Thursday, November 4, 2010

Project Food Blog #7 - Grape Dumpling Purses


This entry for Project Food Blog is to put one of my favorite recipes on film. I chose to demonstrate how simple the Cherokee Grape Dumpling recipe is to make, and even personalized it for the holidays.

The intriguing aspect of Cherokee cooking is the fact most of the known recipes are post-The Trail of Tears.  This recipe traditionally calls for Possum Grapes, which are found growing wild along river beds in Oklahoma - not the original tribal grounds of the Cherokee Nation, as they are historically in the North Carolina region. Many of the recipes tribes came to use and pass along today are from survival techniques in their new territories, and I respect their strength.

The original recipe has two parts: dough and a grape reduction sauce. Although using fresh grapes is best, this adaptation is to make introduction to Cherokee cooking easy and possible for anyone new to this genre. This new recipe calls for organic phyllo dough to create 'purses' for the grape dumplings, perfect for the upcoming holidays.

I hope you enjoy my first video recipe: Grape Dumpling Purses.


This project would not have been possible without the wonderfully multi-talented Kylene of Forever by Kylene (long time readers will remember her from my first post Panini de Chocolat et Brie). Thank you, Kylene!

We had a wonderful time making this video together, and hope you all have enjoyed it as well.

Thank you all so much for your support throughout this process. Voting for this round is Novemeber 15th - 18th, so please visit my profile to vote!

Grape Dumpling Purses
Printable Recipe

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp turbinado
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1 tbsp coconut oil
2 1/4 cups grape juice, divided

4 layers organic phyllo dough
2 tbsp melted butter
2 tbsp turbinado
4 pieces of 6" kitchen string

Mix dry ingredients together, then add the coconut oil. Next stir in 1/4 cup grape juice. Roll the dough out to 1/4" thick and cut into 1/2" strips.

Bring 2 cups grape juice to a low boil and add the strips, cooking for 10 - 12 min and stirring occasionally.

Lay the phyllo dough on a flat surface and coat with melted butter on one side. Then sprinkle the turbinado over the melted butter. Carefully flip the phyllo dough over so the turbinado caramelizes on the outside of the purses. Add 1/4 cup grape dumplings in four pockets on the plain side of the phyllo dough. Use a pizza cutter to cut the four individual purses. Gently gather the corners of the phyllo dough ensuring none of the grape dumplings can leak out and tie the purses loosely with the string.

Place the purses on a buttered baking sheet, transferring with a spatula to keep them intact. Bake in a 400*F oven for 10 min until the phyllo dough is brown and caramelized on the outside. Serve immediately.

~Yields 4 purses (with extra grape dumplings left over).

~Original by Brie.

25 comments:

  1. What a unique recipe! I admit, at first I was like what is she making? but then by the end I was thinking okay, I've got to try that! Great video! You'll have my vote!

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  2. Very well done! You are a natural in front of the camera, your unique recipe sounds and looks awesome, and bravo on the video work! My vote is yours!

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  3. These sound wonderful! Great job on this one ;)!

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  4. Great job! Very awesome recipe! You have totally got my vote!

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  5. This is so cool! I LOVE getting to see my bloggy friends in action. Now I will be able to place you in your kitchen and "natural habitat!" I love the recipe and of course your presentation. Nice job girlie!

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  6. Brie, you video is fabulous! I am intrigued both by the original and this newer version you've created of the Grape dumpling. I know nothing of Cherokee cuisine and now I would love to know more. You are such a cutie too :) I wont forget to vote next week!

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  7. The history behind the recipe is as intriguing as the recipe itself. Love your twist on the traditional by substituting phyllo. Very nicely done. And of course you are adorable :)

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  8. I love that you chose a Cherokee recipe and how you presented it in this video. I am completely intrigued by these grape dumpling purses and hope to give them a try sometime soon!!! Great job for this round of pfb!

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  9. So interesting. My great grandmother was Cherokee (makes me maybe 1/16th? :D ) I loved your style and unique choice.

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  10. Great recipe that you developed like a professional..Well done!

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  11. This is such an interesting recipe. I've never heard of it but it looks great.
    The quality of your video is so crisp and clear! And you are so poised. Well done.

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  12. Cherokee cooking is new to me. But your ease in front of the camera is universal and makes this video a joy to watch. GREG

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  13. wow this was amazing...I so hope you make it all the way! Love the video totally star quality here and you look fantastic a natural! Good luck to you and you have my vote in!

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  14. Wonderful choice of recipe! You looked beautiful in front of the camera, a total natural. :)

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  15. Love the recipe...Very nicely done :)

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  16. The grape dumplings are gorgeous! I love the idea of unwrapping them like a present. You did an excellent job - you seemed so at ease!

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  17. What a great recipe to share! Love your presence in front of the camera!!

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  18. Love your video! Definitely going to have to make those sometime soon!

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  19. Wonderful video Brie and such a unique dessert! I've never seen anything like this and it really makes me want to dive into Cherokee cooking. Good luck to you in the challenge!

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  20. Grape dumplings is a great food. Thanks for the recipe and wrapping idea

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