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Do We Really Need a Grape/Apple Hybrid?

YumSugar — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 10:48:39 -0800

I've seen Grapples - grape-flavored apples - in the store for a few years, and FitSugar actually wrote about them last year, but I'd never actually tried one before. I've kinda been snobby about it and thought they were ridiculous. However, recently, a friend of mine became addicted to them. She swears they're fantastic, so I figured it was time to file away my skepticism and give it a try.

Grapples are created by infusing Washington Extra-Fancy Fuji apples in concentrated grape juice, natural and artificial, but let me tell you it smells awfully artificial - like grape flavoring and water. Old reviews say that it's done by soaking, however the Grapple website now says it's a complex patent-pending process. When you take them out of their plastic packages, you can smell them from a mile away, and it's actually quite distracting. The smell is overly sweet, like wet-grape candy.

So how do they taste? They're actually not bad, but that's mostly because they taste like apples. The grape flavor is there, however it's overly sweet and reminds me of grape candy more than actual Concord grapes. They're also quite pricey for what they are - four apples were around $5. The good part about them is that since they do taste like candy, it felt more like a dessert or a treat, and definitely curbed my need for something sweet in the evening. The best part was that, like other apples, they're only around 80 calories each.

Would I buy them again? Probably not, although I can see where folks might really like them - after all this started because I know someone who is hooked on them. Also, I really am wondering what a baked good made with them would taste like. Grapple pie anyone?

Fab Finds of the Week: Going Grape

FabSugar — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 03:00:33 -0700

The color of the moment has definitely got you all going grape! This week, you were bonkers for the royal hue and your Fab Finds showed it! Grape fitted dresses, grape blazers, and even grape ballet flats were all present. It all definitely puts me in the mood for a nice long swig of an old fashioned grape soda...

The Fab Finder of the week is alillee, who found this urban-chic woven bag. Every week the Fab Finder I announce Monday morning will receive either a TeamSugar or FabSugar baby tee shirt. I thoroughly enjoy perusing your Fab Finds every week, so dare to be a Fab Finding trendsetter and you just might win a Sugar tee!

Forever21.com - Product C4	Diane von Furstenberg 'Anka' Ponte Knit Dress - Breathtaking Apparel - Nordstrom.com
Plastic Island 1 Button Blazer - SHOPINTUITION	French Connection Pleated Neck Silk Top - Breathtaking Apparel - Nordstrom.com
Tory Burch All Over Sequin Tunic	FULL TILT Womens Pointelle Henley - Plum
Simply Vera Vera Wang Demitazza Jeweled Satin Ballet Flats $41.99	Refinery29 Shops :: Women :: Clothing :: Dresses :: Layered Dress in Lavender

Forever 21 Basketweave Hobo, found by alillee.
Diane von Furstenberg Anka Ponte Knit Dress, found by lydia holmes.
Plastic Island 1 Button Blazer, found by afternoonair.
French Connection Pleated Neck Silk Top, found by lydia holmes.
Tory Burch All Over Sequin Tunic, found by CandyCaneJane.
Full Tilt Plum Pointelle Henley, found by Prangie.
Simply Vera Vera Wang Demitazza Jeweled Satin Ballet Flats, found by nikkeeb.
Cameo Lavender Layered Dress, found by nikkeeb.

Guess Whether the Grape's Red or White!

YumSugar — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 06:50:58 -0700

Not so long ago, well-known grapes like Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon were the only varietals that could be found in wine stores and cellars across the country. Not today: from Viognier to Fumé Blanc, grocery stores have been flooded with lesser-known grape varieties that are slowly yet surely rising to prominence.

Since many of you seemed to score high marks on my first grape quiz, I thought I'd test you with another round. I'll start by testing you on the most elemental classification: whether these up-and-coming varieties are red or white grapes. Is your best guess really that educated? You'll know when you keep reading.

Take the quiz

Guess Whether the Grape's Red or White!

YumSugar — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 03:30:24 -0700

A decade ago, wine aisles across America were stocked primarily with well-known varietals like Chardonnay, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc. Not today.

From Viognier to Fumé Blanc to Grenache Rosé, grocery stores are flooded with distinctive grape varieties that are lesser known yet slowly becoming more prominent. Do you know anything about them?

I'll start by testing you on the most elemental classification: whether these up-and-coming varieties are red or white grapes. How educated is your best guess? Find out when you take this quiz!

Take the quiz

How To: D.I.Y. Spa Treatment - Great Grape Mask

BellaSugar — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 13:42:33 -0700

Here's a treat for those of you who are looking to save a little moolah, but don't want to skimp on your oh so necessary spa indulgences. This is a great do it yourself at home recipe for a quick pick me up grape face masque for under $5. All you need is a pestle and mortar (or a mini Cuisinart) and about two handfuls of red seedless grapes.

Grapes are a well known antioxidant that contain a natural ingredient called pycnogenol which is a skin purifier that helps to deep clean, tighten and refine the tone of your skin.

If your face is lookin' a little tired and you'd like to pep it up, use your fridge for a fast, easy and inexpensive instant fix.

Mash the grapes up good so that they are very fine - almost like a paste.
Use a paintbrush (one that's never been used preferably) with soft bristles and paint your entire face (stay away from your eyes) with the grapes.
Next, lie down for ten minutes and let nature do its thing.
Rinse off with cool water, pat dry and follow with your favorite moisturizer.

