By Suzanne Corbett, STLSportsPage.com Food/Travel Editor
Seasonal celebrations are smaller this this year. But Santa doesn’t seem concerned because he knows as long as you believe in the magic season you don’t a big group to have a jolly holiday.
Just gather those nearest and dearest and plan to raise glass and share great tasting treats paired together just right to creative the perfect savory to sweet match. To help make those seasonal pairings sommelier and lifestyle expert Sarah Tracey has worked with ALDI’s to offer the following ideas. Check out her pairing themes and some a try. I’m sure you will find each paring will help put the ho, ho, ho into the holidays.
Light and Refreshing – With aromas of Meyer lemon and flavors of fresh green apple and white peach, the crisp Landshut Riesling has a touch of delicate sweetness while still being juicy and refreshing. For a savory-and-sweet combination, try pairing it with the Emporium Selection Plain Goat Cheese Log and Winternacht Milk Chocolate Domino Cubes.
Rich and Decadent – Indulge your senses with the aromas of butterscotch, warm baking spices and the velvety dark fruit notes of the Quarter Cut Bourbon Barrel Red Blend. This decadent red blend offers a smooth finish, similar to mulled wine without the extra work. The rich flavor pairs well with a smoked cheese like Emporium Selection Smoked Gouda as well as the Moser Roth Dark Chocolate Collection Caramel Sea Salt.
Savory with Brew – If a craft beer is more your style, consider a rich and creamy dark ale like a stout. Its robust flavors of roasted coffee beans and bittersweet cocoa combine for a sweet yet savory, earthy finish. Serve it with rich flavors like Emporium Selection Premium English Truffle Cheddar and add a touch of chocolatey sweetness with Specially Selected Cocoa Dusted Truffles.
Signature Libations – Up the ante on your holiday celebration with a special yet simple cocktail you can mix at home with confidence. The secret to making the Mistletoe Mule is the 3-2-1 method: just pour wine for three counts, ginger beer for two counts and pomegranate juice for one count.
Find more holiday recipes at aldi.us/holiday-guide
Mistletoe Mule
Servings: 2
Sugar
4 ½ ounces Tourner Brut Sparkling or any other dry sparkling wine
3 ounces Ginger Beer
1.5 ounces Pomegranate Juice
lime juice
fresh cranberries, for garnish (optional)
Rim two glasses with sugar.
In separate mixer or glass, combine wine, ginger beer and pomegranate juice using 3-2-1 method.
To serve, pour over ice in prepared glasses then top with fresh lime juice. Garnish each glass with cranberries, if desired.
Christmas Tree Cheese Tray
Grapes
Fresh Rosemary sprigs
3-5 different kinds of cubed cheese (Cheddar, Asiago, Smoked Gouda, Edam, Co-Jack, Swiss, Parmesan, Swiss, Havarti)
One small 2-3 ounce cheese ball
Celery stick
Following the example in the photo. Layer cheese cubes with grapes to from a tree. Use a piece of celery to create a tree trunk and the small cheese ball as the tree top. Decorate with springs of rosemary. Plan on 2 ounces of cheese per serving.
