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Are you looking for a sophisticated dessert that will impress your dinner guests? Look no further than this Grapes in Port Wine Sauce recipe. Combining the rich flavors of Port wine with the sweetness of grapes, this dish is sure to delight even the most discerning palates.

But why stop at dessert? This versatile recipe can be paired with a variety of dishes to add an unexpected twist to your meal. Whether served alongside seared duck breast or as a topping for a decadent foie gras port wine reduction, these grapes in port wine sauce are sure to elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a complex and indulgent dish that celebrates the fall harvest and highlights the unique flavors of grape varieties. So why wait? Add this delicious recipe to your repertoire today and experience the perfect marriage of fruit and wine in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Grapes in Port Wine Sauce
Grapes in Port Wine Sauce

This recipe for Grapes in Port Wine Sauce is an absolute must-try for all wine and food enthusiasts out there. Not only is it incredibly simple to make, but the flavors and textures of this dish are truly a match made in heaven.

One of the best things about this recipe is the use of port wine as the star ingredient in the sauce. Port is a fortified wine that is packed with rich and robust flavors, such as red fruit, spices, and chocolate. When cooked down with honey, orange peel, and a cinnamon stick, it creates a sweet and tangy sauce that perfectly complements the juicy bursts of flavor from the grapes.

Speaking of grapes, this recipe uses both red and black varieties, halved and simmered in the wine sauce until they become plump and tender. The combination of these fall fruits with the rich flavors of port makes for a truly decadent dish that can be served as a dessert or paired with savory meat dishes.

In addition to being delicious, this recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can use it as a topping for vanilla ice cream or yogurt or even drizzled over seared duck breast or sautéed foie gras. It pairs exceptionally well with green beans and mushroom sauce for a show-stopping side dish at your next dinner party.

Finally, this recipe is perfect for those who love to experiment with different types of wine. The sauce can be made using ruby port or tawny port, giving you the chance to explore different grape varieties and see which ones work best with the grape-port combination.

So why should you give this recipe a try? Well, if you’re someone who loves bold flavors and unique combinations, look no further. This grapes in port wine sauce recipe is sure to impress your taste buds and leave a lasting impression on anyone lucky enough to try it.

Ingredient List

 Juicy seedless grapes swimming in a sweet and velvety Port wine sauce.
Juicy seedless grapes swimming in a sweet and velvety Port wine sauce.

Below is a list of ingredients needed to make grapes in port wine sauce recipe:

  • 3 cups halved red and black grapes (1 pound)
  • 1 cup port wine
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 cinnamon stick (2 inch)
  • 1 strip orange peel (1/2 inch)

For the port wine reduction:

  • 1 cup port wine (250 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Optional ingredients for serving and pairing:

  • Seared duck breast, roasted grape and port wine sauce made with foie gras
  • Sautéed foie gras, mushroom sauce and green beans
  • Roast duck or goose liver with demi-glace
  • A variety of fall fruits such as figs, pears, or apples
  • Red wine such as Touriga Franca or a ruby or tawny Port

Note: salt, pepper, olive oil (medium), sugar (1/8 teaspoon) might be needed to season the dish accordingly.

The Recipe How-To

 One taste and you'll be transported to the rolling hills of Portugal's Douro Valley.
One taste and you’ll be transported to the rolling hills of Portugal’s Douro Valley.

Now that you know all the ingredients, it’s time to bring this recipe to life. Follow these easy steps to create your own grapes in port wine sauce:

Step 1: Prep the Grapes

Take three cups of halved red and black grapes and remove any seeds. Rinse them well in cold water then pat dry.

Step 2: Make the Port Wine Sauce

In a medium saucepan over high heat, stir together one cup of port wine, the peel from one orange, one cinnamon stick, and one tablespoon of honey. Let it come to a boil then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until it thickens.

Step 3: Cook the Grapes

Add the grapes to the pot and stir them well so they’re coated with the port wine sauce. Continue cooking on low heat for about five minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Transfer the grapes and sauce to a serving dish and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Grapes in port wine sauce can be served either warm or at room temperature. This dish is perfect for dessert or served as an appetizer with some seared duck breast or foie gras.

Bon appétit!

