I have come to the conclusion that I really need to chill with the camera. I mean, when I take over 100 photos for 1 post/recipe...I know I'm in trouble. It takes ten million years give or take to actually sort through, combine and eventually come up with a post. Ugh. I have been trying to write this post for a good week or so now. It didn't help that this weekend was Labor Day and when I wasn't working (I had to work every day!!) I was try to enjoy time with the family. I am super backed up...on computer related things, not the other way...and here I am with a post that I need to have posted by midnight so that I can send it over to You Want Pies with That?
We were thinking of a favorite vacation memory or dream this month. As a kids, during the summer I would always spend a couple of weeks with my grandparents. My uncles lived close and one of them had a few grapevines in his yard. I was perfectly content for hours at a time just wandering around outside...and in my mind...plucking grapes from the vine and squeezing that sweet center from the tart skin straight into my mouth...putting my tongue to work squeezing that pulp against the roof of my mouth to dislodge the seeds and then joyfully spitting them in the grass as I moseyed along on my daydream adventure. I didn't realize at the time, but this whole part of my family lives in the prime wine country of Southwest Michigan. As I grew older, my love of grapes became a love of wine and I love to sneak a vacay (be it mini or long) to a wine trail...the one right in the same area as the grapes I grew up savoring...or another.
When we moved in to our new house just shy of 6 months ago, I was so excited to discover that we had a couple of grapevines in our yard!!! I would love to expand and have more varieties in the future, but what an awesome few months it has been watching our vines bear fruit! I was instantly transported back to my childhood vacations with the first grape I popped into my mouth! And now my kids may have similar childhood grape memories.
Our grapes are green...and I do not know the varietal (anybody?)! I usually pick up some Concord grapes from the Farmer's Market around this time of year and make a Concord Grape Pie. I decided to keep up that tradition, but to also use our own grapes to make a Green Grape (and so it shall stay until I figure out their real name) pie, as well!
Grape Pie....2 ways (directions for 1 pie...double if making 2)
4 c. Grapes (the kind straight from the vine, not supermarket variety)
1/2 c. granulated sugar
4 Tbs. flour
1 1/2 Tbs. butter, melted
Juice of 1/2 lemon (~1 1/4 Tbs.)
9 inch pie shell recipe here
Streusel Topping...or use a top crust
3/4 c. flour
1/2 c. dark brown sugar
1/3 c. melted butter
1/2 c. dark brown sugar
1/3 c. melted butter
Wash, drain and stem grapes. Pop the pulp of the grapes into a medium pot. Save skins in a large bowl. 
Place pulp over medium heat and simmer for 5 minutes. DO NOT add any water to pulp. 
While hot, press pulp through a sieve (or food mill) to remove seeds into the bowl with the reserved skins. 
Combine sugar and flour; add to grapes. Blend in lemon juice and melted butter.
Have your prepared pie shell ready.
Pour filling into shell. 
Place pulp over medium heat and simmer for 5 minutes. DO NOT add any water to pulp. While hot, press pulp through a sieve (or food mill) to remove seeds into the bowl with the reserved skins. Combine sugar and flour; add to grapes. Blend in lemon juice and melted butter.Have your prepared pie shell ready.Pour filling into shell. 
Combine your streusel ingredients with your fingers. It'll be hot & sticky & crumbly...kinda like a shortbread dough. That's right, don't worry.
Top your pie with the streusel (or top crust). I decided to add almonds to the green grape pie top , as well. 
Bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven for 50-55 minutes. Let cool before slicing. It actually slices even better if refrigerated before cutting...but I like to eat it warm, so I reheat it before eating.
Another side effect of taking so many photos...I cannot decide which ones to use!!!!
Another side effect of taking so many photos...I cannot decide which ones to use!!!!
Dig in to some warm, end of summer memories. Head on over to You Want Pies with That? to find more vacation memories (as picked by Jenn of Piccante Dolce) turned into pie.
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*Update 12/25/10: I am sharing this w/ the 12 Days of Bloggie-mas.
Grape Pie....genius! The pies look so juicy. I could dive into some right now : ) Your pictures are great.
I've never had grape pie, but your pictures certainly make it look delicious! Wish I had some for a bedtime snack!
I loved the story of kicking around the yard - my grandparents had grapevines....on another note I have never, ever heard of grape pie - what a unique idea - its like a clafouti but its not - its like a crumble or that other name that people sometimes call crumbles - but its not....cool! now I have to google what the other crumble name is - I think it starts with a 'B'....
