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Dorothy Dean presents: Bite-sized, boozy caramel treats? They’re grape!

By Audrey Alfaro For The Spokesman-Review

Ready to tap into your inner Pinterest? Don’t worry, this one is fail free and calls for only four ingredients and some toothpicks.

These bite-size treats combine the festive flavors of a caramel apple with a juicy, booze-soaked grape. Yes, booze!

Caramel-flavored vodka brings the party to this poppable dessert that will disappear as fast as you can make them.

The delicious fun starts by soaking grapes in caramel vodka. The grapes are then dried, placed on toothpicks and dipped into melted caramel. Before getting their crunchy peanut coating, they get a quick dip back into the vodka, which helps the nuts adhere.

With nutty-caramel flavors and a kick of booze, these are the perfect treat for fall get-togethers.

For a kid-friendly version, apple cider or juice can be used, or you can just skip soaking them. It’s a project they’d love to help make, too!

This recipe calls for green grapes; however, if cotton candy grapes are available, grab those. Their extra burst of sweetness would be phenomenal in this recipe.

Different flavors of vodka can be used, or even other types of alcohol or liqueurs. Try it with apple or cinnamon whisky or even your favorite white wine.

And if nut allergies are an issue, toffee bits, granola, toasted coconut or crushed cookies are other coating options.

Boozy Caramel Grapes

Adapted from delish.com.

½ pound seedless green grapes

1 cup caramel vodka

1 cup caramel bits

1 cup chopped peanuts (or desired coating; toffee bits, walnuts, coconut flakes)

Toothpicks

Soak the grapes in caramel vodka and refrigerate 1 hour, or overnight.

Drain the grapes (reserving the caramel vodka), and pat dry with paper towels.

Melt the caramel bits in a microwave according to package directions (usually in 30-second intervals until melted and smooth).

Poke the toothpicks horizontally into the grapes, then dip the grapes into the melted caramel and place them on a silicone or parchment-lined baking sheet.

Once all the grapes are coated in caramel, dip them in the reserved caramel vodka and then immediately into the chopped peanuts (pressing to help peanuts adhere, if needed).

Chill until ready to serve.

Audrey Alfaro can be reached at spoonandswallow@yahoo.com.