By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on January 3, 2024 | Last Updated on January 3, 2024
Grapelade is a delicious French-inspired recipe that is perfect for when you are looking to treat yourself to a sweet and fruity treat. It is easy to make and can be prepared in a variety of ways. This recipe combines the sweetness of grapes and the tartness of lemon to make a delightful spread for toast, scones, or crostini.
What is Grapelade?
The Grape-lade recipe comes from the book titled Vintage Clipping Recipes for Your Scrapbook by Mrs. Harvey F. Rostiser. It contains clippings for pickles, jams, jellies, relishes, and more.
One of her most popular items is the Grapelade which is a French-inspired recipe that is made with grapes and sugar. It is a sweet and tangy spread that can easily be made at home. It is perfect for a variety of uses such as a topping for toast, scones, or crostini. It is also great for filling tartlets and cakes.
What Does Grapelade Recipe Taste Like?
The US Army purchased the first year’s worth of “Grapelade” manufacturing, which began in 1918. The American soldiers in France utilized it as a troop ration, and upon their return to the United States, their demand helped establish the product’s reputation.
Grapelade is sweet and tangy. The grapes provide a sweetness that is balanced out by the tartness of the lemon juice. The sugar adds a hint of sweetness and helps to bring out the flavor of the grapes. The result is a delightful spread that is perfect for a variety of uses.
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The Ingredients
Freshly Picked and Washed Grapes, Stemmed: The main ingredient in Grapelade, providing the fruit base. Grapes contain natural pectin, which helps in thickening the jam-like consistency of the Grapelade.
Premium-Grade Granulated Sugar: Acts as a sweetening agent and also aids in preserving the Grapelade by inhibiting microbial growth. Sugar helps create the right texture and sweetness.
Filtered Spring Water: Used to help dissolve and distribute the sugar evenly in the preparation process. It also helps in creating the syrupy consistency of the Grapelade without altering the natural flavors of the grapes.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Grapes
Begin by washing the grapes thoroughly under running water. Ensure they are clean and free from any debris. Remove the stems and discard any grapes that are damaged or spoiled.
Step 2: Crush the Grapes
Place the washed grapes into a large saucepan or pot. Use a potato masher, fork, or your hands to gently crush the grapes. This action helps release the juices, enhancing the flavor.
Step 3: Add Sugar
Once the grapes are crushed, pour the premium-grade granulated sugar over them in the saucepan.
Step 4: Mix Well
Stir the sugar and crushed grapes together until the sugar starts to dissolve. Ensure that the sugar is thoroughly combined with the grapes for an even sweetness.
Step 5: Let it Rest
Allow the mixture to sit for about 10-15 minutes. This resting period allows the sugar to further dissolve and integrate with the grape juices.
Step 6: Add Water
After the resting period, pour 1 tablespoon of filtered spring water into the mixture to facilitate the cooking process.
Step 7: Cook the Mixture
Place the saucepan or pot on the stove over medium heat. Stir the mixture occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Step 8: Bring to a Boil
Once the mixture is on the stove, bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer.
Step 9: Simmer and Stir
Let the mixture simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally. Skim off any foam that forms on the surface during this process.
Step 10: Cook Until Thickened
Continue simmering and stirring the mixture for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. Over time, the mixture will reduce and thicken to a jam-like consistency.
Step 11: Check for Setting Point
To determine if the Grapelade has reached the desired consistency, perform a setting point test. Place a small amount on a chilled plate, let it cool briefly, then push your finger through it. If it wrinkles and holds its shape, it has reached the setting point.
Step 12: Cool and Store
Once the Grapelade has thickened adequately, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Transfer the Grapelade into clean, sterilized jars, and seal them properly.
Step 13: Storage
Store the sealed jars of Grapelade in a cool, dry place. For short-term use, refrigerate. If intending to store for longer periods, consider proper canning procedures for extended shelf life.
Tips
Making Grapelade is easy and can be done in a few simple steps. Here are some tips to help you get the best results:
– Use fresh grapes for the best flavor.
– Use ripe grapes for the sweetest flavor.
– Adjust the sugar and lemon juice to your desired level of sweetness and tartness.
– For a smoother texture, strain the puréed mixture before transferring it to a jar or container.
– The grapelade will keep in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Nutrition Information
Grapelade is a healthy and delicious snack or topping. One tablespoon of Grapelade contains approximately 15 calories and 3 grams of sugar.
What to Serve with Grapelade Recipe?
Grapelade is a versatile topping that can be used in a variety of ways. Here are some suggestions for what to serve with Grapelade:
– Toast
– Scones
– Crostini
– Tartlets
– Ice cream
– Cheesecake
– Yogurt
– Fruit salads
– Oatmeal
– Pancakes
How to Store Leftover Grapelade?
