There are several New Year’s folklore traditions in this sweet little package. Unwrap the bright flavors of lemon and pomegranate, combined with salty nutty pistachios.
Citrus fruits are considered symbols of prosperity and good fortune. Their bright colors and refreshing flavors are thought to bring a burst of energy and optimism for the year ahead.
Pomegranates are often associated with abundance and fertility. Their numerous seeds are seen as symbols of prosperity and future growth. In many traditions, eating pomegranates at the stroke of midnight is believed to bring good luck and success in the new year.
Pistachios are considered auspicious and a symbol of good health and well-being. Their green color represents wealth and prosperity. The hard shell is thought to represent protection from life’s hardships and opening them symbolizes unlocking new opportunities in the coming year.
Using all three in one dessert seemed like a great way to ring in the New Year!
Lemon Pomegranate Pistachio Pound Cake
Equipment
- Loaf Pan
- Mixer - Stand or Hand will do
- Large Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 can Baking Spray with Flour
- 1 1/2 sticks Unsalted Butter softened
- 1 1/2 cups Granulated Sugar
- 3 Eggs room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups All Purpose Flour
- 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
- 3/4 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/4 cup Whole Milk
- 1/4 cup Lemon Juice
- 3 tbsp Pomegranate Juice
- 1 tbsp Lemon Zest
- 1/2 cup Pistachios shelled and chopped
- Pomegranate Arils for garnish
- Red Gel Food Color optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 F
- Spray 9x5 loaf pan with baking spray. Line with parchment and spray again for a decorative look.
- Beat sugar and butter on medium speed until fluffy, about 5 minutes
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each egg
- Put flour, salt and baking powder into a bowl and stir to combine.
- Gradually add the flour mixture into the butter mixture, alternating with milk and 1/4 cup lemon juice
- Stir in 1 tbsp of lemon zest and 1/4 cup of pistachios, then beat on high until fluffy again.
- Separate cake batter into a second bowl, and add pomegranate juice to one bowl. (Add gel food color if desired)
- Pour batters into loaf ban, alternating from each bowl to create a marbled effect.
- Place loaf pan in the center of the preheated oven.
- Bake until a cake tester or toothpick comes out clean, approximately 1 hour 20 minutes
- Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes
- Remove from loaf pan and put on baking rack to cool completely, about 2 hours
- Drizzle glaze over cooled cake and garnish with petite rose petals, pomegranate arils and chopped pistachios.
Lemon Whiskey Glaze
Equipment
- Small Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 cups Powdered Confectioner's Sugar
- 1 tbsp Lemon Zest
- 2.5 ounce Lemon Juice
- 1.5 ounce Irish Whiskey
Instructions
- Mix powdered sugar and remaining lemon zest together, add whiskey / lemon juice as needed to create a thin glaze
Recommended Pairing:
Irish Whiskey
Redbreast 12 Year
Cask Strength Edition
56.2% ABV
