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Do We Really Need a Grape/Apple Hybrid?

YumSugar — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 10:48:39 -0800

I've seen Grapples - grape-flavored apples - in the store for a few years, and FitSugar actually wrote about them last year, but I'd never actually tried one before. I've kinda been snobby about it and thought they were ridiculous. However, recently, a friend of mine became addicted to them. She swears they're fantastic, so I figured it was time to file away my skepticism and give it a try.

Grapples are created by infusing Washington Extra-Fancy Fuji apples in concentrated grape juice, natural and artificial, but let me tell you it smells awfully artificial - like grape flavoring and water. Old reviews say that it's done by soaking, however the Grapple website now says it's a complex patent-pending process. When you take them out of their plastic packages, you can smell them from a mile away, and it's actually quite distracting. The smell is overly sweet, like wet-grape candy.

So how do they taste? They're actually not bad, but that's mostly because they taste like apples. The grape flavor is there, however it's overly sweet and reminds me of grape candy more than actual Concord grapes. They're also quite pricey for what they are - four apples were around $5. The good part about them is that since they do taste like candy, it felt more like a dessert or a treat, and definitely curbed my need for something sweet in the evening. The best part was that, like other apples, they're only around 80 calories each.

Would I buy them again? Probably not, although I can see where folks might really like them - after all this started because I know someone who is hooked on them. Also, I really am wondering what a baked good made with them would taste like. Grapple pie anyone?

Guess Whether the Grape's Red or White!

YumSugar — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 06:50:58 -0700

Not so long ago, well-known grapes like Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon were the only varietals that could be found in wine stores and cellars across the country. Not today: from Viognier to Fumé Blanc, grocery stores have been flooded with lesser-known grape varieties that are slowly yet surely rising to prominence.

Since many of you seemed to score high marks on my first grape quiz, I thought I'd test you with another round. I'll start by testing you on the most elemental classification: whether these up-and-coming varieties are red or white grapes. Is your best guess really that educated? You'll know when you keep reading.

Take the quiz

Guess Whether the Grape's Red or White!

YumSugar — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 03:30:24 -0700

A decade ago, wine aisles across America were stocked primarily with well-known varietals like Chardonnay, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc. Not today.

From Viognier to Fumé Blanc to Grenache Rosé, grocery stores are flooded with distinctive grape varieties that are lesser known yet slowly becoming more prominent. Do you know anything about them?

I'll start by testing you on the most elemental classification: whether these up-and-coming varieties are red or white grapes. How educated is your best guess? Find out when you take this quiz!

Take the quiz

Introducing Baby Kiwi!

YumSugar — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 05:18:19 -0700

Last year I was at my local Trader Joe's when I noticed containers of something called "kiwi grapes." I'd never heard of such a thing, so naturally I picked them up. They were small grape-sized fruits which were delicious and tart, sort of like regular kiwi, but sweeter and with a smooth, edible skin. Needless to say, I fell in love and wanted to eat them over and over again. Unfortunately by the time I went back to get more, they were gone!

For a year I've been talking to people about these delicious fruits and was excited to head into Trader Joe's today and find them waiting there. This time they were labeled "baby kiwi," but they were definitely the same thing. I snatched up three baskets and already devoured one. If you can find them near you - I've heard of people spotting them in Whole Foods and other markets like that - I highly suggest you check them out. If you fall in love with them like I did, you'll be happy to know that they're actually available twice a year. In the Spring they're imported from New Zealand and in the Fall they come from Oregon. And if you find yourself pining for them in the between seasons, don't say I didn't warn you.

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Fast & Easy Dinner: Taleggio Tartines With Watercress Salad

partysugar — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 12:50:58 -0700

Although a tartine is an open-faced French sandwich, this tartine recipe employs taleggio, a gooey Italian cheese. Taleggio smells stronger than it tastes and pairs well with fruit and bitter greens - in this case grapes and watercress. A quick vinaigrette combines grainy mustard with sherry vinegar and agave syrup. Don't skip the step that steeps the red onion in the vinaigrette because it gives the onion a slightly pickled flavor. To look at the recipe, read more.

