HORS D’OEUVRES: Deviled Eggs
While perhaps one of the simplest appetizers out there, there is no denying the popularity of deviled eggs. These bite-sized treats elevate hard-boiled eggs to a new level by combining the already rich yolk with mayonnaise, a touch of mustard and some hot paprika garnish for a creamy, indulgent pre-meal snack worthy of a canape tray. We recommend adding a bit of chopped celery or chives to the filling for a crunch that makes for good textural contrast.
Perfect Wine Pairing: Bisol Crede Brut 2015
Seeking the perfect sparkling to pair with this classic holiday party appetizer? We recommend the Bisol: Crede Brut 2015, a rich and fine Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore, which blends Glera, Pinot Bianco and Verdiso varietals. This wine displays a gorgeous bright yellow color and wild flower aromas, tending towards intense fruity flavors on the palate. The finish offers a freshness, a finesse and a pleasant acidity to cut through the richness of the creamy egg yolk filling.
Find this ProseccoFIRST COURSE: Waldorf Salad
The all-American Waldorf salad is the perfect starter to a festive holiday meal. Dating all the way back to 1896, this colorful dish became part of American history when it was prepared for a charity ball at the Waldorf hotel in New York City. The salad traditionally includes apples, celery, grapes and walnuts, dressed in mayonnaise, chilled and served on a bed of lettuce. For a healthy twist on the classic recipe, replace mayonnaise with yogurt in the dressing.
Perfect Wine Pairing: Hugel Gewurztraminer 2013
But what to pair with such an indulgent combination of flavors and textures? Why not try a Gewurztraminer from Maison Hugel, a full-bodied, yet light, rich and elegant Alsatian wine? This aromatic white lends fantastic structure, freshness and juicy sweetness on the palate to complement the tart apples and toasted walnuts in the salad. Truly a match made in heaven!
Find this WineMAIN COURSE: Glazed Spiral Ham
A succulent glazed ham makes for a magnificent centerpiece at any holiday feast. And although there are as many recipes for this luscious dish as there are hosts of holiday feasts, it never fails to impress with its natural porcine balance of sweet and salty flavors. For the perfect glaze in which to bathe the roasted ham, we recommend a combination of brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic and cloves.
Perfect Wine Pairing: Weingut Strub Riesling “Soil to Soul” 2016
And to pair with this festive classic, we suggest the “Soil to Soul” Riesling from the Strub family in Rheinhassen. This beautiful, juicy German Riesling offers a bouquet of ripe peaches and pears, with a crisp acidity and unique minerality that will mingle fantastically with the flavors of the ham. Impress your friends with this wonderful choice!
Find this WineCHEESE BOARD: Humboldt Fog
Add a touch of elegance to your holiday cheeseboard with a wheel of Humboldt Fog from Cypress Grove. This soft, surface-ripened goat’s milk cheese bears a ribbon of vegetable ash across the center and a white blooming mold with a velveteen texture. This results in a gorgeous center of crumbly, fresh goat cheese, surrounded by a runny, gooey layer with a more pungent flavor.
Perfect Wine Pairing: Pascal & Nicolas Reverdy “Les Anges Lots” Vielles Vignes 2015
And for the perfect pairing with this award-winning cheese, try the Pascal et Nicolas Reverdy “Les Anges Lots” Vielles Vignes 100% Sauvignon Blanc, aged for 10 months on lees with a beautiful bouquet of white flowers underlined by a refreshing minerality. This wonderful Sancerre will boldly stand up to the intense flavors of the cheese, for a beautiful, balanced combination sure to please any cheese lover.
Find this WineDESSERT: Apple Pie with Cheddar in the Crust
End your holiday feast on a sweet note with an all-American apple pie. We love this classic dessert, especially with shredded cheddar cheese baked into the crust. The combination of sharp, salty cheddar and sweet, caramelized apples offers a perfect harmony with which to finish a holiday meal. Add a touch of elegance by serving it “a la mode,” with a scoop of French Vanilla ice cream to melt over the top.
Perfect Wine Pairing: Vietti Cascinetta Moscato d’Asti 2016
And for the perfect pairing, look no further than the Vietti Cascinetta 2016, a slight frizzante Moscato d’Asti with intense aromas of peaches, ripe peaches and ginger. This wine offers a beautifully balanced acidity to lend a fresh finish to your very special meal.
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