Leftover Grapelade can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Be sure to label the container with the date so you know when it was made.
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Grapelade?
If you don’t have the ingredients for Grapelade, there are a few other options that can be used to achieve a similar flavor and texture. Here are some substitutes that can be used in Grapelade recipe:
– Strawberry Jam: Strawberry jam can be used as a substitute for Grapelade. It will add a hint of sweetness and a subtle fruity flavor.
– Orange Marmalade: Orange marmalade can be used as a substitute for Grapelade. It will add a hint of citrus flavor and sweetness.
– Cranberry Sauce: Cranberry sauce can be used as a substitute for Grapelade. It will add a hint of tartness and sweetness.
– Honey: Honey can be used as a substitute for Grapelade. It will add a hint of sweetness and a subtle floral flavor.
– Maple Syrup: Maple syrup can be used as a substitute for Grapelade. It will add a hint of sweetness and a subtle earthy flavor.
Grapelade Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon filtered spring water
- 1/2 quart freshly picked and washed grapes stemmed
- 1/2 quart premium-grade granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Grapes Start by washing the grapes thoroughly under running water. Remove the stems and discard any damaged or spoiled grapes.
- Crush the Grapes Place the washed grapes in a large saucepan or pot. Use a potato masher, fork, or your hands to crush the grapes to release their juices. This step helps in extracting flavors.
- Add Sugar Pour the premium-grade granulated sugar over the crushed grapes in the saucepan.
- Mix Well Stir the sugar and crushed grapes together until the sugar starts to dissolve. Ensure that the sugar is well combined with the grapes.
- Let it Rest Allow the mixture to sit for about 10-15 minutes. This time allows the sugar to further dissolve and mix with the grape juices.
- Add Water After the resting period, pour 1 tablespoon of filtered spring water into the mixture.
- Cook the Mixture Place the saucepan or pot on the stove over medium heat. Stir the mixture occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Bring to a Boil Bring the grape and sugar mixture to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Simmer and Stir Let the mixture simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally. Skim off any foam that forms on the surface.
- Cook Until Thickened Continue simmering and stirring the mixture for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until it thickens to a jam-like consistency. The mixture will reduce and become thicker as it cooks.
- Check for Setting Point: To test if the Grapelade has reached the desired consistency, place a small amount on a chilled plate. Let it cool for a moment, then push your finger through it. If it wrinkles and holds its shape, it has reached the setting point.
- Cool and Store Once the Grapelade reaches the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Transfer the Grapelade into clean, sterilized jars, and seal them properly.
- Storage Store the sealed jars of Grapelade in a cool, dry place. It can be stored in the refrigerator for shorter-term use or processed for longer shelf life following proper canning procedures
Notes
- – Use fresh grapes for the best flavor.
- – Use ripe grapes for the sweetest flavor.
- – Adjust the sugar and lemon juice to your desired level of sweetness and tartness.
- – For a smoother texture, strain the puréed mixture before transferring it to a jar or container.
- – The grapelade will keep in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make Grapelade without sugar?
A1. Yes, you can make Grapelade without sugar. Simply omit the sugar from the recipe and use a sweetener of your choice, such as honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar.
Q2: What other fruits can I use in Grapelade?
A2. In addition to grapes, you can also use other fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries.
Q3: Can I freeze Grapelade?
A3. Yes, you can freeze Grapelade. Simply transfer the Grapelade to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months.
Q4: How long does Grapelade last in the refrigerator?
A4. Grapelade will last in the refrigerator for up to one week. Be sure to store the Grapelade in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Q5: Can I use frozen grapes to make Grapelade?
A5. Yes, you can use frozen grapes to make Grapelade. Simply thaw the grapes before using them in the recipe.
Q6: Can I make Grapelade in advance?
A6. Yes, you can make Grapelade in advance. Simply prepare the Grapelade and store it in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Q7: Can I use Grapelade as a cake filling?
A7. Yes, Grapelade can be used as a cake filling. Simply spread the Grapelade between the layers of a cake or use it as a topping.
Conclusion
Grapelade is a delicious French-inspired recipe that is perfect for when you are looking to treat yourself to a sweet and fruity treat. It is easy to make and can be prepared in a variety of ways.
This recipe combines the sweetness of grapes and the tartness of lemon to make a delightful spread for toast, scones, or crostini. Making Grapelade is easy and requires only a few ingredients. Once the mixture has been puréed, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Grapelade can be used as a topping for toast, scones, crostini, tartlets, and cakes. It can also be used as a filling for cakes, or as a topping for ice cream, cheesecake, yogurt, and oatmeal. Grapelade is a healthy and delicious snack or topping. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can make your own Grapelade at home.
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
