Vanilla-Pomegranate Parfaits

Ingredients

2 tablespoonssugar
2 teaspoonscornstarch
1 cuppomegranate seeds
2/3 cuppomegranate juice
1 tablespoonlemon juice
1 cuplow-fat milk
3/4 cuphalf-and-half
1 vanilla bean, halved lengthwise, or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 largeegg
1 largeegg yolk
1/3 cupsugar
1 1/2 tablespoonscornstarch
1 tablespoonbutter
1 cuppomegranate seeds, for garnish
6 sprigsmint, for garnish

Instructions

To prepare compote: Mix 2 tablespoons sugar with 2 teaspoons cornstarch in a small saucepan. Add pomegranate seeds, pomegranate juice and lemon juice; stir to combine. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook, stirring, until syrupy, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl. Refrigerate while you prepare the pudding.
To prepare pudding: Combine milk and half-and-half in a medium heavy saucepan. Scrape in seeds from vanilla bean (or add vanilla extract). Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Remove from the heat, cover and let steep for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, whisk egg, egg yolk, 1/3 cup sugar and 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch in a medium bowl. Reheat the milk mixture just until steaming. Carefully whisk one-third of the steaming milk into the egg mixture. Pour the egg-milk mixture back into the pan. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until very thick, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in butter.
To prepare parfaits: Divide the pomegranate compote among six 6-ounce (3/4 cup) parfait glasses, ramekins or other small dessert cups. Spoon the pudding mixture over the compote. Cover and refrigerate until the pudding is well chilled and firm, at least 3 hours. To serve, garnish each parfait with pomegranate seeds and a mint sprig, if desired.

source: webmd