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White Chocolate–Coated Grapes with Orange Curd

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White Chocolate–Coated Grapes with Orange Curd

  • make ahead MAKE-AHEAD
  • Vegetarian VEGETARIAN
ACTIVE TIME: 35 MIN
TOTAL TIME: 1 HR
SERVES: 4
A fine layer of white chocolate gives both green and red grapes a creamy crunch. The orange curd dipping sauce could not be simpler; it’s hard to imagine a more elegant use of the microwave.
ingredients

CURD

  • 2 cups fresh orange juice
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch pieces

GRAPES

  • 4 ounces white chocolate, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 pound green or red grapes, stemmed and chilled
  • 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
directions
  1. Make the curd: In a saucepan, boil the orange juice until it’s reduced to 1/3 cup, about 12 minutes. Let cool.
  2. In a microwave-safe bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the sugar. Whisk in the reduced orange juice and stir in the butter. Microwave the mixture on high power for 1 minute, until thickened. Whisk until smooth. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the curd and refrigerate until chilled.
  3. Make the grapes: Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate with the oil. Microwave for 1 minute, until the chocolate is just melted; whisk until smooth. Let cool.
  4. Dry the grapes with a towel and set them in a large bowl. Pour in the chocolate, folding to coat. Sift the confectioners’ sugar on top and stir until the grapes separate; transfer to the baking sheet and refrigerate for 10 minutes, until the chocolate sets. Serve the grapes in glasses with the orange curd in ramekins alongside.
WINE These chocolate-coated grapes make a great light dessert that pairs well with an equally light dessert wine, such as one produced with the fragrant Muscat grape variety. Try a Muscat Beaumes de Venise—for instance, the tangerine-scented 2006 Domaine de Fenouillet.

Recipe by Michel Richard
From Easy, Elegant Party Desserts
This recipe originally appeared in April, 2008.