(Family Features) Celebrations abound throughout summer, and if you plan on hosting your nearest and dearest for events large and small, you’ll need a tasty, convenient ingredient to elevate your entertaining all summer long. When that one ingredient also serves as a healthy, refreshing snack on its own, it’s a win-win.

Delicious, healthy and versatile, Grapes from California can be that special ingredient and pleasing snack. In recipes, grapes deliver sweet-tart flavor and crisp, juicy texture to appetizers, main courses, drinks, desserts and beyond. These recipes show the myriad ways this bite-sized fruit can bring out the best in warm-weather fare: a tasty frozen treat, a chic cocktail and a flavorful Southwestern-inspired salad that each add a special touch to any gathering.  

In fact, while grapes complement a wide array of flavors – including sweet, sour, salty, spicy and smoky – that make them easy to use in recipes and serve alongside other foods, they’re also an ideal snack to serve by themselves. Grapes are inherently cool and refreshing, easily shareable and satisfying to eat.

Take your summer entertaining to new heights with additional recipe inspiration at GrapesFromCalifornia.com.

6 Ways to Chill Out with Grapes

Taking get-togethers, parties and celebrations outdoors during the summer months means frozen treats are essential. Consider these creative ways to use frozen grapes in your summer entertaining:

• Freeze grapes as they are – on or off the stem – for 2 hours for a healthy frozen treat.
• Ice cubes – frozen grapes offer a visually appealing (and delicious) replacement for plain ice cubes to help keep guests’ drinks cool.
• Swalty Frozen Grapes – these cold, sweet and spicy grapes rolled in honey, lime juice and spicy chili-lime seasoning are fun to eat.
• Wine-marinated frozen grapes – soak grapes in wine overnight then freeze for a festive, boozy bite.
• Frozen Yogurt Dipped Grapes – dip skewered grapes in yogurt then freeze for a mini, sweet-tart treat.
• Grape Sorbet – fresh grapes blend and freeze beautifully for a lovely frozen dessert.

Chocolate-Dipped Frozen Grape and Yogurt Clusters

Yield: 7 mounds

• 1 cup black Grapes from California, halved
• 3/4 cup plain nonfat vanilla Greek yogurt
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil

1. In medium bowl, combine grapes, yogurt and vanilla. Line 9-inch square metal baking pan with parchment paper then, using 1-ounce scoop, place mounds of grape-yogurt mixture on sheet. Freeze until set, about 3 hours, or overnight.
2. Place chopped chocolate in small, wide microwaveable bowl. Microwave 1 minute on medium power. Stir and repeat. Stir then microwave 30 seconds, repeating as needed until melted and smooth.
3. Stir in oil. Dip bottoms of frozen clusters in chocolate to coat and return to pan.
4. Store frozen clusters in airtight container in freezer up to 1 week.

Nutritional information per serving: 100 calories; 3 g protein; 12 g carbohydrates; 4.5 g fat (41% calories from fat); 2.5 g saturated fat (23% calories from saturated fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 10 mg sodium; 2 g fiber.

Southwest Charred Corn Salad with Grapes

Yield: 4 servings (6 cups)

• 2 large ears yellow corn on the cob, shucked
• 1/2 English cucumber, peeled, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise
• 1 cup large green and red Grapes from California, halved
• 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon fresh jalapeno, minced
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 teaspoons cider vinegar
• 3/4 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 avocado, diced 1/2 inch
• 1 ounce cotija cheese, crumbled
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves

1. Over open flame on stove, directly under broiler or on grill, char corn, turning with tongs as needed, until roasted all around, about 3 minutes. Set aside to cool.
2. In medium mixing bowl, combine cucumber, grapes, black beans, onion, jalapeno, olive oil, vinegar, cumin and salt; toss well.
3. Working with sharp knife in wide, shallow bowl or pie pan, cut corn from cobs. Stand ear of corn upright in bowl and cut from middle downward, rotating to cut down 4-5 times. Invert cob and repeat. Repeat with remaining cobs.
4. Add corn, avocado and cheese to bowl with grape-black bean mixture. Sprinkle with pepper, to taste, and top with cilantro; toss well.

Nutritional information per serving: 200 calories; 5 g protein; 24 g carbohydrates; 11 g fat (50% calories from fat); 2 g saturated fat (9% calories from saturated fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 160 mg sodium; 4 g fiber.

Lemongrass Grape Cocktail

Yield: 1 drink

Lemongrass Simple Syrup:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 3-4 stalks lemongrass, trimmed, halved, inner cores cut into 1-inch pieces, chopped

Cocktail:

• 1/2 cup cold Grapes from California
• 2 slices fresh ginger
• 1 cup ice
• 2 ounces vodka
• 1 1/2 ounces lemongrass simple syrup
• 1/2 ounce lime juice
• frozen Grapes from California, for garnish
• lemongrass stalk, trimmed, for garnish

1. To make lemongrass simple syrup: In heavy, small saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to simmer over medium heat. Stir until sugar is dissolved; add lemongrass pieces and simmer 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat. When cool, cover and refrigerate up to 2 weeks.
2. To make cocktail: In shaker, muddle cold grapes and ginger. Add ice, vodka, lemongrass simple syrup and lime juice; shake well. Pour into glass over ice and garnish with frozen grapes and lemongrass stalk.

