FRESNO, CA - Word on the street is that Ellie Krieger—celebrity chef, best-selling author, and registered dietitian—is on a mission to showcase the versatility of California grapes. To put the pretty produce items front and center, she used them during a test kitchen seminar in Des Moines, Iowa, headquarters for Meredith Corporation, home of some of the top magazines and social media websites in the U.S. Those in attendance at the talk were the following, and more: Better Homes and Gardens, Eating Well, Traditional Home, and the social media website AllRecipes.

Throughout her demonstration, Krieger divulged how California grapes can be paired with many ingredients, according to a press release, in order to highlight the perfect blend of taste, texture, and nutrition. After her discussion, editors were able to pair fresh, pickled, and roasted California grapes with a variety of proteins and grains to dish up unique flavors. A California grape agua fresca, among other beverages using the produce essential, were offered to wash down all of the eats.

“The goal of the test kitchen seminar was to really give the editors a chance to taste and see for themselves just how versatile California grapes can be,” said Jeff Cardinale, VP of Communications for the California Table Grape Commission. “Once the editors have that opportunity to experience California grapes in their own, unique way, they can take those ideas to the pages of their magazines.”

New recipes featuring California grapes—including Jerk Roasted Chicken with California Grape Salsa, Saffron Cauliflower Rice with California Grapes, and a Grape Upside-Down Olive Oil Cake—were showcased for editors to ooh, ah, and enjoy.

The discussion also explained how research shows the positive benefits of consuming California grapes—such as heart, brain, and colon health.

So, what’s your favorite way to munch on California’s grapes?

California Table Grape Commission