Spiced And Spiked Concord Grape Punch Food

SPICED HARD CIDER PUNCH

Steps:

• Place the hot water in a small stainless steel saucepan and add the sugar, ginger, cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg to the pan. Bring to a boil, place a lid over the saucepan and reduce to a simmer. Continue to simmer until the flavors have married, about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat, strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a non-reactive bowl and allow to cool. Once cool, add the cider, applejack and brandy to the bowl. Stir to mix well and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, and up to 5 days. Serve in a small punch bowl with an ice mold, if desired, and garnish each glass with an apple slice.
• Place the hot water in a small stainless steel saucepan and add the sugar, ginger, cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg to the pan. Bring to a boil, place a lid over the saucepan and reduce to a simmer. Continue to simmer until the flavors have married, about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat, strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a non-reactive bowl and allow to cool. Once cool, add the cider, applejack and brandy to the bowl. Stir to mix well and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, and up to 5 days. Serve in a small punch bowl with an ice mold, if desired, and garnish each glass with an apple slice.

SPICED (AND SPIKED) CONCORD GRAPE PUNCH

Steps:

• Combine grape juice and spices in a large pot. Bring just to a simmer, then remove from heat and let stand, covered, 20 minutes. Strain through a fine sieve (discard solids), and chill. To serve, combine with simple syrup and vodka, if using. Serve over ice in a tall glass, and garnish with grapes.

SIMPLE SYRUP FOR SPICED (AND SPIKED) CONCORD GRAPE PUNCH

Steps:

• Bring 1 cup each sugar and water to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Boil 1 minute. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Syrup can be refrigerated up to 1 week in an airtight container.

SPICED CHICKEN AND GRAPE SKEWERS

Steps:

• Whisk together the oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, coriander, salt.
• Add chicken to marinade and toss to coat. Let marinate for 20 minutes at room temperature.
• While chicken is marinating, soak skewers in water if wooden.
• Thread 4 pieces of chicken and 4 grapes onto each skewer, alternating with each piece.
• Spray a grill pan or outdoor grill with cooking spray (or wipe down with an oiled paper towel) and preheat to med-high heat.
• Grill the chicken until cooked through, about 3-4 minutes a side. Sprinkle with mint and serve with lemon or orange wedges.

SPICED GRAPES

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients except grapes in a small saucepan and boil for two to three minutes.
• Pierce each grape two to three times with a sharp skewer or toothpick.
• Place grapes in a small bowl and cover with the syrup mixture.
• Refrigerate for 24 to 36 hours.
• Serve with cheese or nuts.

GRAPE PUNCH

Steps:

• In a large punch bowl or pitcher, combine the juices; mix well. Stir in soda just before serving.