of commercially grown pomegranates in America. When purchasing pomegranates look for skin that is hard, shiny and bright red; the heavier the better (this means more juice); and the crown should be firm and not too soft. Pomegranates are only available September through January so now that you know more about them, go out and enjoy one today!

My interview today was with Kim Edwards, the #1 New York Times best selling author of "The Memory Keeper's Daughter". This book spent 122 weeks on the best seller list in 2006 and Kim released her newest novel yesterday. Her new book is "The Lake of Dreams". The book's central character is Lucy Jarrett, who has been traveling the world ever since her father died. After returning home, from a trip to Japan, she discovers a stack of old letters and historical pamplets in her mother's house, which leads her to confront the truths about her family's history. Ms. Edwards explores the history of women's suffragettes as well as the history and art of glass blowing and how some artists embedded secret messages into stained glass windows. I wasn't able to read the book before the interview because we set the interview on very short notice. I am however, looking forward to it.

We also talked about new uses for coffee beans
1. Pie Weights-line bottom and sides of cold pie dough with foil. Fill to the brim with coffee beans and bake according to directions
2. Hand Deodorizer-after chopping onions or garlic; rub a few beans between your palms to eliminate any lingering smell.
3. Candle anchor-fill hurricane vase with beans before adding a pillar candle to help keep candle steady and minimize mess (beans will catch the wax).
4. Nose Neutralizer. Sniff beans between spritzs at the perfume counter to cleanse your “palate” between fragrances.
5. Pore shirker. Place two cups of medium-to light roast beans (these have more caffeine than dark varieties) in a bowl or bathroom sink and fill with hot water. After a few minutes (when water is cooler), splash your face for a tighter complexion.

Sunburn Solutions and S'mores

"Phrase of Fire" Contest
Piece of the Puzzle #1
Come see



Today kicks off our "Phrase of Fire" contest for the Fireside Theater. Be sure to check my blog each day this week, collect the pieces of the puzzle and at the end of the week, assemble all parts of the phrase into the one we are looking for. Email your phrase to win@wbevradio.com with your name, address and phone number. You could be the lucky winner of 2 tickets to see the Johnny Cash show now playing at the Fireside. I've heard it's a terrific production with over 36 of his songs. So keep checking everyday...

Today we talked about solutions for sunburn pain. If you've been out in the sun lately or a family member has a bad sunburn here are a few solutions:

• Place white vinegar (undiluted) in a bowl. Soak a towel in the vinegar, ring out and place on the affected area until the cloth turns warm. Repeat the procedure until the skin is no longer hot. The vinegar relieves the pain, eliminates the heat and will prevent your skin from blistering. (You can also use vinegar and a cottom ball).
• Cover the sunburn with "Baby Magic" baby lotion
• Pop a Vitamin E capsule (or use liquid Vitamin E). Spread over the sunburn for relief and to ward off the chance of infections.
• Bactine also works. (Remember the distinctive smell of bactine. My mom soothed cuts and sunburns with this product!)

I also shared lots of great dessert recipes for the grill. The open flame is a great way to bring out the sweet flavors of fresh fruit, poundcake, and more for some very tasty treats.

Banana Split S’mores

6 bananas, in the skin ½ c. chocolate chips
½ c. mini marshmallows 6 large graham crackers
Set or light grill to medium heat, or build a small campfire. Make long slit in each banana from end to end, through the skin and down to, but not through, the skin on the other side. Gently push in on either end to open the banana. Divide chocolate chips and mini marshmallows among bananas, pressing with your fingers to fit as much as possible (It’s OK if the banana smushes a bit). Wrap each banana in aluminum foil and place on center of grill or around perimeter of fire. Cook 5 minutes, or until chips and marshmallows are melted and banana is warm. Serve immediately with graham crackers for dipping. Yield: 6 servings. 210 calories, 6g fat, 0mg chol; 3g protein, 42g carbs, 4 g fiber, 5mg sodium.

(You might want to try these tucked inside a banana on the grill; brie or goat cheese, honey, almonds, white chocolate, caramel sauce, dried cranberries, candied ginger, gingersnaps and/or coconut)