Homemade Grape Juice

I blame Megan (www.shewearsboots.blogspot.com). She signed me up for this amazing CSA and yesterday I got my first share. I had a huge bunch of concord grapes that smelled fantastic. I quickly popped one in my mouth and realized why people dislike them. First, the grape did not "pop" like grocery store grapes, it was firm, but jelly like. Then, as I bit further in I hit the seeds (which is when I realized I could not give them to my toddlers). Finally, the skin was impossible to chew all the way up, I just had to swallow it.

All that said, though, they were delicious! The flavor was wonderful and I did not want my young ones to miss out on such a fabulous fresh taste (worlds better than the fake fruit flavors that line the grocery store shelves). I thumbed through the rest of the share and realized that they had (cleaverly) provided suggested recipes and their facebook address to reference for further ideas. I quickly looked on line and found the link for homemade grape juice.

Perfect! What child does not like grape juice and it would be such a treat. My children never get juice; it's too expensive and basically just sugar (so why bother is what I usually think). But fresh, homemade grape juice from perfectly ripened and locally grown concord grapes is a different story entirely.

Here is where I started (recipe from simplyrecipies.com). Gorgeous, honestly, fresh food just does it for me.




Then I washed the grapes and removed the stems.




Next, I poured them in a pot over medium high heat and mashed them slightly (I used a potato masher).




Finally, after 10 minutes and one other mashing, I had this.




I took the above and strained it. I left it straining on the counter, covered with a kitchen towel, while I went to fetch the children from school. My kitchen smelt so fruity and sweet I couldn't wait to leave so I could come back in and have that fragrance hit me as I opened the door (which is exactly what happened).

Upon returning the kids rushed into the kitchen, stripped their shirts (because I made them) and climbed up for their cup of homemade grape juice. Here are the results. I think the pictures really sum it up.

I tried to get them to look at me for a picture, but nobody would put down their cup. I don't think Elias even breathed.



This might actually be my favorite. I think you might have to know Bebe to appreciate it fully, but either way it's impressive.




Elias seemed to have less smeared around because he drank it all in one gulp.




So simple and so delicious. Thank you Horse and Buggy. I will be calling you tomorrow for more grapes (actually Jonah wants to try grape jelly too, maybe that's tomorrow). Cheers.




Peace,
Mama Soup