Boozy Concord Grapes Recipes

BOOZY CONCORD GRAPES

Steps:

• Place grapes inside a large jar and, using a wooden spoon, break the skins. Stir in the sugar.
• Pour brandy over the grapes to cover by an inch. Cover and store in a dark, cool place (but not the refrigerator) for at least one month.

BOOZY CONCORD-GRAPE ICE POPS

Steps:

• Toast juniper berries in a dry small skillet over medium heat, tossing often, until fragrant and skins are very glossy, about 1 minute. Let cool slightly, then crush with a mortar and pestle (or place in a resealable plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin). Transfer berries to a small saucepan. Add sugar and 1/4 cup water and bring to a simmer, stirring to dissolve sugar. Remove from heat and let sit 30 minutes. Strain juniper syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a small bowl; discard solids. Place bowl in a bowl of ice water and let juniper syrup sit, stirring occasionally, until cold, about 30 minutes.
• Stir juniper syrup, grape juice, gin, and lime juice in a large measuring glass or a medium pitcher; taste and add more lime juice if needed. Divide mixture among ice-pop molds and freeze until liquid is beginning to crystallize, about 1 hour. Cover and insert sticks (waiting until liquid is slushy ensures straight sticks), then freeze ice pops until solid, at least 4 hours but preferably overnight. Dip molds briefly in hot water to release pops.
• Ice pops can be made 1 week ahead. Keep frozen.

CONCORD GRAPE PIE I

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Place a sheet pan on the lower oven rack.
• Wash and stem grapes; squeeze grapes out of their skins. Save the skins and set aside. Place grape pulp in a large saucepan; mash a few at the bottom to release their juice. Cook over medium-low heat until grapes come to a full boil. Remove pulp from heat, and press through a food mill to remove seeds. Combine pulp and skins in a large bowl. Stir in lemon juice.
• In a separate bowl, mix sugar, flour, and salt. Stir into grape mixture. Pour filling into pastry crust, and dot with butter. Cover with second pastry shell. Flute edges, and cut little slits in the top crust for steam to escape.
• In preheated oven on sheet pan for 45 to 50 minutes, or until crust is brown and juice begins to bubble through slits in top crust. Allow to cool before serving.

BOOZY CONCORD GRAPES

Steps:

• 1. Place grapes inside a large jar and, using a wooden spoon, break the skins. Stir in the sugar. 2. Pour brandy over the grapes to cover by an inch. Cover and store in a dark, cool place (but not the refrigerator) for at least one month.