Taleggio Tartines With Watercress Salad
From Vegetarian Times

Ingredients

Vinaigrette
2 1/4 tsp. sherry vinegar
1/4 tsp. whole-grain mustard
1/4 tsp. agave syrup
1Tbs. olive oil
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
Tartines
3 oz. Taleggio cheese
41/2-inch-thick slices walnut bread, lightly toasted
4 cups watercress or arugula
1 cup red seedless grapes, halved

Directions

To make Vinaigrette: Whisk together vinegar, mustard, and agave syrup in small bowl. Whisk in oil, stir in red onion, and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Let stand 10 minutes.
To make Tartines: Preheat broiler. Spread 3 Tbs. cheese on each piece of toast, and broil 1 minute, or until cheese is melted.
Remove onion from Vinaigrette. Toss onion with watercress and grapes. Add 1 Tbs. Vinaigrette to salad, and toss to coat.
Top each bread slice with 1 1/4 cups salad, and serve.

Serves 4.

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'Wich of the Week: Curry Chicken Salad on Flatbread

YumSugar — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:00:53 -0700

I love both tuna and chicken salad, but I don't like any sweet stuff encroaching on tuna. Chicken salad, on the other hand, is well-served by fruit and nuts. One of my favorite recipes is this curry-flavored version made with red grapes, green onions, and walnuts, which combine to make an exciting and exotic filling for Middle Eastern-style flatbreads or pita.Better yet, this chicken salad is actually healthy: it's made with nonfat yogurt and lowfat mayonnaise. With so many intense flavors, you won't miss the full-fat mayo. Though I forgot the lettuce the first go-round, I added it the second time I made these, and it provides a nice bit of texture. Check out more photos and get the recipe.

Would You Rather Eat Red or Green Grapes?

partysugar — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 01:30:56 -0700

Green Grapes To The Rescue!

partysugar — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 13:15:00 -0700

Yesterday I told you how I used tomatoes to create an inexpensive and elegant decoration for a party. Well I also used grapes! I'm not the best floral arranger and my long stemmed red Gerber daisies were flopping all over the place. "Too bad you don't have little red marbles or shiny stones," remarked Emily who was helping prep for the party. There wasn't enough time to run to Michael's and buy some so instead I got creative. This makes for a beautiful centerpiece of the month because it's simple, sunny, and stylish. Here's what you do to make a fun Dr. Suess-ish floral arrangement:

Fill a vase about half way with water.
Toss in enough grapes to create a shallow layer along the bottom of the vase.
Gently stab the flower stems into place between the grapes.

Killer App: Grape Goat Cheese Crostini

partysugar — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 08:00:17 -0700

I have a weakness for crostini. I simply can't get enough of the thin, crisp toasts with savory toppings. Since I jump at the chance to try a new variation, I recently made this easy, vegetarian crostini recipe. The ingredients are ordinary - baguette, grapes, and goat cheese - but the results are divinely delicious. The superb balance between the crunchy bread, juicy grapes, and creamy goat cheese is rich and luxurious. This dish proves that simple food can be incredibly satisfying - especially if served with a glass of bubbly on the side! To learn how to make this killer appetizer, read more.

Grape Goat Cheese Crostini
From Bon Appetit

Ingredients

1 sourdough baguette
Extra virgin olive oil
Freshly cracked black pepper
8 ounces soft fresh herbed goat cheese
1-1/2 pounds assorted grapes*

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Holding knife at a slight diagonal, cut 16 1/3- to 1/2-inch thick slices from baguette.
Brush the top of each with a generous amount of olive oil and sprinkle with freshly cracked black pepper. Arrange on rimmed baking sheet.
Bake until beginning to brown, about 10 minutes. Cool on sheet for at least 15 minutes.
Spread each crostini with goat cheese.
Cut about 50 small grapes in half; scatter on crostini.
Arrange crostini on platter. Surround with remaining grape clusters.

Makes 16 crostini.

*I used only one variety.

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Yummy Link: Fresh Grape Juice

YumSugar — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 14:28:33 -0700

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