Home entertaining has become one of the most popular pastimes in recent years. With the popularity of home decorating and “foodie” programs on television, more people are delving into ways to amuse their loved ones. Cocktail parties are terrific because the bite-sized portions are often very attractive and easy to serve. What’s more, wine parties are a terrific way to change up the routine a bit, and provide a bit of culture to an otherwise “stale” engagement. If you’re planning one of these affairs, you’ll want to make sure that you serve some tasty treats to go along with the “vino.” The good news is that you don’t have to knock yourself out (or empty your wallet) to pull off some fancy party favors.
Easy, Cheesy Pinwheels
Wine Pairing: White Zinfandel, Riesling
Many wine experts will advise you to serve bread and cheese as a way to clear the palate if you’re having an informal wine tasting. A simple and easy way to do this is to make cheesy pinwheel sandwiches. Take your favorite lavash bread or tortillas and spread plain cream cheese on them. Sprinkle a bit of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and roll the bread into a “tube.” Slice the sandwich into spirals and spread them out over a platter. Garnish with a bit of greenery in the middle of the platter to make it look fancy.
Turkey Bites
Wine Pairing: Pinot Noir
First you’ll need thinly sliced smoked turkey breast meat. Cut the turkey into small pieces and place in a bowl. To the turkey add cream cheese, ¼ cup minced onion, 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, ¼ cup of sour cream, and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard. Mash the contents together until completely blended Garnish Melba toast or wheat crackers with the “turkey salad” and garnish the top with a fresh sprig of dill.
Swedish Meatballs
Wine Pairing: Cabernet, Zinfandel
You can approach this amazingly easy appetizer in two ways: fresh or frozen. In short, there are several different kinds of frozen Swedish meatballs that are perfectly acceptable if you’re in a rush for time. The trick to ridding the meatballs of that “manufactured” taste will be in the sauce you serve alongside them.
But if you’re going for homemade, the ingredients are just as simple: eggs, pumpernickel bread crumbs (or white/wheat), finely chopped onion, all spice, and nutmeg. Combine these ingredients to taste. Brown on all sides in a heavy skillet, and then add beef broth and sour cream to make the gravy.
Strawberry Appetizer Tray
Wine Pairing: Champagne, Sparkling wine
It’s always a good idea to add something light and sweet to your party menu. An incredibly simple (and colorful) way to do just that is with strawberries. Cut them into halves and top them with a bit of yogurt. Place one blueberry onto each half and arrange on a large decorative serving tray.
This treat will go very well with sparkling wines or a delicate Champagne. The colors are perfect for the Fourth of July. And your guests will enjoy the light and airy aspect of the blended flavors.
Stuffed Cucumber Bites
Wine Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc, Grüner Veltliner (Austrian white grape)
This super-simple vegetable appetizer might not last long on your cocktail table. To make these, create little “boats” out of cucumber by slicing them in half and scooping out the seeds from the middle so that each half is hollowed out. Make a filling that contains: chive and onion cream cheese, minced green and banana peppers, a few teaspoons of spicy tomato relish, a dash of tobasco sauce and shredded carrots. Blend completely and spoon the mixture into the cucumber’s hollowed areas. Sprinkle with extra chives and/or shredded carrots. Cut the cucumbers into “Bites” and arrange on a tray.
Ham Roll-Ups
Wine Pairing: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay
This appetizer idea is almost too easy to list here. But if you’re running short on time and need an additional party food to adorn your table. Get some medium-sliced ham and cut into strips. Buy pre-cut cheese cubes, or save money by cutting the cheese into cubes yourself. Wrap the cubes of cheese with the ham; skewer them with toothpicks and serve. Ham is one of those meats that can be paired with white or red, depending upon your mood and taste.
SOURCES:
www.gourmetsleuth.com
www.recipetips.com
www.winedin.com
