Wild Grape Starter Recipes

Steps:

• Wrap the grapes in well washed cheesecloth, tying the corners to form a bag; lightly crush them with a rolling pin (to release the sugar to mix with the natural yeast on the skins; just like making wine!) and immerse them in the flour water mix. Cover tightly with a lid or plastic wrap secured with a rubber band. Leave at room temperature for 6 days, stirring once or twice a day for six days.
• The bag of grapes will eventually appear inflated, and liquid will begin to separate from the flour base. The mixture will begin to taste and smell slightly fruity, and the color will be strange. That is as it should be. By the sixth day the bag of grapes will have deflated, the color will be yellow, and the taste pleasantly sour; the fermentation is complete. The starter is living but weak, and it needs to be fed.
• Remove the grapes and squeeze their juices back into the starter. Stir it up thoroughly and transfer it to a clean container. (Although you can use it after just one feeding, the starter will be stronger and healthier with the full treatment) You can refrigerate it until you're ready to proceed.
• Three days before you plan to use it, stir 1 cup flour and 1 cup water into the container, blending well. Let stand uncovered at room temperature until it bubbles up - 3 to 4 hours - then cover and refrigerate. Repeat this the second and third day.
• Store the starter tightly covered in the refrigerator where it will keep perfectly for 4 to 6 months, after which it's a good idea to pour off all but 2 cups and give it another feeding. Before using the stored starter for bread, however, give it the full 3-day feeding schedule once again to restore it and to tone down excess sourness.

Steps:

• In large saucepan, crush grapes with potato masher; pour in water and bring to boil.
• Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes or until fruit is very soft.
• Transfer to jelly bag or colander lined with a double thickness of fine cheesecloth and let drip overnight.
• Measure juice (you should have 3 cups/750 ml) into a large heavy saucepan; stir in sugar.
• Bring to boil over high heat, stirring constantly.
• Stir in pectin.
• Return to full boil and boil hard for one minute, stirring constantly.
• Remove from heat and skim off foam with a metal spoon.
• Pour into sterilized jars, leaving 1/8 inch headspace.