Mini Grape Bites

Appetizers and desserts are the most popular requests I receive on the website and in person.  I always try to incorporate fruits in my dishes no matter the occasion.

My favorite fruit to incorporate in my dishes are Grapes from California.  Grapes from California are so versatile that they can not only be added into sweet dishes but in savory dishes as well.  This is a great way to reach the recommended daily fruit and vegetable intake. But you better hurry, the Grapes from California season runs from May through January so there is only a few more days to enjoy these beauties.

Adding fruits and vegetables to your meals is the easiest when creativity is involved.  Kids and adults alike need 1 ½ to 2 cups of fruit and 2 to 3 cups of vegetables daily.  By simply directing the focus on filling half your plate at every meal with a combination of fruits and vegetables, you’ll be surprised how quickly and effortlessly the goal is reached.

Grapes from CA can easily travel well and can be enjoyed as a quick snack as is.

Try these deliciously easy ways to boost fruits and veggies in your diet:

• At Meals: Shred carrots or zucchini into meatloaf, muffins and casseroles.
• Fluff brown basmati rice with roasted grapes, ginger and basil for a fruit-studded side dish.
• Skewer a mix of marinated veggies and beef or chicken and grill. Or be daring and sub pineapple chunks, peaches and grapes in place of the vegetables.
• Mix halved grapes or diced apple into tuna or chicken salad.
• Top your breakfast cereal or yogurt with fresh fruit.
• .
• Enjoy frozen grapes for a refreshing midday pick-me-up.
• Make an English muffin pizza, and create a face using veggies–a kid favorite!
• Toss whole grapes into the blender with yogurt, banana, a handful of spinach, a splash of fruit juice and some other fruits for a stellar after-school smoothie.
• Super Easy & Pre-cut veggies and bagged salad greens make salads and side dishes a snap.
• There’s no easier snack choice than a cluster of grapes: no peeling, no coring, no prep. Simply rinse and enjoy.My latest fancy appetizer that can also serve as a petite dessert are these cute grape pastry bites.  They are the perfect treat for elegant get-togethers or a casual affairs.  Need more recipe inspiration?  Visit Grapes from California or follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 
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  Mini Grape Bites

  Yield: Makes 48

  Ingredients

  • 2 (9.02 ounce) packages puff pastry cups
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 3 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 48 Grapes from California, sliced in half lengthwise
  • powdered sugar for decorating

  Instructions

  1. Remove all wrapping from puff pastry package. Break along pre-scored lines to separate pastry cups. Place cups onto ungreased baking sheet with “tops” up.
  2. Combine egg and water in a small bowl and beat with a fork. Brush egg wash on pastry cups tops.
  3. Place baking sheets on middle oven rack.
  4. Bake 20 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. Using end of wooden spoon handle, press centers of host pastry cups down onto bottom of cups. Let cool for 10 minutes before filling.
  5. To prepare filling:
  6. Combine cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest and vanilla in the bowl of a stand mixer. Mix until creamy.
  7. Transfer mixture in a pastry bag fitted with a wide tip or a clean plastic ziploc bag. Snip the end of bag and pipe cream cheese mixture in each pastry cup; about 1 ½ teaspoons.
  8. Top with sliced grape. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.

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This is as sponsored post by Grapes from California.  All opinions are 100% mine.  Thank you for supporting the brands I love that make this blog possible.