Grape Molasses - An accidental find that has forced me to discover it's many qualities.

• Hazel Butterfield
• 14 December 2015

So I have this amazing Turkish place that I regularly go to and quite frankly what they can do with a simple onion and pomegranate molasses is delicious. So I have been a molasses fan for some time and had tracked it down, although this was about 2 years ago and since then it has been easy to get hold of, even in your local M&S. But.... On the usual online order a few months ago, they had run out and the men in blue had sent Grape Molasses as an alternative which I accepted and duly left in the cupboard, until now.

My OCD determines that I must trawl through my cupboards and ensure correct product rotation/use by date are adhered to etc, on a regular basis. Rock and roll, I know. So here was my challenge, to get it used up. My northern upbringing does not allow me to waste anything. The first place I always go to is Pinterest and quite frankly the recipes ideas are great and I have been working my way through them, some of my favourites I will share with you in a jiffy. But most importantly, it turns out Grape Molasses is a gem.

 

Energy kick - All the calories in grape molasses come from carbohydrates. One tablespoon contains approx 60 calories and 14 grams of carbs. We need more carbs in our diet because it's your body's preferred source of energy, especially your nervous system, which includes your brain. So far so good.

Health Benefits or Grape Molasses - Doctors say that grape molasses has more nutritional value than honey. They also point out that it has a big importance for pregnant, babies and children, as it is rich in calcium and potassium. It’s a great source of energy. They say that 200g molasses is equal to 1550g milk or 350g meat in terms of calorie they contain. Besides having a big effect on bone development (for children), it has also curative effects on anemia, asthenia, debility (tahinella.com).

 

So there you go, it is good for you, we just now need to focus on the best bits. Food, lots of it. As I said, I have been painstakingly trailing all these recipes and have picked out a few of what I think are the best...

Cherry Vanilla Pops 

Ingredients

• 0.59 Litres milk
• 2 Tbs corn starch
• 3 Tbs sugar
• 1 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla powder
• 465 Grams sour cherries
• 84 Grams molasses

Total Time 30 Minutes
Servings 4
(Yummly.com)

With this one (found on GiveRecipe.com), it didn't take me anywhere near as long and I didn't add the chillis, pimp it up and make it your own.

To round things of nicely and in keeping with the season, make a good ol' batch or caramelised onions. Tis the season for lashings of cheese or leftover sandwiches, ergo chutney needed. Obvs.

Basic instructions and recipes:

• 4 onions
• 3 tbl spoons of olive oil
• 2 tbl spoons of molasses
• Salt & pepper
• 1 tbl spoon of water

Another suggestion is mixing a bit of quince in with the onions. Lush.

If you don't fancy my suggestions or you need a quick fix, the whole natural yoghurt and granola option may be for you. Failing that, get on Pinterest yourself!

Enjoy.