Vineyard Treat

The vineyard down the road has a fragrance that cannot be ignored. When walking past it on a "walk around the block" its sweet fragrance fills the air and a sweet grape or two just has to be sampled. Sweet grapes on vine and autumn go hand in hand. They are delicious out of hand or made into a recipe that you enjoy. Dried grapes last year around and go by the name "raisins". The sweetness lasts and lasts when grapes are preserved in this simple way. Have you ever had raisin pie? Here's a recipe that's full of wonderful nutrition and natural sweeteners. The essence of 'all things grape' shines through in this delicious dish! Enjoy!

Autumnal Raisin Pie

1 1/2 cups raisins
1 1/2 cups grape juice
sprinkle of salt

2/3 cup grape juice
2/3 cup raisins
1 tsp. lemon juice
2 Tbsp. cornstarch

In a saucepan, cook the raisins, grape juice and salt until the raisins are plump. In a blender, blend the additional raisins, grape and lemon juices. Add mixtures together, add cornstarch and continue stirring until thickened. Cool and add to cooled baked pie crusts. Keep in refrigerator until served.

Note: Instead of grape juice, you can use apple juice.