For more D.I.Y. ideas from FitSugar click here.

Source

Apple and Grape Juice Prevents Clogged Arteries

FitSugar — Thu, 22 May 2008 12:00:00 -0700

In general, I say it is better to eat fruit than to drink juice. Recent research, though, has found that some juices are better than actual fruit for preventing clogged arteries, which lead to heart disease. Well, at least this is true for hamsters.

Eating and drinking the juice of both grapes and apples can help prevent arteries from clogging. A team from The University of Montpellier tested these fruits and juices on hamsters while feeding them a high fat diet. They discovered that compared to those only given water, the hamsters that consumed fruit or fruit juice had lower levels of cholesterol and less fat accumulating in their arteries. To see which juice was most beneficial and in what quantity read more.

Purple grape juice was the most beneficial (it contains the highest amount of phenols, an antioxidant), followed by purple grapes, apple juice, and then apples. The only bad news is you'd have to eat three apples, three bunches of grapes, or four glasses of fruit juice a day to reap the benefits. Also, there was no info about whether or not these fruits and juices had any effect on existing clogged arteries.

Source

Introducing Baby Kiwi!

YumSugar — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 05:18:19 -0700

Last year I was at my local Trader Joe's when I noticed containers of something called "kiwi grapes." I'd never heard of such a thing, so naturally I picked them up. They were small grape-sized fruits which were delicious and tart, sort of like regular kiwi, but sweeter and with a smooth, edible skin. Needless to say, I fell in love and wanted to eat them over and over again. Unfortunately by the time I went back to get more, they were gone!

For a year I've been talking to people about these delicious fruits and was excited to head into Trader Joe's today and find them waiting there. This time they were labeled "baby kiwi," but they were definitely the same thing. I snatched up three baskets and already devoured one. If you can find them near you - I've heard of people spotting them in Whole Foods and other markets like that - I highly suggest you check them out. If you fall in love with them like I did, you'll be happy to know that they're actually available twice a year. In the Spring they're imported from New Zealand and in the Fall they come from Oregon. And if you find yourself pining for them in the between seasons, don't say I didn't warn you.

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Fast & Easy Dinner: Taleggio Tartines With Watercress Salad

partysugar — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 12:50:58 -0700

Although a tartine is an open-faced French sandwich, this tartine recipe employs taleggio, a gooey Italian cheese. Taleggio smells stronger than it tastes and pairs well with fruit and bitter greens - in this case grapes and watercress. A quick vinaigrette combines grainy mustard with sherry vinegar and agave syrup. Don't skip the step that steeps the red onion in the vinaigrette because it gives the onion a slightly pickled flavor. To look at the recipe, read more.

Taleggio Tartines With Watercress Salad
From Vegetarian Times

Ingredients

Vinaigrette
2 1/4 tsp. sherry vinegar
1/4 tsp. whole-grain mustard
1/4 tsp. agave syrup
1Tbs. olive oil
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
Tartines
3 oz. Taleggio cheese
41/2-inch-thick slices walnut bread, lightly toasted
4 cups watercress or arugula
1 cup red seedless grapes, halved

Directions

To make Vinaigrette: Whisk together vinegar, mustard, and agave syrup in small bowl. Whisk in oil, stir in red onion, and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Let stand 10 minutes.
To make Tartines: Preheat broiler. Spread 3 Tbs. cheese on each piece of toast, and broil 1 minute, or until cheese is melted.
Remove onion from Vinaigrette. Toss onion with watercress and grapes. Add 1 Tbs. Vinaigrette to salad, and toss to coat.
Top each bread slice with 1 1/4 cups salad, and serve.

Serves 4.

Print recipe with images | without images

Raisins vs. Grapes

FitSugar — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:00:11 -0700

They say you can't really compare apples and oranges, but what about grapes and raisins? I have often wondered how the dried version compares with its source.

When a fruit is dried, many of the nutrients become concentrated. According to the Berkeley Wellness Newsletter, ounce for ounce, raisins have almost three times the antioxidants as their grape counterparts. However, the amount of sugar is concentrated as well. Ounce for ounce, raisins also contain considerably more calories. A half cup of raisins contains 246 calories and the same amount of grapes contains only 31 calories. But once the portions of each are appropriately sized, as in the chart below, raisins and grapes hardly differ.

	Raisins 1 ounce	Grapes 1 cup
Calories	84	62
Fiber	1 g	1 g
Sugars	17 g	15 g
Potassium	6 %	5 %
Vitamin C	.6 mg	3.6 mg
Iron	.5 mg	.3 mg

I think it comes down to preference and season. I love grapes and eat them all Summer long, and in the Winter months add raisins to my oatmeal. What about you?

'Wich of the Week: Curry Chicken Salad on Flatbread

YumSugar — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:00:53 -0700

I love both tuna and chicken salad, but I don't like any sweet stuff encroaching on tuna. Chicken salad, on the other hand, is well-served by fruit and nuts. One of my favorite recipes is this curry-flavored version made with red grapes, green onions, and walnuts, which combine to make an exciting and exotic filling for Middle Eastern-style flatbreads or pita.Better yet, this chicken salad is actually healthy: it's made with nonfat yogurt and lowfat mayonnaise. With so many intense flavors, you won't miss the full-fat mayo. Though I forgot the lettuce the first go-round, I added it the second time I made these, and it provides a nice bit of texture. Check out more photos and get the recipe.