Posts Tagged ‘holiday entertaining’

Wine and Cheese Pairings December 18, 2015

Wine and Cheese Pairings

If you are anything like me, you will eat any cheese that tastes great and pair it with any wine in the same fashion.

However, if you are preparing for the holidays with big celebrations and want to impress your guests, then the following chart will help guide you in pairing the right wine with your cheese and fruits selections.

Please note that when pairing cheese and wine, it’s a personal decision not a hard and fast rule.

Cheese	Wine	Fruit
Soft, Fresh Cheeses Uncooked, unripened cheeses, mild and creamy with a slight tang; spreadable.
Cream Cheese, Mascarpone, Neufchatel	Champagne	Apples, Grapes, Pears, Mangos, Melons
Soft, Ripened Cheeses Mild with smooth and creamy-to-oozy textures and thin skins.
Brie, Camembert	Beaujolais, Cabernet Sauvignon, Champagne, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Port, Sherry	Plums, Berries, Apples
Semi-Soft Cheeses Mild, buttery taste and smooth texture; easily sliced.
Fontina	Gewürztraminer, Pinot Grigio	Apples, Pears
Havarti	Chardonnay, Dry Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc	Grapes, Pears, Raisins
Monterey Jack, Muenster	Beaujolais, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc	Plums, Strawberries, Peaches
Mozzarella (Fresh)	Beaujolais, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir	Berries, Melons, Peaches, Pineapple
Semi-Hard Cheeses Rich, nutty, often mild flavors with textures from smooth to holey to flaky.
Cheddar, Edam, Gouda	Burgundy, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Riesling	Apples, Grapes, Peaches, Pears
Emmentaler, Swiss	Champagne, Gewurtzraminer, Riesling	Apples, Grapes, Peaches, Pears
Gruyère, Provolone	Amarone, Beaujolais, Chardonnay, Dolcetto, Sauternes, Sauvignon Blanc, Port	Grapes, Melons, Peaches, Pineapple
Hard Cheeses Aged cheeses with intense, sharp flavors.
Aged Asiago	Bardolino, Cabernet, Chardonnay, Rioja, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc	Apples, Pears
Parmesan	Burgundy, Chianti, Merlot, Riesling	Apples, Figs, Grapes
Romano	Amarone, Barbesco, Barolo, Chianti, Zinfandel	Melons, Mangos
Hispanic-Style Cheeses (Quesos) Hispanic cheeses run the gamut of flavors and textures, and then some. Below are three popular Mexican cheeses suitable for wine and cheese pairing.
Asadero (semi-soft, a cross between Mozzarella and Monterey Jack)	Champagne, Chardonnay	Apples, Peaches, Pears
Cotija (hard, pungent, similar to Parmesan)	Chardonnay, Riesling	Bananas, Berries, Mangos
Queso Blanco (fresh, crumbly, similar to Monterey Jack)	Dry Rosé	Grapes, Pears, Raisins
Blue-Veined Cheeses Intensely sharp, pungent, earthy flavors, aromatic with smooth-to-crumbly textures.
Blue, Gorgonzola, Roquefort	Amarone, Moscato, Port, Sauternes	Apples, Grapes, Pears
Stilton	Port	Pears
Goat Cheeses Sharp, tangy flavors and textures ranging from soft and crumbly to hard, depending on aging.
Chèvre, Feta	Champagne, Chenin Blanc, Pouilly Fume, Sancerre, Sauvignon Blanc	Apples, Pears, Peaches

Now that you have this chart go ahead and impress your guests by providing them with an assortment of cheese, wines and fruits to satisfy any palate.

what cheese pairs well with white wine?

What are some of your favorite wine and cheese pairings?

white wine and cheese pairings

I enjoy Liberty Creek Wines, and Moscato is my favorite especially when paired with Goat Cheese and slices of pears.

I love that the owners of Summit Liquors agreed to keep 2 bottles in the refrigerated case so it’s always cold when I make my weekly purchase. what cheese to pair with Moscato

10 Comments

Have a Glass of Wine and You’ll Be Fine! November 14, 2014

Disclosure Statement: I was provided a sample product from Mirassou Wines in order to facilitate this review, however, opinions are 100% my own.

‘Tis the season to reflect and take stock of all our blessings, to share good times with family and friends and to simply enjoy the wonderful life that we have been given. Too often we get caught up in the day to day activities, stuck and struck with stress and anxiety, so when that happens, remember this motto, “Have a glass of wine and you’ll be fine!”

That’s exactly what my girls and I did on Sunday afternoon, we kicked off the week with fun, food, laughter and of course a couple bottles of wine thanks to Mirassou Winery.

The last time we were all together we had such a good time that we decided to have a day of fun at least once per month. We all live in close proximity so it makes for an easy commute or walk in case we have too much fun!

Our hostess, Carol, had a spread with more than enough food to keep our bellies full and the pairing of the Brie Cheese and Fig Preserves on a Crostini was a perfect compliment to the Mirassou Chardonnay.

This was our first time drinking a Chardonnay and I normally drink Sweet Reds, however, the California Chardonnay was a light and refreshing wine which turned out to be our favorite. The Pinot Noir was a bit too dry for us but we didn’t allow it to go to waste – lol.

To celebrate the season and commemorate the occasion, the bottom of each glass was painted with chalkboard paint so that we could write what we were thankful for using a white permanent paint marker.

