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1
If using a microwave oven, place almonds and water in a 1-cup glass measure.
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2
Cover tightly with microwave plastic wrap.
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3
Cook at 100 percent power in a high-power oven for 2 minutes.
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4
Prick plastic to release steam.
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5
If using a conventional oven, place the almonds and the water in a small saucepan and cook over low heat until the almonds plump up slightly and just soften.
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6
Remove from heat; drain and set aside.
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7
Pass the grapes through a food mill fitted with a medium disk placed over a bowl to catch the juice.
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8
Reserve juice and pulp.
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9
Place the bread in a small bowl.
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10
Add enough of the grape juice to just cover the bread, reserving 1 cup.
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11
Lightly press down on the bread so that it absorbs the juice.
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12
Place cooked almonds, soaked bread and garlic in a blender.
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13
With machine running, slowly pour in the reserved cup of grape juice.
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14
Continue blending, scraping down the sides from time to time, until the mixture is smooth.
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15
With the machine still running, slowly pour in any remaining juice and the olive oil.
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16
Scrape the mixture into a large metal bowl.
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17
Stir in remaining ingredients.
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18
Refrigerate until cold.
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19
Served garnished with grapes or melon.