Substitutions and Variations

 An elegant dessert that's easy to make and will impress all of your dinner guests.
An elegant dessert that’s easy to make and will impress all of your dinner guests.

The beauty of this Grapes in Port Wine Sauce recipe is that it allows for some variations and substitutions to suit your taste. Here are some ideas:

– Wine: If you don’t have any port wine at home or simply don’t like its taste, you can always use other types of wine instead. A good substitute for port would be a ruby or tawny port, which are similar but less sweet. You could also try using a red wine, such as Touriga Franca, to keep the grapes in the sauce company.

– Fruit: While the recipe recommends using halved red and black grapes for this dish, you can experiment with other fall fruits to add more complexity to the flavors. Pears, apples or cranberries would be great choices.

– Sweetener: The recipe calls for honey to give a natural sweetness to the sauce. But if you prefer something else, feel free to use sugar or maple syrup instead.

– Spices: The addition of cinnamon and orange peel is what gives the sauce an exotic touch. However, you can include other spices such as nutmeg, cloves or allspice for a different flavor note.

– Meat: This dish pairs beautifully with seared duck breast, roasted goose liver or sautéed foie gras. Alternatively, you could serve it with green beans or mushroom sauce as a vegetarian option.

Playing around with these substitutions can create a new twist on the classic Grapes in Port Wine Sauce recipe that suits your palate best. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Serving and Pairing

 These grapes in Port wine sauce are like candy for adults.
These grapes in Port wine sauce are like candy for adults.

The tender and juicy grapes in port wine sauce recipe are a delightful treat for any occasion. The wine sauce brings out the flavors of the grapes, adding a rich, sweet flavor and a touch of acidity. This dish is perfect as an appetizer or dessert or as an accompaniment to your main course.

Pairing this dish with a crisp green salad with a tangy dressing will balance out the sweetness of the port wine sauce. The addition of some seared duck breast perfectly complements the rich and bold flavors of the port wine sauce. The combination of savory and sweet will take your taste buds on a flavor journey you won’t forget.

If you’re feeling adventurous, serve this dish as a side for roasted meats like beef or lamb, bringing out the best in both flavors. Or pair it with sautéed foie gras for an indulgent meal that’s sure to impress your guests. For vegetarians, try pairing it with roasted vegetables like mushrooms, asparagus or Brussels sprouts.

When choosing which wine to pair with this dish, keep in mind that using the same type of wine in the sauce can be too much flavor on one plate. Instead, opt for lighter red wines like Pinot Noir, Syrah or Grenache. If you prefer white wine, Chardonnay is an excellent choice.

No matter how you choose to serve this grape in port wine sauce recipe, one thing is certain- it will be enjoyed by all. This delicious recipe has everything from fall fruits and cinnamon to the luscious port wine reduction mixed with honey and orange peel to create an impeccable sweet and sour flavor that will leave your guests craving more.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

 A beautiful and colorful dessert that's perfect for entertaining or just treating yourself.
A beautiful and colorful dessert that’s perfect for entertaining or just treating yourself.

This recipe for grapes in port wine sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days before reheating. To make this recipe ahead, simply follow the instructions as directed, then store the grapes and their sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

When reheating, gently warm the grapes and port wine sauce over medium-low heat on the stove. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent the sauce from burning or sticking to the pan. If you find that the sauce has thickened too much upon reheating, you can add a small amount of water or chicken broth to thin it out.

It’s worth noting that this dish is best served fresh, so if possible, I’d recommend making it right before serving. However, if you need to make it ahead of time, storing it properly and reheating it gently will help maintain its flavors and texture.

Tips for Perfect Results

To get the best experience with this recipe, here are some tips that can help you achieve perfect results:

Firstly, make sure to use good quality port wine. The sauce is made primarily from port wine, so it’s important to use a good one as it will have a major impact on the sauce’s overall flavor. Ruby port or tawny port would be excellent choices for this recipe.

Next, when making the wine reduction for the sauce, make sure to keep an eye on it closely. Over-reducing the wine can cause the sauce to become too thick and overpowering, losing its balance of flavor.

When selecting grapes for this recipe, opt for red or black grapes as they offer a stronger flavor that pairs well with the port wine sauce. Make sure the grapes are fresh and firm before using them.

