Drunken Grapes with Wine Poached Shrimp

Drunken Grapes with Wine Poached Shrimp

So many people loved my Drunken Grapes with Goat Cheese that I decided to get more grapes drunk and see what happened.  This time, I soaked the seedless yummies in a nice bright Smoking Loon Chardonnay.  

I'll admit some of the fun was popping a few of these while I decided what to do next.

 

With the rest of the white wine just sitting there staring at me, I was inspired to use it for poaching a few shrimps.  It was so easy, I'm almost embarrassed to put it into a recipe form, but I'm too food-nerdy to not do it.

 

 It probably doesn't come as a shock to find out that crisp Chardonnay, grapes, Herbs de Provence and large fresh lightly poached Shrimp are delicious together, right?

These are easily prepped ahead and chilled, making them perfect Spring, Summer and anytime party favorites.  Pour it, soak it, poach it and serve it, guys.  Party on with ya bad selves! :D

Recipe: Drunken Grapes with Wine Poached Shrimp-

1 bunch seedless grapes

1 bottle Chardonnay (or another light white wine)

1 Dozen large (21count,etc) Fresh frozen Tiger Shrimp in the shells

1 cup water

1 Tbls. Herbs De Provence (or mixture of dried basil, thyme, lavender, savory, fennel, etc)

**Optional - Fresh parsley, fennel fronds or dill chopped fine

1)  Put the picked grapes into a container and pour the wine to cover.  Let soak for at least 2 hours, or up to 3 days in the fridge.

2)  Pour the rest of the wine (at least 1-2 cups) into a deep saucepan or skillet, add the herbs and the water.

3) Bring to a boil, then immediately turn down the heat to a bare simmer, no rolling.  Add the shrimp and poach (below the boiling point) for about 3-5 minutes.  Drain the shrimp and chill.

4)  Peel the shrimp and assemble by putting one grape inside the curl of each shrimp and attach with an appetizer pick or skewer.

5)  Arrange on a bed of finely chopped fresh parsley, fennel fronds or dill.  Serve chilled or room temp.

Drunken Grapes with Wine Poached Shrimp by SHOWFOODCHEF~

Drunken Grapes

Here's a "Simple Saturday" recipe that is perfect for a quick party appetizer and can be casual or elegant depending on how you serve it. I'd caution against drinking during prep; You do want to be able to answer the door when your guests arrive, heh heh.

Drunken Grapes w/Goat Cheese
Recipe:

1 bunch seedless grapes (green, red, or globe)
1 Package of Goat Cheese
1/4 cup Pecans (toasted and chopped small)
2 cups (or more) Bourbon
*optional - dash of fresh grated nutmeg
Marinade the grapes in Bourbon for at least 6 hours, but up to 2 days

Roll the goat cheese into several balls about 1 inch in diameter
Roll the goat cheese balls in the toasted, chopped pecans (optional: that have been mixed with a dash of nutmeg)
On a small tray, heat the goat cheese pecan balls at 300F for about 3-5 minutes just til warm
Using garnish toothpicks, skewer one grape and then one warm goat cheese ball at a time, then place on a serving platter.



This simple appetizer is packed with flavor and folks love them. Make plenty.