Aweseom pictures. Those grapes look so delectable. I've been muching on the beunch I had gotten from the farmer's market. You know I've ever had a grape pie before. Maybe I should try this out make one for myself. Hopefully I'll have enough grapes left to make a pie. hehe...
buckle - the word is buckle and this is nothing like a buckle....LOL
wow wonderful pies and pictures you are so talented Love rebecca
Why, why, this pie, pie, I must try, try!!!
Did I just say that? OMG, *hides face in embarrassment*
But really, I DID NOT know there were grape pies, but they look STUNNING!
Grape pie? I've never heard of such a wonderful thing! Looks awesome. :)
Heh, I've been known to take 100 or more pictures per post too, especially if it's something that has a lot of steps. I wind up not even looking at half of them, which means I probably miss the best ones.
What a unique pie - looks scrumptious. I'm passing this recipe onto my niece who has a vineyard out in Paso Robles. It's so wonderful you have great memories to associate with it.
Wow are these lovely and luscious-looking! My husband hung grape vines on trellises on the terrace on our Milan apartment but we never really got enough grapes to do anything with them. These pies are amazing! Great job!
Yum, this looks awesome! I've never had grape pie but it sounds terrific!
Yum--I love grapes and both pies look amazing!
Wow, what colors! Grape pie is new to me; definitely going into my to- do list! Looks fantastic.
What a fun post and how fabulous to find grapes in your yard. The pie turned out great too. I only wish I could take as good a picture as you do but I can't imagine taking over 100. Makes my blonde brain hurt just thinking about it.
Sam
Your pies look amazing, esp with the streusel top! If only I could have a piece of the concord version!
I have never heard of grape pie - what a great idea. As soon as you described the sensation of popping the grape out onto your tongue I remembered that feeling.
We take about 40+ pics per post too! Hedging our bets, I suppose.
Never heard of Grape pies. For some reason, I have the theme song for Little House on the Prairie running through my head...
A great job on the photos halfpint
Never had it or even heard of a recipe for it...why not? Sounds and looks delicious!
I have never eaten a grape pie? It's truly beautiful, though!
My granny had vines and I have similar memories growing up. [dreamy smile] I've heard of grape pie but never tried it. Yours looks awesome girl. BTW, I know what you mean about taking 100 shots just to get that one great shot....and your pics are totally worth it!
Wow, the grape pie looks and sounds amazing! How wonderful that you made it with the grapes from your own backyard!
My Grandma had grape vines too but they were always sour. Like many of the other commenters I've never heard of grape pie. How great with grapes right from your yard! Looks delicious with the crumble topping!
You always do the greatest things with food. How did you get to be so creative and talented?
Work on chocolate for this week's BSI, if you participate. Info is on my Sweet and Savory blog. I am not hosting. Just spreading the word.
Who can turn down chocolate......or grapes?
Your pies look delicious. Better still is a recipe for grape pie and your memories of childhood. Have a great day.
I've never even heard of grape pie -- sounds like a yummy concept! And if it helps, we all greatly appreciate the lovely photos. :)
I've never heard of grape pie either, but it sure does look fantastic! Am the only one who likes grape soda too??
I have never tried grape pie...although the idea of it doesn't surprise me...where I grew up ladies make pie out of just about anything! This really looks good! I'd love to give it a try.
I adore this post. What sweet, succulent memories you have!~ And the pie looks out of this world! But it's not - it's from the earth. I am thinking of planting concord grapes next summer. They take a few years ... but there's always Farmer's Market. Now, if I could just get enough grapes home (we eat them in the car) to make the pie!
Pies straight from the vine! I love it. I've never had grape pie. It sounds great!
I've never seen a grape pie before, I love it!! And I'm jealous of your backyard grapevines - how fun!
My best friend had grapes in her backyard and I remember her mom making the best fresh grape juice! I've never seen a grape pie. it looks amazing!
how totally awesome....your very own grapes and beautiful pies!! I've never had grape pie before. Do you think champagne grapes are too small to use?(those are my favoritist grapes)
What fun memories! I love the color of that concord pie. Just beautiful!
I have tried lately to cut down on my photos. I takes so much time to tweak them and watermark them!
this is fantastic! i have never even heard of a grape pie, but i'm dying to try it now!
This looks amazing, delicious and just plain beautiful. I've never thought of making a grape pie but as I look at yours, I can't help but wonder why I haven't!
It has never occurred to me to make a grape pie. What a great idea!
By the way, I can totally relate to photo taking. I do the exact same thing. My husband has not had a cold cocktail or a warm meal since I have started taking photos of our food :-)
Include me among those who have never tried a grape pie before but how awesome are these!! I so want to try this. Y'know, my husband thinks we have grapevines in our backyard, too (we also have an apple tree and some wild raspberries - which get eaten before we can get to them!) But I'm a little scared to try them in case they're actually some kind of mimic plant and turn out to be poisonous. Boy, am I paranoid!
