Seasonal Entertaining with Grapes

While the beautiful, vibrant colors of grapes can add visual interest to recipes, they can also serve a variety of purposes when hosting: Grapes can make for easy decorations when placed in bowls, on platters or draped from a cake plate. Grapes can be “frosted” with sugar, spices and chopped nuts then served as a finger food or used as a garnish to decorate cakes, cookies, puddings, mousses and other seasonal desserts. simply dip grape clusters in liquid gelatin then roll in your desired mixture. Grapes make for a quick and easy hostess gift. Wrap multi-colored grape clusters in tissue paper then place them in a basket or tin tied with ribbon. Grape Caramel Sauce Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes servings: 6 1 pound green or red California grapes, divided 1 tablespoon lemon juice 3/4 cup sugar 1/4 cup water 1/3 cup heavy cream (optional) large pinch of salt ice cream in blender or food processor, combine 12 ounces grapes with lemon juice and puree. set aside. Coarsely chop remaining grapes.

in medium saucepan, combine sugar and water then bring to boil, stirring a few times. simmer without stirring, brushing down sides of pot with brush dipped in water if crystals start forming. When mixture has turned deep, golden brown, remove from heat and whisk in pureed grapes until smooth sauce has formed. turn on heat and simmer until mixture has reduced by one-third and forms smooth caramel sauce. Whisk in cream and salt; stir in chopped grapes and serve over ice cream.

Nutritional information per serving of sauce: 200 calories; 40 g carbohydrates; 5 g fat (22% calories from fat); 3 g saturated fat (14% calories from saturated fat); 15 mg cholesterol; 60 mg sodium; 1 g fiber.