CONCORD GRAPE & LEMON ZEST POPSICLES

Concord grapes are finally here in NYC.  To me, they always signify the end of Summer and beginning of the Fall/Winter season.  Although people are already complaining about how cool it is in New York (I'm loving it), I know everyone feels revitalized by the back-to-school season.  There is an air of optimism about a new season, much like a new year.  It's a time to stop vacationing and get back to work (and we're all kind of relieved to do so).

I took note from my own concord grape lemonade and did a simple frozen dessert.  Although this recipe could not be simpler, the flavors are SO potent and seriously addicting.  Go grab some concords while you can and maybe some new No. 2 pencils while you're at it.

CONCORD GRAPE & LEMON ZEST POPSICLEs (gluten-free, vegan) Makes 6 popsicles

• 12 oz. concord grapes, rinsed
• 1/4 cup granulated or coconut sugar
• 1 large lemon, juice and zest

Add all ingredients to a food processor.  Pulse until combined well and pureed.  Drain mixture through a fine sieve into a medium size bowl.

Pour mixture carefully into popsicle molds.  Freeze for about 20 minutes, add wooden sticks, then continue freezing for 10-24 hours before eating.  

concord grape & blackberry LEMONADE

Since summer is actually over, and I'm starting to eat things like mushroom stuffed pumpkin, it's about time I posted my lemonade recipe. This post is long overdue, as my schedule seems to be more and more insane as the hours pass (but no excuses!). Regardless, this recipe was a special one I concocted for my trip to the gluten-free potluck in honor of Shauna and Danny's new book, The Gluten-free Girl & The Chef. 

I think this was my first official blog outing, which made me incredibly anxious, but I knew I would be safe in an environment based around Shauna. Hers was the first blog I ever read, after becoming gluten-intolerant (or...finding out). I read her book and cried, laughed, and sat in amazement at her writing and ability to share herself. I so admire that, being an incredibly private person myself. I've followed her ever since, and was excited by the idea to not only meet her, but to make something to share. As my concord grape obsession began with the summer season, I made a lemonade. 

Everyone I met there was amazing and it was great to connect with people about food.  I loved the event and I also love this concord grape lemonade for the end of a long Summer.

CONCORD & BLACKBERRY LEMONADE   Serves: 6-8

16 oz. fresh squeezed lemon juice
34 oz. filtered water
1 carton blackberries
1 carton concord grapes
1/4 cup brown rice syrup
1/3 agave or maple syrup
1/3 cup apple juice

1. Add concord grapes and blackberries to stove top and heat on low until they release their juices.
2. Strain through a sieve (use the leftover fruit as a compote). Set aside to cool.
3. In an extra large ball jar, combine lemon juice, water, syrups and apple juice. Mix well.
4. Add cooled blackberry & concord grape syrup. Add a few fresh concord grapes into glasses when you serve over ice.

In agave nectar, concord grape, lemon, maple syrup, blackberries, apple Tags lemonade, sides, drinks, simple snacks, summer, spring, autumn, concord grape, dairy-free, vegan

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