Granny Grapes : Muscadines and Scuppernongs

Here in the South, muscadines and scuppernongs are a special sweet treat enjoyed by many. These "grapes" grow wild and some folks (like us) plant their own vines to enjoy. The don't usually make it into the house because they are eaten on the way.  Ever since the girls were young, we have called them "Granny grapes" because Granny had a huge arbor that was loaded with scuppernongs. 

Scuppernongs on our vines

There is a difference between muscadines and scuppernongs. I have always heard "All scuppernongs are muscadines but not all muscadines are scuppernongs". "Scuppernongs" are from the muscadine family and are a greenish brown color when ripe. The typical "muscadine" is dark purple in color. 

Muscadines from the  local Farmer's market 

Fun fact- How we eat a muscadine: Place the grape with the stem scar facing upward in your mouth and bite the grape. The pulp (with seeds) and juice will burst through the thick skin into your mouth. The thicker skin is discarded. Many love to eat the skin as well ( we don't). 

Whether it is straight off the vine or in homemade jelly or pies, these are a true southern treat.

A Quail Tale: Early Days

Raising  bobwhite quail has been hubby's hobby for over 3 years. I always look forward to those early days when they are tiny and cute. He does all the work and there is much involved to make sure they are kept warm, fed, and watered. The babies grow up quickly and our German shorthair pointers, Lucy and Lizzy  anxiously await that day. My husband does too but admits his favorite part of quail season is watching his dogs work... and hopefully getting a chance to brag on them a bit !

There is nothing quite like 500 baby quail all at once. Here are the babies just a few hours old

This is the brooder and coop  my hubby built and now the babies are 1 week old! They stay inside the small, temperature controlled brooder until they are older and then they move out into the larger area.

They won't be this small long! Too bad we can't keep them all.