If you’re serving this dish alongside meat, such as seared duck breast or roast duck, consider making a mushroom sauce to complement it well. Or, if you’re serving it with foie gras or goose liver, a demi-glace would be an excellent accompaniment.

For a lighter meal option, serve it with green beans sautéed in olive oil and garlic. The earthy flavors from the beans pair beautifully with the rich sweetness of the grapes.

Finally, if using this recipe to impress your guests or for a special occasion dinner party, presentation is key! You can add some sliced grapes on top of each serving and garnish with cinnamon sticks or orange peel to make it visually stunning.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to create an amazing dish that highlights the flavors of fall fruits and creates a memorable dining experience.

FAQ

Now let’s move on to the FAQ section where I’ll answer some of the common questions that might come up as you prepare this delightful grapes in port wine sauce recipe.

What is port wine sauce made of?

In a generously sized saucepan, start by heating up some oil under high temperature. Toss in some shallots, garlic, salt, as well as pepper and cook them for a minute. After that, incorporate a sprinkle of sugar along with a generous amount of port. Bring everything to a boil and give it roughly three minutes to cook. Finish things off by pouring in some stock and cooking it over high heat for around 20 minutes or until it has condensed and is thick enough to cover the back of a spoon.

How to make sauce out of grapes?

Begin by cleaning the grapes and placing them in a container with water on a stove set to medium-low heat. After cooling, use a mixer or blender to create a velvety puree by combining the grapes and water. Finally, thoroughly filter the mixture.

What grapes are used to make Port?

When it comes to creating Ports with a red wine base, there are several grape varieties that are commonly used. These include Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz (also known as Tempranillo), Tinta Cão, Tinta Barroca, and Touriga Franca. Among these, Touriga Franca is the most commonly cultivated grape variety due to its ease of growth.

What sauce is made from grapes?

Creating a scrumptious grape compote requires minimal effort. Combining sugar, grapes, lemon juice, and water and cooking until the grapes soften into a delectable sauce is all there is to it. Whether you favor red or green grapes, the possibilities for utilizing this sauce are endless.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, this grapes in port wine sauce recipe is the perfect way to impress guests at a dinner party or to treat yourself to a luxurious dessert. The use of port wine adds complexity and depth to the sauce, while the cinnamon stick and orange peel provide a warm and comforting spice. The honey gives a little sweetness that complements the richness of the grapes perfectly.

Although this recipe is perfect on its own, it can also be paired with other dishes or wines for a truly unique culinary experience. From seared foie gras to roasted duck breast, this sauce can elevate any dish to an entirely new level. And when paired with a good Ruby Port or Tawny Port, the flavors will meld together to create something truly magical.

In addition, this recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to make substitutions and variations based on your personal tastes and preferences. Whether you prefer red or black grapes, or want to add your own personal touch with some green beans or mushrooms, this recipe can easily accommodate your desires.

Overall, I highly recommend giving this grapes in port wine sauce recipe a try. With its rich flavors and easy-to-follow instructions, you won’t be disappointed. So why wait? Grab a bottle of Port Wine and start cooking up something special tonight!

Grapes in Port Wine Sauce

Grapes in Port Wine Sauce Recipe

During fall and holiday entertaining, desserts often command the spotlight. For inspiration, use the beautiful, vibrant colours of autumn to inspire unique desserts.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine Portuguese
Calories 125.7 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup port wine
  • 1 (2 inch) 1/2-inch strip orange peel
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 3 cups seedless california grapes

Instructions
 

  • Combine wine, orange peel, cinnamon stick and honey in a saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve honey. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until liquid is reduced to about 1/3 cup (80ml), about 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Using a slotted spoon, remove the orange peel and cinnamon stick and discard. Stir in grapes. Allow to sit, stirring occasionally, for at least an hour or up to two hours at room temperature, or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days.
  • Serve over ice cream, frozen yogurt or in a small dish on its own, with biscotti.

Add Your Own Notes

Nutrition

Serving: 118gCalories: 125.7kcalCarbohydrates: 21.9gProtein: 0.6gFat: 0.1gSodium: 5.2mgFiber: 0.7gSugar: 17.6g
Keyword < 30 Mins, Dessert, Easy
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