The counters are full of canning jars...a triple batch of salsa made yesterday...and a second batch of grape juice. The corners are full of canners, large kettles, my food processor, empty canning jars, etc. And the floor is badly in need of being mopped. But that's for another day.
We have access to several small grapevines...I'm assuming that they're concord grapes. The kind that get really dark purple when ripe, and taste good when you first pop them in your mouth and quickly turn tart on you. What to do with them, other than let the bees have a feast?
I made a batch of jelly two weeks ago, but was looking for something new when I cut the next batch. I found this quick and easy "recipe" for making grape juice...
Quick and Easy Grape Juice
(this makes a full strength grape juice)
Wash grapes thoroughly and remove stems.
Place one cup of washed grapes in quart canning jars.
Add 1/2 cup sugar to each quart. (experiment with the amount...my second batch I used less)
Fill jars with hot water, leaving 1/2" head space.
Stir to dissolve sugar.
Process in a hot water bath for 15 minutes.
That's it! Nothing to it!
Let the grapes sit for several days before tasting the juice...this gives the juice a chance to reach it's full flavor.
Drain the juice and enjoy!
How cool is that?!? Quick and easy and have you priced grape juice in the store recently? Yikes!!
ReplyDeleteSo have you tasted it yet? I am curious to know how it tastes. It looks very pretty. Do you have one of those things my SIL does that you put your grapes in it and then you use steam to cook the fruit and then it goes down into another pot of nothing but juice. I don't even know what it is called. She got it from her Mom and I had never seen anything like it. She used to make lots of Elderberry jam with it. That is something I have never done is make juice. I guess I was worried it was so much work. :) This recipe is nice because it is easy.
ReplyDeleteHi Alica...
ReplyDeletethis is the exact way that my grandma, and mom would make grape juice.
One summer, they tried a Victorio steamer/juicer. ... but, promptly went back to doing this way. Much easier... less mess.
I LOVE canning season.. and I don't even mind the canning stuff taking over the kitchen :)
This year... I'm working on drying stuff.
So far.. pears, which are so delicious, and peaches.
I plan on drying tomatoes and packing them in olive oil.
Keep up the great work !
Smiles :)
Kerin
I love homemade grape jelly! That juice really does sound simple. Can it really be that easy and still be delicious?
ReplyDeleteOh did this post bring back memories! My mom used to make this grape juice with what they called 'fox grapes', very similar to what you described as sweet then tart. The juice is amazing served ice cold for breakfast! Enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteSounds like your kitchen looks a lot like mine this time of year! Produce, jars, canners everywhere!
ReplyDeleteThe grape juice sounds good. I'm not a huge fan of the stuff but the kiddos love it! I think I may have to try it, thanks for sharing it.
The same recipe we use. A great way to have grape juice all winter. We've substituted Zero Sweetener for some of the sugar for the diabetic in our family with success.
ReplyDeleteI want to do my tomatoes dried this year. I usually just make sauce out of them. Canning season is ok with me. Just tell folks don't come over for a week so you can clean.
ReplyDelete