Great Grapes Mean More Than Just Great Wine

The signs say it all, summer's almost over and fall is here. The heirloom tomatoes and fresh blueberries are disappearing from the local farmers markets and giving way to winter squash.

That doesn't mean you have to give up on fruits, of course.

You can still find blackberries, raspberries and delicious organic strawberries. You can also find bunches of grapes. It seems like overkill to drink wine and eat table grapes, but I've found some delicious gourmet snack ideas.

Roasted Grapes with Thmye, Cheese & Grilled Bread  

Ingredients

• 1 bunch of Red Flame and Thompson Seedless grapes
• Olive Oil
• ¼ teaspoon Kosher Salt
• Fresh Thyme Sprigs
• Favorite local bread, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces
• Favorite spreadable local cheese  

Preparation

Preheat oven to 450ºF.

Spread grapes onto a sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil (about 3 tablespoons). Sprinkle with salt. Lay thyme leaves over top. Toss all together gently with your hands. Place pan in the oven for 7 to 9 minutes or until grapes just begin to burst.  

Meanwhile, heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high. Brush the bread with olive oil. Grill until nice and toasty.  

Assemble the open-faced appetizers: Spread the cheese over bread. Top with roasted grapes. Discard thyme sprigs.

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You'll find plenty of grapes and other fruits at the farmers markets around town. Check out the Larkspur farmers market at Marin Country Mart every Saturday, from 9 a.m. to noon, and the Corte Madera farmers market at the Town Center every Wednesday, from noon to 5 p.m.

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— Recipe courtesy of Marin Country Mart