When it comes to cooking with Concord grapes, the possibilities are endless! These luscious purple gems can be used in a wide range of sweet and savory dishes, from classic desserts like pie and jam, to refreshing drinks and even savory meals. In this article, we’ll explore 18 delicious Concord grape recipes that are perfect for every occasion. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert to impress your guests or a quick and easy snack to get you through the day, we’ve got you covered.
From classic Concord grape pie with lattice crust to more unique creations like roasted Concord grape and brie crostini, these recipes showcase the versatility and flavor of this beloved fruit. So whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, keep reading for inspiration and ideas on how to make the most of your Concord grapes.
Concord Grape Pie with Lattice Crust
This classic pie recipe showcases the sweet and tangy flavor of Concord grapes, perfectly balanced by a flaky lattice crust. A perfect dessert for any occasion!
Ingredients:
For the filling:
– 2 cups Concord grape juice
– 1 cup sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the lattice crust:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup ice-cold water
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Combine filling ingredients in a large bowl and stir until smooth.
3. Roll out one pie crust to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Fill with grape mixture and dot with butter.
4. Roll out remaining pie crust for lattice top. Cut into strips, about 1 inch wide.
5. Place lattice strips on top of filling, weaving together in a lattice pattern. Brush with egg wash.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Homemade Concord Grape Jam
Sweeten up your day with this delicious homemade Concord grape jam recipe! Made with fresh Concord grapes and a touch of sugar, this jam is perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a filling for cakes and pastries.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh Concord grapes
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Rinse the grapes and remove any stems or seeds.
2. Combine the grapes, sugar, water, and lemon juice in a large saucepan.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
4. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the jam has thickened and passed the “wrinkle test”.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to an airtight container.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Concord Grape Sorbet
Savor the sweet-tart flavor of Concord grapes in this refreshing sorbet.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups Concord grape juice (fresh or frozen)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup water
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine grape juice, sugar, and water.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
3. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.
5. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
6. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
7. Once frozen, scoop and serve.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes (plus churning time)
Roasted Concord Grape and Brie Crostini
Elevate your snack game with this simple yet impressive appetizer, featuring the sweetness of roasted Concord grapes paired with creamy brie cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup Concord grapes
– 8 oz Brie cheese, softened
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the Concord grapes with a drizzle of honey and a pinch of salt. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the grapes are tender and caramelized.
3. Meanwhile, place the brie cheese slices on a separate baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until softened.
4. To assemble the crostini, top each baguette round with a roasted grape half, followed by a slice of brie cheese.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Concord Grape and Almond Tart
This elegant tart combines the sweet-tart flavor of Concord grapes with the crunch of almonds, perfect for a special occasion or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 1 cup Concord grape juice
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
3. In a small bowl, mix together grape juice and sugar. Brush the mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle sliced almonds over the grape mixture.
5. Fold the edges of the pastry up over the filling to form a crust.
6. Brush the egg wash over the pastry to give it a golden brown color.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the filling is bubbly.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Concord Grape Juice Spritzer
Revive the flavors of childhood with this refreshing Concord grape juice spritzer! Perfect for warm weather gatherings or a quick pick-me-up any time of year.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups Concord grape juice
– 1 cup sparkling water
– 1/4 cup lemon-lime soda (such as 7-Up or Sprite)
– 1/4 cup ice-cold water
– Sliced fresh concord grapes for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a large pitcher with ice.
2. Pour in the Concord grape juice and stir to combine.
3. Add the sparkling water, lemon-lime soda, and ice-cold water. Stir gently to combine.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Just before serving, garnish with sliced fresh concord grapes if desired.
Cooking Time: None needed! This spritzer is ready when you are.
Concord Grape and Goat Cheese Salad
Concord Grape and Goat Cheese Salad: A sweet and savory combination that’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Concord grapes, halved
– 8 oz goat cheese, crumbled
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, crumbled goat cheese, and halved Concord grapes.
2. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top of the salad.
3. Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad, tossing gently to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is best served fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients up to a day in advance if needed.
Concord Grape Clafoutis
A French-inspired dessert, Concord Grape Clafoutis is a warm, comforting treat that showcases the sweet and tangy flavors of concord grapes. This recipe yields a tender, fruit-filled cake perfect for serving with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) fresh concord grapes, halved
– 2 cups (250g) granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup (60ml) water
– 3 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, water, and eggs until well combined.
3. Add baking powder, salt, and melted butter; mix until smooth.
4. Gently fold in the concord grapes.
5. Pour batter into a 9×13-inch baking dish greased with butter.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until top is golden brown and cake is set.
7. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Concord Grape and Rosemary Focaccia
This recipe combines the sweetness of Concord grapes with the piney flavor of rosemary to create a unique and delicious focaccia. Perfect for serving as an appetizer or using as a base for sandwiches.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup Concord grapes, halved
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add olive oil, salt, and 1 cup of flour to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Gradually add remaining flour, kneading the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Punch down dough and transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Top with Concord grapes, rosemary, and honey. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Concord Grape Smoothie Bowl
Start your day with a refreshing and nutritious treat that combines the sweetness of Concord grapes with the crunch of granola and fresh fruit.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup frozen Concord grapes
– 1/2 banana, sliced
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup granola
– Fresh mint leaves and sliced fruit for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine Concord grapes, banana, Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Pour the mixture into a bowl.
4. Top with rolled oats, granola, and fresh mint leaves (if using).
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Concord Grape and Dark Chocolate Truffles
Concord Grape and Dark Chocolate Truffles Recipe
Rich and decadent truffles infused with the sweetness of Concord grapes and the depth of dark chocolate.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
– 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon (15g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup (30g) Concord grape jam
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, melt the chocolate chips.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Fold the cream mixture into the melted chocolate until well combined.
4. Stir in the Concord grape jam until fully incorporated.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the mixture to firm up.
6. Use a melon baller or small spoon to form the mixture into truffles, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter.
7. Dust the truffles with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: None
Note: You can roll the truffles in chopped nuts or shredded coconut for added texture and visual appeal.
Concord Grape BBQ Sauce for Ribs
Elevate your backyard barbecue with this unique and delicious Concord grape-based BBQ sauce, perfectly balanced to complement the rich flavor of fall-off-the-bone ribs.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/2 cup concord grape juice
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, concord grape juice, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Whisk until smooth, then bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened slightly.
4. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: None (this is a sauce, not a main dish!)
Concord Grape and Thyme Galette
This elegant galette combines the natural sweetness of Concord grapes with the earthy flavor of thyme, all wrapped up in a flaky pastry crust. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy evening at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 2 cups Concord grapes, stemmed and halved
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme, chopped
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
3. In a bowl, mix together grapes, honey, and olive oil. Arrange grapes in a pattern leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle thyme over the grapes. Fold edges of pastry up over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
5. Brush pastry with a little water and sprinkle with salt.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until pastry is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Concord Grape and Cinnamon Rolls
Experience the perfect blend of sweet and tart with these Concord grape and cinnamon rolls. Moist, fluffy dough is filled with a tangy Concord grape jam and topped with a crunchy cinnamon sugar mixture.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/4 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup Concord grape jam
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, and sugar. Add warm water, mixing until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch (3 mm). Spread Concord grape jam evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch (2.5 cm) border around edges.
5. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the jam.
6. Roll up the dough tightly, starting from one of the long edges. Cut into 12 equal pieces.
7. Place rolls on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) between each roll.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Concord Grape and Walnut Bread
This sweet bread combines the natural sweetness of Concord grapes with the earthy flavor of walnuts, perfect for a snack or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup Concord grape jam
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine sugar, melted butter, egg, and grape jam. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in chopped walnuts and milk.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Concord Grape and Lemon Verbena Sorbet
Experience the sweet and tangy combination of Concord grapes and lemon verbena in this refreshing sorbet recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups Concord grape juice
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/2 teaspoon dried lemon verbena leaves
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine grape juice, sugar, and lemon juice. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the water and lemon verbena leaves. Let it steep for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container. Discard the solids.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
5. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Once the sorbet is frozen, scoop and serve.
Cooking Time: None (chilling time included)
Concord Grape and Ricotta Pancakes
These fluffy pancakes are infused with the sweet and tangy flavor of Concord grapes, paired with creamy ricotta cheese. Perfect for a special breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons Concord grape jam
– 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
– Butter or oil for greasing the pan
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and grape jam.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Fold in ricotta cheese until smooth.
5. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Grease with butter or oil if necessary.
6. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the pan.
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry.
8. Flip and cook for another minute.
Cooking Time: Approximately 5-7 minutes per batch.
Concord Grape and Vanilla Bean Compote
This sweet and tangy compote is a perfect accompaniment to yogurt, oatmeal, or even as a topping for ice cream. The combination of Concord grapes and vanilla bean creates a flavor profile that’s both familiar and unique.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Concord grapes
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
Instructions:
1. Rinse the grapes and remove any stems or leaves.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the grapes, sugar, and vanilla extract.
3. Add the split vanilla bean to the mixture and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the grapes have broken down and the compote has thickened slightly.
5. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
6. Strain the compote through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the vanilla bean solids.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the sweet and tangy taste of Concord grapes with these 18 delicious recipes! From classic desserts like Concord Grape Pie with Lattice Crust and Homemade Concord Grape Jam, to refreshing drinks like Concord Grape Juice Spritzer, there’s something for every occasion. Savory options include Roasted Concord Grape and Brie Crostini and Concord Grape and Goat Cheese Salad. And for the sweet tooth, try Concord Grape Smoothie Bowl or Concord Grape and Dark Chocolate Truffles. Whether you’re in the mood for baking, cooking, or just snacking, these recipes will surely satisfy your cravings!
