Trois Gâteaux de Raisin - Three Grape Cakes

From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...It has been a good year for grapes in Oregon. The harvest began several weeks ago and grapes are still being picked in some areas. That means canning kitchens, as well as wineries, are busy, and farm stands have shelves that groan under the weight of freshly harvested grapes. At this time of year, I take advantage of that abundance to make several unusual cakes. Prior to our move to Oregon, the Silver Fox and I had never had grape cakes, but for both of us the first bite of one was a classic case of "once bitten". I have since that time tried any recipe for grape cake that has come my way. The three cakes I'm featuring tonight are family favorites and I thought those of you who are unfamiliar with this type of cake might want to give them a try. They make perfect fall desserts and I know you will enjoy them. Here is how they are made.

Something Different for a Change - Roasted Sausages and Grapes - Salsiccia all’Uva

From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...His request was simple. He wanted something different for dinner, and because he is so constant, the request was hard to refuse. The Silver Fox has a reputation for eating anything that does not bite back, but his palate favors the flavors of China and the peasant creations of Tuscany and Umbria. He especially loves pork in any of its myriad forms. I had sausage, good sausage I might add, in the freezer, and an overly abundant supply of grapes sitting on the counter demanding to be used, so I zeroed in on a recipe I hadn't served in years - Salsiccia all’Uva. The simplicity of this dish is legend and while the combination of grapes and sausage seems unusual, it is delicious and simple enough for a teenager to prepare. Make no mistake about it, this is hearty country fare and while it is usually served with a creamy polenta, cheesy grits, pasta or potatoes, such as rosti, should also be considered. A quick glance at the recipe will convince you how easy this dish is to prepare, and if you have a family whose tastes are at all adventuresome, I hope you'll give this Tuscan triumph a try. Here is how the dish is made.