time to eat.

Pomegranate
Originally uploaded by dalaka.

I was feeling a little plaintive and dull-witted yesterday, given internal and external pressures, so I did the thing that I generally do when the dull-witted demon strikes: I ate. And insisted that those in my immediate periphery eat along with me.

Dressed up a creamy tomato basil sauce with a shot of tequila and served it over gnocchi, then paired the potato dumplings with this gentle mâche & pomegranate salad -- because it seems true that no matter how plaintive your mood, there is something eternally optimistic about the brilliant pomegranate.

Mâche Salad with Blood Oranges, Pistachios and Pomegranate from Epicurious.com

2 tablespoons fresh blood orange juice or regular orange juice (went with the reg)
1 tablespoon unseasoned rice vinegar
1 tablespoon minced shallot
1/2 teaspoon honey
3 tablespoons pistachio olive oil (sorry -- not that snooty)

2 blood oranges or regular oranges
1 4-ounce package mâche
1/4 cup shelled natural pistachios, toasted
1/4 cup pomegranate seeds or dried cranberries

Whisk orange juice, vinegar, shallot, and honey in small bowl. Gradually whisk in pistachio olive oil. Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper.

Using small sharp knife, cut off peel and white pith from oranges. Working over small bowl, cut between membranes to release orange segments. Divide mâche among 4 plates. Divide orange segments, pistachios, and pomegranate seeds among plates. Drizzle dressing over salad and serve.

Makes 4 servings.