Back to your post: I'd love to try your recipe. And I can totally empathize with everything you've said about taking a week to finish a post and taking so many pics! When you discover the secret, please e-mail it to me! 8-D
I've never had grape pie - lots of work, but looks totally worth it!
doggy...LOL!
Jenn...I Know! Always the hardest part :)
Sophia...tee hee..you're a goofball
Bob...I'm way too OCD to take the pictures and then not comb through each and every single one!
Sam..."your blond brain"...ha ha ha :)
Natashya...sigh, yes, I suppose so.
Dave...more like pint and a half ;P
And thanks all for the picture comments...that's why I keep doing it!! :D
Dani...Yes, use them...just match the measurement and it'll be all good!
Kim (ungourmet)...I can't cut back. I have issues.
Velva...I know what you mean...my family is so used to it now they don't even crowd around until I announce I'm done anymore, LOL.
Ms. Noodle...I wonder if they are!? Maybe you could net them to find out??? Too funny :D
Chef Fresco...it's really just the popping of the flesh from the skins that takes time...and that's so fun you may not even realize it ;)
AND EVERYBODY SHOULD DEFINITELY TRY A GRAPE PIE OF SOME SORT...THEY ARE SO SURPRISINGLY TASTY! :)
I owe you. My husband gets edgy when I start taking pictures, especially if he is hungry --- the nerve huh? No, he just wants to eat and I am snapping away.
Tonight, when I was taking pics of the cake, I baked him, I told him about your 100 photos for one recipe. I started to look good to him. I have never taken 100 of any food. I should, though.
Chaya..LOL!! Glad to be of service ;) ha ha ha ha...omg, I'm LMAO over here.
Thanks for sharing your lovely childhood memories - such tastes and sensations stay with us for ever, don't they?
I never tried grape pie but your post makes me long for it. I'm hungry!
You know... you should just go to culinary school. Really.
Love it!
I've never had grape pie. It always sounded gross to me, but your pies are beautiful. I love the intensity of the Concord grape pie, but I love that you used your own grapes for the "green" one.
I take a kagillion pictures per recipe too. The hardest part is deciding which ones are the best!
Yummm....does this ever look deee-lish! I've only read recipes for grape pie and now I see your tasty pictures, I want a nice juicy slice of it for breakfast!
Are you SERIOUS about taking 100 photos of a recipe? I am stunned. No wonder your posts look so professional, but seriously, my dear, you are working yourself to death!! I am embarrassed to say that I only take 4 or 5 photos of any given recipe...I guess I need to do better. Your pies look delicious!!!
You have grapevines in your yard? That's sooooo cool! And making a grape pie is very creative!
yum yum yum! this looks to die for, i love all your pictures! I think I take too many too, but you want to get the 'right' one so bad. I eat a lot of cold dinners and good ol chris waits for me too (most of the time) :)
Heather, welcome to our group at The Krazy Kitchen! I look forward to the Simple Saturdays you will be hosting.
I'm glad you decided to participate in Save Room for Dessert Wednesday with this grape pie recipe, and it's no wonder you can't decide on which photos to use -- they all look so good.
Interesting! There was a really neat-looking grape pie recipe in a recent (or semi-recent-ish) issue of Gourmet or Bon Appetit. I remember thinking that I'd have to try it because of its uniqueness.
Wow! would love to try that!
that red grape filling looks gorgeous
I chose your pie in the competition because the colorful slice made me think of a lemony tangy piece of pie. The brighter the color, the more appetizing the dish !
Keep up the good work. Hope you win !
I've never had a grape pie, what an idea!
Grape pie! Oh...MAN! This pie is definitely not just one of those pies!
Angie's Recipes
That is so cool! I've never seen a grape pie before :) Looks delicious.
Wow! Grape Pie?? Very cool!
those look incredible!
Are you sure I can't use the kind from the store? Looks so yummy but don't know where I'd ever find the right grapes here in Florida!
Wow! What a great pie! I didn't know you could bake with grapes...but your pie is proof you can! :) This rocks.
These look great-we have been enjoying great huckleberry and cherry pie here in Idaho and Montana
wow!! you are a genius! so creative!!
i shud try this sometime sooner! :)
This is so interesting! I've never had grape pie but I do have a grape vine in the garden and the grapes are almost ripe! Next weekend here I come!
This is one fancy and detailed recipe. I'd like to share one that is much simpler ( valley grape pie recipe), but I'm sure your end result is way better.
... my pie is just about ready to slice! it looks lovely and smells wonderful.