Crazy Grapes

Grapes have always been a fun snack and a neat addition to dessert plates. Now there are some new hybrids that are going to ran up the excitement around them. These will definitely be the new favorites.

I discovered one strain while food shopping at the Stop &Shop. There are only so many peaches one can eat, and as much as I love them, they can be tiresome. The grapes beckoned  - and these were not just any grape. They were long tubular ones, sort of looking like pudgy little fingers. They were the Moon Drops, a pretty name for a pretty fruit. The grapes' color is a rich deep purple - think a midnight mixed with eggplant. They're the size is about two Concord grapes long with blunt, rounded ends. The flavor is sweeter than the average grape,think homemade grape jam. Sweet but not cloying. They are an offshoot of the common grape - vitis vinifira and the name was trademarked by The Grapery,a California based grower. Their odd shape might make people think they've been genetically modified   but they're not. The breeding technique did require human intervention howeve. An embryo rescue occurred, This is when the breeding process involves pollinating a flower and then growing the embryo seed in a laboratory test tube. Eventually the seedling is planted in soil and grown in the traditional manner.Unfortunately they're not really good for jams or wine. Eat them fresh , by themselves or with cheese.

Another crazy grape causing a buzz is the cotton candy grape. This hybrid is yet another product of The Grapery., and have been out since 2011 (I'm late to the party with these). They look resemble "white "or the pale green variety save for one important aspect - they taste exactly  like cotton candy. How is this possible? Again, as with the Moon Drops, there was no GMOs or even sugar injections to boost the taste. It seems it was a hit and miss with flavors.The growers didn't set out to create that particular one. Consumer testers gave them that name. Warm, they have a caramel or toffee flavor but chilled, as they were first eaten - and the cotton candy taste comes out.Again, like their unique  cousins, they can;t be made into jam or wine. Just eat them as a fun dessert when they're in season,. Supermarkets usually sell them during their harvest months of August and September. Another wild globe from The Grapery is the teardrop grape. This is a deep purple chili pepper looking grape that were originally named Witch Fingers which would be a cool name for them around Halloween. Like their cousins, they're best on their own or better yet on a cheese or charcuterie  plate. Harvest time for them is mid Spring, around June.

Grapes are a nice addition to any table - no matter what the time of year. MoonDrops are big right now. Enjoy them at a fall  picnic or gracing a cheese platter full of Bries and cheddar.

Dinner At Midnight

We all lead busy lives which means  strange eating habits and hours.That could mean roast chicken at midnight or breakfast at noon. It's hard to maintain healthy eating when your internal clock is screwed up.This usually means pounds gained and bad nutrition.

One of the worst work hours is the overnight shift. This is usually reserved for  hospital workers but it can also include delivery people, truckers and even bartenders who work into the wee hours.It's tempting to grab a full meal at midnight.when it feels like lunchtime. The best bet is to eat lean proteins such as chicken and turkey.Hard boiled eggs and cheese are also good choices. Crudites and dip are also acceptable "nighttime" shift plates. Have a variety such as pea pods carrots , peppers and broccoli for color and crunch. Eat fruit for dessert.Stay away from caffeine loaded coffee and chocolates which will keep you awake. Have a calming tea such as Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime tea instead of soda. This is loaded with  chamomile and spearmint which helps in relaxing.Low protein foods such as toast and jam or even orange juice can also make up a meal. It is tempting to run to an all night fast food joint or even a diner, but don't. The fat alone , not to mention the excess salt and sugar is unhealthy and will just lay in your stomach.Another must is making other meals just as light and low in calories.Think soup and salads, along with grilled chicken and grilled veggies.

What about those nine to when the day is done work days?Quitting time is anywhere from eight PM to midnight.Do you succumb to hunger and fatigue and go to a restaurant? Do you hit a fast food joint for a bag of burger, fries and a malt? No! Eating a heavy meal after seven PM can bring only not only high blood pressure but an increased risk for a heart attack. Stick with something light but filling. Sandwiches work. Try a peanut butter one. Peanut butter is full of tryptophan and protein , perfect for making you drowsy after a long, grueling day. One filled with turkey and avocado is another good choice.You could also try a kale and walnut salad. Add some strips of turkey or chicken to give it more oomph. Eggs too are another choice. One, they easy to whip up, especially scrambled or soft boiled with some whole wheat toast and two, they're light but satisfying. , Keep away from any fried foods. As tasty as that fried steak sounds, hold it off  for lunch.Wine is off the table too.You may think a glass of red or white is the perfect way to end a hectic day. It's not, creating sleep disturbances that can screw up your next work day.Stick with iced tea or flavored seltzer to go with your meal.

Strange dinner hours can wreak havoc on a life and a diet.Stick with light meals, full of foods that will relax you after a long stressful day.Work hard, eat easy. It'll keep you going during any grueling work day and night.