Possum grapes

 

In the eBook, Simple Jess, the characters are in a little town called Marrying Stone, Ozark, in Arkansas, US. 

 

At a church gathering, the main character in the book, Althea's dish was: Venison with Possum Grape Dumplings. 

 

Immediately I Googled the dish. Since the main dish was Venison, I thought: dumplings made of Possum (photo below) and grapes? Or dumplings with grapes in?

 

Turned out they only cook the dumpling dough in grape juice. Meh - disappointed.

 

Why exactly these small black and sour grapes are called 'Possum' is also not real clear. "Possum Grape is located near the historic riverboat town of Grand Glaise, in Jackson County. The parish probably derives its unusual name from the wild grape, the opossum, popular in the region for the production of jams and wine."

 

But I've learned something new!!!

 

GREEN SEEDLESS GRAPE, ALMOND AND LEMON ZEST MUFFINS

Makes 6 big muffins

 

1 cup green seedless grapes (keep whole)

1 cup self raising flour

1 teaspoon Almond essence (you have to!)

1/2 cup fresh cream

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup white sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon lemon zest

Extra sugar for topping (a must)

 

Preheat oven to 200 oC.  Prepare muffin pan.  Spoon mixture into holes, sprinkle extra white sugar on top.  Bake for 20 minutes. Let cool, remove from pan.  I keep mine on a plate (uncovered) in the fridge … it goes all crispy on the outside!

Recipe and photo:  Alma Pretorius

 

 

Note:  I had 1/2 cup cream … so I thought I’ll use it with seedless grapes in muffins … the picture doesn’t do it justice … it was awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!