I hope you had a safe and fun New Year's Eve...JD and I spent the evening with good friends and lots of yummy (and supposedly lucky) food.  These were on the menu and were so good.  The only problem is we had to hide them until the kids went to bed.  They look so innocent, but they hide a tasty secret.  If you happen to have some Champagne left over (or if you don't want to stop the celebrating), you should try these!

Champagne-Marinated Grapes
adapted from Cocktail Parties, Straight Up!

2 pounds red and/or green seedless grapes
1 bottle Champagne or other dry sparkling wine (I used Prosecco)
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons superfine sugar

Rinse grapes well under running water.  Cut bunches into clusters of 3-5 grapes each.

Pour Champagne into large bowl with a tight-fitting lid.  Add 1/4 cup sugar and stir gently to dissolve.  Add the grapes and lemon zest.  Cover and chill overnight.

Drain grapes and gently blot dry with a paper towel.  Sprinkle with superfine sugar, and arrange in serving bowl or platter.