Note: For mocktail, replace vodka with seltzer water.

Nutritional information per serving: 270 calories; 1 g protein; 37 g carbohydrates; 0 g fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 0 mg sodium; 1 g fiber.

 Source: California Table Grape Commission

(Family Features) When it comes to staying healthy, there is a natural emphasis on physical fitness. However, it’s important to know that nurturing and maintaining brain health is also important for leading a fulfilling life. 

The brain is the command center of the human body and as such, influences every aspect of life. Maintaining brain health requires providing it with nourishment, rest and healthy stimulation.

Consuming healthy, whole foods, including vegetables and fruits, such as grapes, can help establish a strong foundation for brain health. For example, grapes may help protect against metabolic decline in the brain associated with natural aging; in a human study of elderly subjects with mild cognitive decline, UCLA researchers found consuming 2 1/4 cups of grapes every day preserved healthy metabolic activity in regions of the brain associated with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, where metabolic decline takes hold. 

Adding grapes to your favorite healthy recipes, or enjoying them as a simple snack, helps support a healthy brain. Consider these additional ways to promote positive brain health from the experts at the Mayo Clinic.

Sleep Well
Health experts recommend aiming for at least seven hours of sleep per night. As noted by the Mayo Clinic, adequate sleep may help boost overall memory and brain health by giving the brain time to effectively consolidate memories.

Follow a Healthy Diet
Eating nutritiously benefits the body in many ways, including playing a role in brain health. Healthy eating plans like the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes plant-based foods, whole grains, fish, healthy fats, fruits and vegetables, are thought by experts to be especially beneficial. Recipes like Warm-Spiced Chickpeas and Couscous with Grapes and Arugula deliver an array of ingredients to support brain health in delicious ways. This recipe is also heart smart because what is good for the heart is also good for the brain.

Stay Social
Keep in touch with family and friends. According to health experts, including the Mayo Clinic, staying connected and interacting socially can help defend against depression and stress, which may contribute to memory loss.

Exercise Regularly
Staying physically active provides well-known benefits for the body, and exercising can also benefit the brain by increasing blood flow to it. Once your workout is over, turn to a post-workout snack like Grapes from California for an energy boost and natural hydration.

Keep Your Mind Active
Like muscles throughout your body, the brain should be used continuously to strengthen it. With nearly endless ways to stimulate the mind, there’s something for everyone to keep their brains in shape from crossword or jigsaw puzzles to reading, learning a new language, playing cards or conquering sudoku.

To find more information about the connection between grapes and health, or discover nutritious recipes, visit GrapesfromCalifornia.com.

Warm-Spiced Chickpeas and Couscous with Grapes and Arugula

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional, to taste, divided
• 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 cup Israeli pearl couscous
• 3/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 can (15 ounces) no-salt-added chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained
• 1 cup red Grapes from California, halved
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 4 cups lightly packed baby arugula
• lemon wedges

1. In large saucepan over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion, cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt and allspice; cook, stirring, until onion is softened, about 3 minutes. Add couscous and stir 1 minute to toast lightly. Add turmeric and water; bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until couscous is tender, about 15 minutes.
2. Stir chickpeas, grapes and cilantro into couscous then season with salt and pepper, to taste. Transfer couscous-grape mixture to large bowl, add arugula and toss well. Serve warm or at room temperature with lemon wedges.

Nutritional information per serving: 370 calories; 12 g protein; 61 g carbohydrates; 9 g fat (17% calories from fat); 1 g saturated fat (2% calories from saturated fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 160 mg sodium; 8 g fiber.

Source: California Table Grape Commission

(Family Features) The elegance of the holidays starts at the table with meals, desserts and drinks shared among loved ones. This year, let grapes add easy elegance to seasonal recipes as a signature ingredient perfect for special occasions.

As a highly versatile addition to appetizers, snacks, main courses, sides and desserts, grapes are an essential ingredient to keep on hand. Thanks to their delicate sweetness and juicy texture, Grapes from California can be the star at the center of the meal in unique and tasty Braised Pork Chops with Spiced Honey and Grapes served with Spiked Grape Cider for a cozy adult beverage.

Finish the celebration by sharing Grape Basque-Style Cheesecake, where delicious, fresh grape juice is used in the cheesecake batter to lend natural sweetness and enhance flavor. Decorate the top with fresh, juicy grapes for a final festive touch.

Find more sweet ideas to celebrate the holidays at GrapesfromCalifornia.com.

