(Family Features) The elegance of the holidays starts at the table with meals, desserts and drinks shared among loved ones. This year, let grapes add easy elegance to seasonal recipes as a signature ingredient perfect for special occasions.
As a highly versatile addition to appetizers, snacks, main courses, sides and desserts, grapes are an essential ingredient to keep on hand. Thanks to their delicate sweetness and juicy texture, Grapes from California can be the star in Spiked Grape Cider for a cozy adult beverage.
Find more sweet ideas to celebrate the holidays at GrapesfromCalifornia.com.
Hot Spiked Grape Cider
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: about 1 hour
Servings: 4
5 cups red Grapes from California, plus additional for garnish, divided
3 cups water
1 tablespoon honey
1 cinnamon stick
2 star anise (optional)
1 large navel orange
6 ounces amber rum
In large saucepan, combine 5 cups grapes with water, honey, cinnamon and star anise, if desired. Bring mixture to boil over medium-high heat, reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until grapes are tender, 50-60 minutes. Let cool 15 minutes.
Lay medium mesh strainer over bowl and pour grape mixture through. Gently press on solids to remove juice from fruit for about 2 cups grape cider.
With peeler, peel off large strip orange zest and add to warm juice. Let cool, cover and refrigerate.
When ready to serve, gently warm cider over medium heat. Pour 1/2 cup cider into each cup. Add 1 1/2 ounces rum and garnish with twist of orange and small skewer of grapes.
Nutritional information per serving: 170 calories; 0 g protein; 18 g carbohydrates; 0 g fat (0% calories from fat); 0 g saturated fat (0% calories from saturated fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 5 mg sodium; 0 g fiber.
Source: California Table Grape Commission
