How to make muscadine syrup

Muscadine syrup is a sweet and flavorful syrup made from muscadine grapes. It can be used as a topping for pancakes, waffles, ice cream, or as a flavoring for beverages. Here’s a simple recipe to make muscadine syrup:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups muscadine grapes (red or purple)
• 1 12 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for acidity)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Muscadine Grapes:
   • Wash the muscadine grapes thoroughly under running water. Remove any stems or debris.
   • If you prefer a smoother syrup, you can deseed the grapes by gently squeezing them to separate the pulp from the seeds. Alternatively, you can leave the seeds in for added flavor and texture.
2. Cook the Muscadine Grapes:
   • Place the prepared grapes in a large saucepan or pot.
   • Add water and lemon juice (if using) to the grapes in the pot.
3. Simmer and Mash:
   • Heat the mixture over medium heat until it comes to a gentle simmer.
   • Reduce the heat to low and let the grapes simmer for about 20-30 minutes. During this time, the grapes will break down and release their juices.
   • Use a potato masher or a fork to gently mash the grapes in the pot as they cook. This will help extract more flavor and juice.
4. Strain the Mixture:
   • After simmering and mashing, remove the pot from heat.
   • Place a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a clean bowl or another pot.
   • Pour the grape mixture through the strainer to separate the liquid (syrup) from the solids (grape skins and seeds). Use a spoon to press down on the solids to extract all the juice.
5. Return to Heat:
   • Pour the strained liquid back into the saucepan or pot.
6. Add Sugar:
   • Add granulated sugar to the liquid in the pot.
7. Simmer and Thicken:
   • Place the pot back on the stove over low to medium-low heat.
   • Stir continuously until the sugar completely dissolves and the syrup thickens to your desired consistency. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
8. Cool and Store:
   • Remove the pot from heat and allow the muscadine syrup to cool to room temperature.
9. Pour and Store:
   • Once the syrup has cooled, pour it into clean and sterilized glass jars or bottles.
   • Seal the containers tightly and store the syrup in the refrigerator. It should last for several weeks when refrigerated.
10. Serve:
    • Use your homemade muscadine syrup as a topping for pancakes, waffles, desserts, or as a flavoring for beverages.

Enjoy your homemade muscadine syrup with your favorite dishes and treats. It captures the sweet and fruity essence of muscadine grapes, making it a delightful addition to your culinary creations.