A Sweet Party Starter

Set the stage for a delicious get-together by serving an easy, attractive appetizer like this Grape Party Tray with fresh grapes, prosciutto, cheeses, pistachios and more holiday favorites. Grapes are easy to include as they offer variety – different colors, shapes, sizes and textures – which makes them an ideal healthy snack or ingredient in tasty recipes.

Braised Pork Chops with Spiced Honey and Grapes

Servings: 4

• 4 thick pork chops (about 3 pounds)
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
• 1 1/2 cups whole red or black Grapes from California
• 1/3 cup honey
• 2 small cinnamon sticks, broken
• 3-5 whole cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon dried ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 325 F.
2. Heat heavy, lidded saute pan or casserole dish over medium-high heat. Dust pork chops with flour and brown slowly in melted butter. Do not let flour burn.
3. Remove pan from heat and add grapes, honey, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, salt and pepper. Cover and place in oven. Braise slowly 50-60 minutes, or until pork is tender. Remove pork from pan and keep warm. Skim pan sauce of excess fat. Arrange pork chops on serving platter, spoon with sauce and sprinkle with chopped mint, if desired.

Nutritional information per serving: 569 calories; 54 g protein; 41 g carbohydrates; 21 g fat (33% calories from fat); 9 g saturated fat (14% calories from saturated fat); 33% calories from fat; 165 mg cholesterol; 407 mg sodium; 1.6 g fiber.

Grape Basque-Style Cheesecake

Prep time: 15 minutes, plus cooling and chilling
Bake time: 40 minutes
Servings: 12

• 2 cups green Grapes from California, divided
• 1/4 cup, plus 2/3 cup, granulated sugar, divided
• 2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 large pinches kosher salt
• 21 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 cup cold heavy cream
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 tablespoons orange-flavored liqueur (optional)

1. Heat oven to 425 F with rack in center. Use 12-by-16-inch sheet of parchment paper to line 9-inch springform pan in center. Press paper into bottom edge of pan and flatten creases around sides. Place pan on shallow baking sheet.
2. In mini blender or food processor, blend 1 cup grapes, 1/4 cup sugar, cornstarch and salt on high until smooth, about 1 minute.
3. In bowl of electric mixer fitted with paddle, beat cream cheese and remaining sugar until fluffy, 1-2 minutes. With mixer on medium speed, gradually pour in heavy cream; scrape down and beat on high speed until mixture resembles soft whipped cream, about 1 minute. Beat in eggs, one at a time, scraping down between additions. At medium speed, gradually add grape puree mixture; scrape and mix until well blended, 1 minute.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan, transfer to oven and bake 38-40 minutes until cake is puffed and top is caramel brown. Cracks will appear around edges and cake will be wobbly when touched gently with finger. Set cake pan on baking sheet on rack to cool. Cake will sink to half its height. Cool to room temperature, 1-2 hours, then refrigerate uncovered. Do not unmold cake from pan until well chilled, at least 5 hours or overnight.
5. Slice remaining grapes in halves or rounds. In small bowl, combine grapes with orange liqueur, if desired, and set aside.
6. When ready to serve, remove side of pan. Carefully pull creased parchment away from side of cheesecake then transfer to serving platter by peeling parchment away from bottom of cake and underneath pan while gently tugging cake toward platter and off parchment.
7. Garnish top of cheesecake with grape-liqueur mixture, if desired, or fresh grapes. Cut cake into wedges with thin, sharp knife.
8. Note: Cheesecake can be made up to 2 days ahead. Once cake is well chilled, cover pan with plastic wrap until ready to serve

Nutritional information per serving: 350 calories; 6 g protein; 25 g carbohydrates; 26 g fat (67% calories from fat); 15 g saturated fat (39% calories from saturated fat); 135 mg cholesterol; 200 mg sodium; 0 g fiber.

Hot Spiked Grape Cider

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: about 1 hour
Servings: 4

• 5 cups red Grapes from California, plus additional for garnish, divided
• 3 cups water
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 star anise (optional)
• 1 large navel orange
• 6 ounces amber rum

1. In large saucepan, combine 5 cups grapes with water, honey, cinnamon and star anise, if desired. Bring mixture to boil over medium-high heat, reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until grapes are tender, 50-60 minutes. Let cool 15 minutes.
2. Lay medium mesh strainer over bowl and pour grape mixture through. Gently press on solids to remove juice from fruit for about 2 cups grape cider.
3. With peeler, peel off large strip orange zest and add to warm juice. Let cool, cover and refrigerate.
4. When ready to serve, gently warm cider over medium heat. Pour 1/2 cup cider into each cup. Add 1 1/2 ounces rum and garnish with twist of orange and small skewer of grapes.

Nutritional information per serving: 170 calories; 0 g protein; 18 g carbohydrates; 0 g fat (0% calories from fat); 0 g saturated fat (0% calories from saturated fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 5 mg sodium; 0 g fiber.

Source: California Table Grape Commission