Brought to you by Australian Grapes.
The gang over at Grapes Australia asked me to play around with grapes. Personally, throwing them in a fruit salad is playing around with them, because they’re one of my favourite fruits and I like them just as they are. I’d been eagerly awaiting Aussie grapes to come into season {no foreign ones for me thanks} and when I was at my local market and they were there, I was so excited that the farmer and I were rejoicing. Yep, I am not fibbing. I’m kinda embarrassed looking back on it.
The season for fresh grapes runs for over half the year. It starts in November, peaks in February and March and ends in May. When you’re looking to buy grapes you want them to be plump and attached to the stems.
Before you read on about what I did with my grapes, I want to tell you about something Australian Grapes and I are doing to celebrate grape season. We’re giving away an iPad mini! All you have to do is head over to Instagram and share a photo of your favourite place to eat grapes, add the hashtag #FMSilovegrapes #AussieGrapes and you’re in the running.
I am always up for something new, so I played around with grapes. I mixed them with savoury {WHO EVEN AM I?} and with seafood too. Here’s five ways with grapes…
This is as easy as popping grapes into a seal-lock bag and popping them into the freezer. I was surprised at how good these were. So simple! They also make perfect ice cubes for wine, without making the wine watery. Have you tried them this way?
These would make the perfect treat for a party. Just melt white chocolate and milk chocolate {separately}. Place a toothpick in the grape, dip into the chocolate and then dip into sprinkles or chopped nuts.
The rainbow kebabs are simple too. Just ball some watermelon with a melon-baller {or chop into cubes} and place on a skewer with green and red grapes.
Another easy party idea: place grapes into a container and cover with your favourite white wine. Let them soak for a few hours or overnight. Once juicy and soaked, place on a skewer along with a cooked prawn, and serve. {A little tip: to make the prawns with like this, slice a little bit of the bottom to make it flat}.
This one was surprisingly delicious. My neighbour recommended I try it, and now I’m recommending you do the same.
[yumprint-recipe id=’6′]Don’t forget to share your grape photo on Instagram to be in the running. I’ll see you over there, while I munch on some frozen grapes.
Competition details: Competition open to Australian residents only. One photo per person, per day. Accounts must be public for me to see the photos. The competition will be judged on skill. The most artistic photo, as judged by myself {Chantelle Ellem} and Australian Grapes will be declared the winner. The prize is an iPad Mini WiFi 16GB. Competition closes February 28th 11:59pm 2015.
Wine, grapes and prawns! Who would have thunked it huh? Sounds perfect for breezy summer nights. x
I know, but it kinda just makes sense.
Hi Chantelle
I was recently advised that all grapes are sprayed with sulfites. Is anyone from Australian Grapes able to explain that further and provide advice on the best way to wash them so they’re safe for babies? X
I’ll ask for you and get back to you here. xx
Thank you!
I think you can do a vinegar wash/soak for a few minutes with water to help remove any traces.
Sorry it’s taken so long to get back to you.
Here’s their response:
“Quality fresh Australian grapes are grown under environmentally friendly and socially responsible practices. The industry has adopted the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) system, employing a wide range of tactics to reduce the use of chemicals. All Australian grapes meet the requirements set out by the Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) that meet international food safety standards. To enjoy grapes simply wash them under the tap and they are safe for babies to consume.”
I hope that helps. x
Did you know Victoria Beckham once said that her favourite snack is frozen grapes? True story. As for me, OMG I am dyyyying over that haloumi with red grapes recipe. That sounds (and looks) insanely good!
Never heard old Vic say that, but I get what she’s saying… because so good. Have you tried them. I know it’s so simple, but surprisingly so good.
My biggest problem is what to do with soft grapes, my kids will NOT eat them – it’s a pain in the butt! Great ideas. LOVE haloumi, I can’t believe I haven’t cooked it before. x
Freeze and juice? Or lots of haloumi.
So excited that I just saw you bought a ticket to PB in Brissy. Wasn’t sure I was going to know anyone. Now I know that I know you. Sweeeeet.
I look forward to catching up again, it’s been ages. x
There I was thinking grapes were all the noms on their own, and here they are all fancy and dressed up. I’m definitely going to have to try some of these, if there’s any left from my constant grape guzzling – they just taste too good!
They do just taste good. Was just thinking that again this morning over breakfast {grapes, obvs!}.
Who would have thought there were so many delicious ways to use grapes!! Thanks of rate great recipes Chantelle!
I know. So delicious-o. x
We use frozen grapes in our smoothies – they blend up super smooth unlike ice (in my blender anyway) and the sweetness means my boy could care less that I’ve tossed in handfuls of baby spinach. Win.
Hubby has a juice each day, must tell him this tip. Thank you. x
I have an all natural Grape Lollipop daily
There are some great ideas here – thanks!
When is this competition open until?
I love frozen grapes and so do the kids… plus they make the perfect fruit break for school… always a winner with the Lulu in her lunchbox
Can I put the photo of the grapes on Facebook? Or is it just Instagram?
You can place it here in the comments if you like?
I love your photo’s Chantelle. Wine soaked prawns are my favourite 🙂
What if you don’t use Instagram? (I’m not keen on their privacy rules) I can post a photo here?
You can post here, for sure. 🙂
Just posted up my Fruit Christmas Tree I made this year.
Hi, has this been judged yet???? Would love to see the winning pic
Yes! Here it is: https://instagram.com/p/zwYb9eCyDM/?taken-by=catmeo