grape juice

Dunkin' Donuts has Rachael Ray, T.G.I. Fridays has Guy Fieri, and Applebee's has Tyler Florence, so it's only natural for Welch's to want their very own Food Network spokesperson. They've found the perfect match in food scientist Alton Brown. Brown will appear in the new 100 percent grape juice from Concord grapes campaign. He'll appear in television, print, and online advertising. Chris Heye, vice president of marketing for Welch's, explains why Alton is the perfect fit for grape juice:

People have a growing interest in foods and beverages that deliver health benefits. Alton is the perfect partner to help us explain the science behind our Concord grapes and the health benefits they deliver to moms and their families. He has a knack for conveying these messages in a way that is both engaging and credible.

The ads will run from now until March 2009. Although it may seem like an unlikely partnership, Alton selling grape juice is no stranger to me than Rachael selling donuts. What do you think, does Alton Brown make you want to buy grape juice?

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In general, I say it is better to eat fruit than to drink juice. Recent research, though, has found that some juices are better than actual fruit for preventing clogged arteries, which lead to heart disease. Well, at least this is true for hamsters.

Eating and drinking the juice of both grapes and apples can help prevent arteries from clogging. A team from The University of Montpellier tested these fruits and juices on hamsters while feeding them a high fat diet. They discovered that compared to those only given water, the hamsters that consumed fruit or fruit juice had lower levels of cholesterol and less fat accumulating in their arteries. To see which juice was most beneficial and in what quantity read more

If you have been living under a rock for the past year, you might have missed all the buzz about the health benefits of wine. Both red and white wines contain powerful and healthful antioxidants. Maybe you are looking for ways to get all those health benefits but without the buzz of alcohol? If so, you should try some First Blush varietal grape juice. It is definitely grape juice for grown ups.

Made from varieties of grapes usually reserved for wine making, the juices, although fairly sweet, have complex flavors reminiscent of their fermented cousin wine. The juices come in four varieties: Chardonnay, Cabernet, Merlot and a Rose to round out the color palette. The juices contain the antioxidants found in wine, but have more grams of sugar per serving than wines, but fewer calories.

My favorite by far was the Cabernet, it would pair really well with food and works as a more sophisticated alternative to alcohol compared to soft drinks or other juices. I found the Chardonnay too sweet for my palate, but then again I am a Sauvignon Blanc gal anyway.

First Blush can be found at a handful of Whole Food Markets. Check this store locator to find one near you. It retails for $3.99 per 16 ounce bottle, which contains two servings.

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I've been on a crazed hunt for the perfect Halloween cocktail. I envisioned a black martini, but the only recipes I could find involved chocolate-flavored vodka. Don't get me wrong: There is a time and a place for chocolate vodka, but Halloween is not that time or place.

When I saw this recipe for a Black Widow, I assumed it involved chocolate, but —surprise! — it's actually dark grape juice that gives this drink a glorious hue. To get the devilishly delicious recipe I'll be making on All Hallow's Eve, read more

Who knows where I can get a large batch of fresh concord grapes? I ask because I absolutely have to give this simple recipe for making your own grape juice a try. - Simply Recipes

Antioxidants are all the rage right now due to their high potential for warding off cancer. So what's the best way for you to get them?

New reports from BBC News claims that a team of scientists from Glasgow University have identified purple grape, cranberry and apple juice as those that contain the most antioxidants to fight disease such as Alzheimer's, cancer and heart disease. Purple grape juice made from Concord grapes was found to have the best range of polyphenols (antioxidants). These antioxidants were equal to those found in...wait for it... Beaujolais red wine! When used in moderation, Beaujolais was also found to be an effective deterrent to free radical buildup in the body. Merci Beaucoup!

To get the most out of these free radical fighting antioxidants, scientists suggest drinking a variety of the juices (and wine, if you're of age) mentioned.

If you are hosting a dinner or a party in the next couple of weeks be sure to have a special non-alcoholic option for your guests. It's that time of year when people have given up bad habits for Lent (I've given up clothing shopping) and drinking alcohol is always a popular vice to reject for forty days. Instead of mercilessly tempting friends with all alcoholic cocktails, offer one that is just as good without any booze. You could whip up faux champagne or a delicious take on white wine. Serve in a champagne flute or wine glass and your guests won't even notice they're sipping an alcohol-free beverage. For the recipe, read more