Cognac grapes

Ingredients for 1 servings:

• 1 ½ kg grapes
• 250 ml red wine
• 1 stalk(s) cinnamon
• 2 cloves
• ½ lemon(s), untreated
• 250 g sugar
• 500 ml cognac or brandy

Instructions

Working time approx. 50 minutes; Total time approx. 50 minutes

Wash the grapes thoroughly, drain, place on a clean kitchen towel, and carefully pat dry. Then pluck the berries from the stems. Pour the red wine into a saucepan. Brush the lemon under hot running water, peel it very thinly, and cut the rind into pieces. Add the cloves, the twice-split cinnamon stick, and the peel pieces to the red wine. Add the sugar and bring the mixture to a boil while stirring. Boil briskly for 5 minutes. Strain the liquid through a fine sieve without adding the spices. Add the grapes and let it steep for 5 minutes. Then layer the grapes in prepared jars or earthenware containers, pour on the liquid, and add enough cognac or brandy to cover the fruit. Quickly close and label the jars, and store the grapes in a cool, dark place. Shelf life: approx. 3 months. Tastes good with fresh fruit, pan-fried meat, and as a fruit salad. Fruits in alcohol pair well with pudding, panna cotta, vanilla ice cream, as a fruit garnish in a glass of sparkling wine, or as an accompaniment to game and poultry. Cognac grapes also make a welcome gift. Tip: For this recipe, you should use the large-berried green grapes that come on the market starting in September. Date grapes and Muscat grapes are very delicate and particularly aromatic.