Here at Charles Communications Associates aka CCA we have the pleasure of interacting with some of the world's best palates. A distinct pedigreed palate is required to be able to expertly pair an intricate dish with a wine. However, this season you do not have to be a Master Sommelier to make pairings sing. Why not just incorporate wine into the recipe? Problem solved. Here is our staffer Andee McKenzie’s hack for easy pairings:
Smoked Prime Rib with Red Wine Steak Sauce
Source: Bon Appetit
Photo Courtesy of Food Network
A labor of love, but for a delicious recipe by Chef Bobby Flay it's totally worth it! Sweet and savory notes are added to the red wine mixture with the incorporation of raisins, molasses, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and horseradish. While the spice rub on the prime rib itself is a simple salt and black pepper mix, the complex flavor notes of the red wine sauce truly bring the dish to life.
Photo Courtesy of My Recipes
Artichokes with Roasted Garlic-Wine Dip
Source: My Recipes
A quick appetizer can definitely perk up a meal and your home chef's points. Nothing says comfort flavors like white wine, butter, and garlic. This recipe is an easy, yet elegant "slap-dash" for the hectic kitchen life around the holidays.
Photo Courtesy of Babble
Source: Saveur
A simple twist on cranberry sauce can brighten up your meal this holiday season. Port's rich flavor makes it a perfect dessert wine, but it can also be used to contrast the tart flavor of cranberries.
Photo Courtesy of Cooking Light
Green Beans with Sherried Mushroom Sauce
Source: Cooking Light
Who says side dishes can't steal the show? Fino Sherry wine is the key to this recipe. A balance of fresh green beans and a splash of sherry wine to bring out the depth of mushrooms makes this a winning vegetable dish. Add some fried onion crisps on the top for a little crunch!
Photo Courtesy of Yummly
Pears Poached in White Wine with Star Anise
Source: Food & Wine
There are always alternative options to classic holiday dishes including dessert. This recipe puts an elegant twist on fruit desserts with its use of Riesling or Gewürztraminer. Either of these white wines make for a great poaching liquid along with sugar, lemon zest, and star anise. Elegant but easy!
All the Swirl is a collections of thoughts and opinions assembled by the staff and industry friends of Charles Communications Associates, a marketing communications firm with its headquarters in San Francisco, California. We invite you to explore more about our company and clients by visiting www.charlescomm.com.