Holiday Wine & Cheese Pairings

Name a more iconic duo than wine and cheese. Thankfully, you don’t have to go far to find a wide selection of specialty cheeses and wine varieties perfect for any occasion. Use our guide to mix and match your favorites for delicious bites and sips you can savor all season long.

Goat Cheese – The acidic, tangy flavor of fresh cheese pairs well with Rosé since the delicate flavors don’t compete with each other.

Manchego – Good matches for this nutty, hard sheep’s milk cheese are reds such as a Spanish Rioja, a fruity Merlot or a sweet wine like sherry.

Brie – This buttery-soft French cheese is an ideal pairing for sparkling wine, a crisp white such as Sauvignon Blanc or a fruity Pinot Noir.

Aged Gouda – Choose a wine that stands up to the slightly intense flavor of the cheese, such as an off-dry Riesling, lighter-oaked Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon.

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Don’t be afraid to embrace experimentation and trust your palate; personal preferences are key in discovering the perfect wine and cheese pairings.

Last-Minute Holiday Side Dishes

In the whirlwind of holiday preparations, we’ve all found ourselves juggling more tasks than there are ornaments on the tree. But a long to-do list doesn’t have to mean side dishes that are just so-so. We’ve crafted a collection of sides that are as delectable as they are easy—perfect for times when the clock’s ticking, and on-hand ingredients are at a premium.

1. Garlic-Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Transform those humble Brussels sprouts lurking in your veggie drawer into a crispy, golden revelation. Toss them with olive oil, minced garlic and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan. Roast until they’re browned and irresistibly crunchy on the edges.

2. Lemon-Herb Quinoa Pilaf: Quinoa is the pantry’s unsung hero, ready to swoop in and save the day. Cook it with dried or fresh herbs, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil. This light and fluffy pilaf adds a touch of sophistication without sacrificing speed.

3. Maple-Glazed Carrots with Pecans: A dash of sweetness and a handful of pantry staples turn ordinary carrots into a stand-out side dish. Simply simmer baby carrots in a maple glaze until they’re caramelized and tender, then finish with a sprinkle of toasted pecans for a satisfying crunch.

4. Balsamic-Roasted Asparagus: For an elegant dish with minimal effort, try roasted asparagus drizzled with balsamic glaze. A quick stint in the oven turns this green goddess into a show-stopping side, perfect for adding a burst of freshness to your holiday table.

These easy side dishes free up your precious time and will please your guests. Cheers to a festive season filled with delicious simplicity!

4 Ways to Spice Up Any Dish with Heat

Heat up your culinary game with these spicy tips! Whether you’re a fan of fiery curries, zesty salsas or peppery stir-fries, here are four ways to infuse your dishes with that irresistible kick.

1. Pepper Power: From mild to scorching, peppers are your ticket to spice paradise. Experiment with different varieties to find your perfect level of heat:

Jalapeños (All-Purpose Heat): They add a subtle kick to guacamole or become a mouthwatering app when stuffed with cream cheese and wrapped in bacon.

Habaneros (Intense Inferno): Handle with care, these little devils can turn any bland dish into a blazing masterpiece.

Scotch Bonnets (Caribbean Flair): These peppers bring fruity and smoky flavors to jerk chicken and exotic fruit salads.

Poblanos (Earthy Elegance): Perfect for enchiladas or scrambled eggs with milder heat and a rich, earthy taste.

2. Spice Blends: Add extra depth of flavor and savory heat to dishes by creating homemade spice blends. For a Cajun spice blend, combine cayenne pepper, paprika, onion and garlic powder, thyme, oregano, salt and black pepper. For any customized combination, tweak the ratios to match your spice tolerance.

3. Hot Sauces: Liquid Flavor Fireworks: Hot sauces come in diverse flavors and heat levels, so don’t overdo it!

Tabasco®: That iconic red bottle delivers a tangy, vinegary kick perfect for seafood, Bloody Marys and pizza.

Sriracha: Globally loved for its balanced heat and subtle sweetness, it’s a go-to for noodles, aioli or dipping.

Gochujang: A spicy Korean condiment that packs a flavorful punch.

Ghost Pepper Sauce: This one’s for daredevils. Use it sparingly to turn any meal into an instant fiery adventure.

4. Infused Oils: Sizzle with Sophistication: Elevate your dishes with infused oils. Heat neutral oil, add your choice of heat source, let it steep for a few days, strain, and store in a dark bottle. Use infused oils to amp up dressings, drizzle over pasta or as a dip for bread.

Essential Bar Tools to Keep at Home

Creating a well-crafted cocktail at home is a skill that can elevate your entertaining game. To master the art of mixology, you need the right tools at your disposal. While there’s no need to transform your kitchen into a full-scale bar, having a few essential tools on hand can make all the difference. Here are some must-have items to consider for your home bar setup:

Cocktail Shaker: A cocktail shaker is essential for mixing and chilling your drinks. It comes in various styles, but a classic two-piece or three-piece cobbler shaker is great for beginners.

Jigger: In mixology, precision is key, and a jigger helps you measure the perfect amount of spirits and other ingredients. Look for one with multiple measurement lines to accommodate various cocktail recipes.

Muddler: A muddler is indispensable for drinks like a mojito or an Old-Fashioned. It helps you crush herbs, fruits and other flavor-enhancing ingredients to release their essence.

Strainer: To ensure your cocktails are free of ice shards and fruit pulp, invest in a quality strainer. A Hawthorne strainer or fine-mesh strainer will do the job.

Bar Spoon: A long-handled bar spoon is essential for stirring and layering cocktails. It’s especially beneficial when making mixed drinks like martinis or negronis.

Citrus Juicer: Freshly squeezed citrus juice can transform a cocktail. A handheld or electric citrus juicer will make this task much easier.

Ice Tray: Proper ice is often overlooked but can make or break a cocktail. Invest in ice trays that create large, clear cubes for slower melting and less dilution.

Glassware: While not a tool per se, having the proper glassware is crucial. Stock up on rocks glasses, highball glasses, martini glasses and wine glasses to serve a variety of drinks.

Cutting Board & Knife: A small cutting board and a sharp knife are handy additions to your bar setup for garnishes and slicing fruits.

Bottle Opener: Don’t forget the basics! A sturdy bottle opener is a must for opening beer or any bottled beverage.

Cocktail Napkins & Coasters: Keep your bar area neat and stylish with cocktail napkins and coasters that serve a practical purpose and add to the ambiance.

These essential bar tools will help you create impressive cocktails for yourself and your guests. Start with the basics, and as you become more experienced, you can expand your collection to include specialty tools for more adventurous concoctions. Remember, practice makes perfect, so experiment and enjoy the journey of becoming a home mixologist. Cheers!