Mad for Monday (Max's Weekend Update): Grape Weekend

Hi Friends,

How was your weekend?  What did you do?

We had a GRAPE weekend!  (More on that shortly).  I had SoccerTots ... Mommy had a Baby Shower to go to for Super Sadie's future bestie ... I went to The Menil Collection's Birthday Party ... I had SongPlay! music class, and the Texans are up 3-0.

And we went on a Grape Exploration at Whole Foods Market.  Thank you Whole Foods for inviting us to go on the Grape Exploration!  What are your favorite fruits?  Do you love grapes?  How do you enjoy them?  Did you know how many ways you could enjoy grapes?  Have you been to Whole Foods Market to enjoy their grape selection?

Enjoy some photos from our weekend, and be sure to check out today's posting of our Grape Exploration at Whole Foods Market.  More to come this week - stay tuned.  We are focusing on health this week ... including grapes!

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara J

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara J

Showing off my kicking skills to Coach (and Daddy!).

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara J

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara J

Enjoying some live music at The Menil Collection's Birthday Party.  Happy 25th Birthday!

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara J

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara J

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara J

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara J

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara J

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara J

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara J

Whole Foods shared with us some really GRAPE (sorry, I couldn't help myself) books on grapes: green black red: recipes for cooking and enjoying california grapes (by: Susan Volland) and Grapes from California (edited by: Jim Howard).

We tried many grape recipes, and today I'll share with you one dish that Daddy made.  Let us know how you enjoy your grapes too!

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara J

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara J

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara J

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara J

Sauteed Sweet Potatoes with Kale and Grapes 
Note: You can also add bacon.

From: green black red: recipes for cooking and enjoying california grapes (by: Susan Volland)

Sweet potatoes and grapes are another wonderful flavor combination.  This makes an especially good side dish for Thanksgiving and Christmas.  For a variation, substitute cubes of tender winter squash for the sweet potatoes.

Serves 6
2 Slices of Bacon, Chopped (We left these out).
1/2 Medium Onion, Sliced
2 Cups Lightly Packed, Steamed, Torn Kale
1/2 Cup of Fresh Orange Juice
1/4 Teaspoon of Salt (We left this out).
1/4 Teaspoon of Pepper
2 Medium Sweet Potatoes or Yams, Cooked, Peeled, and Cut into 1/2-Inch Dice
1 Cup Green, Red, and / or Black Grapes (Halved)

In a large covered skillet or saute pan, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until it is just brown.  Add the onion and cook until it is golden and aromatic, about 3 minutes.  Add the kale, orange juice, salt, and pepper.  Stir well and cover.  Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the kale is tender, 3 to 4 minutes.  Carefully stir in the cooked sweet potatoes and grapes.  Cover and cook 2 minutes more, until the potatoes are warmed through and the grapes are just soft.  Stir gently to mix and serve warm.

... Yum, delicious!  We enjoyed this for lunch on Sunday.

How was your weekend?  How do you like to enjoy grapes?

-Mad Max

PS: Be sure to check us out on Mad About Town.