The glasses were a gift and to make the day even more special I shot this short video which was supposed to be the outtakes. It was too funny not to show it just the way it was so enjoy our antics #memoriesofgoodtimes.

A day of fun with family & friends and Mirassou Wines

If you are looking for wines to serve or give as a gift this holiday season, check out the many varieties of Mirassou Wines.

Merlot, Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Moscato and Sunset Red, all reasonable priced as to not break your budget and can be paired with a variety of foods.

This was Shawn’s favorite, what is your favorite wine to serve for the holidays or when entertaining at home?

For more entertaining tips and recipes, visit Mirassou on Pinterest, Facebook or www.Mirassou.com

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

33 Comments

Smarty Had A Party and You’re Invited To Win! November 7, 2014

It doesn’t matter if you’re having a big holiday gathering or just a small fun-filled afternoon with a few of your friends, if your partyware is from Smarty Had A Party, it’s sure to be a blast!

Last weekend one of my girlfriends hosted a Silpada Jewelry party so I offered to bring my Smarty Had a Party Hors d’oeuvre Party Set. This Elegant Cocktail/Hors d’oeuvre Party Set included Black Plastic Plates, Mini forks, Frosted Stem Wine Glasses, Mini Crock Pots and a package of Dual Peacock Blue Napkins.

I loved the mini Crock Pots which were just too adorable, and we used them for the veggies but wouldn’t they be cool for holding a bean dip? All the items in the set, especially the Black Plates are very sturdy and can be hand washed to be used again.

As you can see from the pictures, the frosted, Stem Wine Glasses were our favorites, especially when filled with cold Apple Cider…and then later with some chilled wine!

My sponsor over at Smarty Had a Party would like to send to one of my lucky readers their own Elegant Cocktail/Hors d’oeuvre Party set, which will include the following items:

Mini Cooking Pot
Blue Dual-Sided Paper Cocktail Napkins
Reflections Mini Forks
Renaissance Black Salad Plates
Onde Wine Glasses

Let Smarty Had a Party be your PPP (Personal Party Provider), and take a look at some of the other great items at http://www.smartyhadaparty.com I am sure you will find something special for your own get togethers and events.

Smarty Had A Party is the nation’s top-rated online party store for entertaining, from back yard pool parties to weddings, bridal showers, holiday dinners and special occasions. Smarty offers the widest selection of budget-friendly, elegant disposable dinnerware, eco-friendly party supplies and table linen on the web, enabling party and event planners to save the expense and hassle of rentals

*The contest is limited to participants in the 48 contiguous US States only

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

19 Comments

Home for the Weekend or Home for the Holidays October 30, 2014

Last Friday when Malik came home from college for the weekend he also brought a friend. I really didn’t mind having an extra mouth to feed but having just the right amount of snacks was definitely important.

Earlier in the week he sent me a text message stating that he was bringing home 3 friends so I stopped at the grocery store after work. I wanted to pick up some chicken wings, cheese and crackers which are all his favorites, but I also needed to include some healthy items so I also bought fruits and veggies.

Whether entertaining friends for the holiday or my son and his buddies for the weekend, having just the right kitchen tools is always essential.

I recently received these KitchenwarePlus Bamboo Cutting Boards from Digital Awol and can honestly say that they are by far the best I’ve ever owned. These top quality boards are sturdy, and extra thick made from Bamboo and the large one measures 18” x 13”, the medium board is 13” x 8.5”.

As you can see, they were the perfect size for “cutting the cheese” and serving snacks to my son. The boards are available via Amazon.com, so if you order a set today you will receive them before your holiday entertaining begins.

What are your kid’s favorite snacks?

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

8 Comments

Posts Tagged ‘holiday entertaining’

Wine and Cheese Pairings December 18, 2015

Have a Glass of Wine and You’ll Be Fine! November 14, 2014

Disclosure Statement: I was provided a sample product from Mirassou Wines in order to facilitate this review, however, opinions are 100% my own.

That’s exactly what my girls and I did on Sunday afternoon, we kicked off the week with fun, food, laughter and of course a couple bottles of wine thanks to Mirassou Winery.

The last time we were all together we had such a good time that we decided to have a day of fun at least once per month. We all live in close proximity so it makes for an easy commute or walk in case we have too much fun!

Our hostess, Carol, had a spread with more than enough food to keep our bellies full and the pairing of the Brie Cheese and Fig Preserves on a Crostini was a perfect compliment to the Mirassou Chardonnay.

This was our first time drinking a Chardonnay and I normally drink Sweet Reds, however, the California Chardonnay was a light and refreshing wine which turned out to be our favorite. The Pinot Noir was a bit too dry for us but we didn’t allow it to go to waste – lol.

To celebrate the season and commemorate the occasion, the bottom of each glass was painted with chalkboard paint so that we could write what we were thankful for using a white permanent paint marker.

The glasses were a gift and to make the day even more special I shot this short video which was supposed to be the outtakes. It was too funny not to show it just the way it was so enjoy our antics #memoriesofgoodtimes.

If you are looking for wines to serve or give as a gift this holiday season, check out the many varieties of Mirassou Wines.

Merlot, Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Moscato and Sunset Red, all reasonable priced as to not break your budget and can be paired with a variety of foods.

This was Shawn’s favorite, what is your favorite wine to serve for the holidays or when entertaining at home?

For more entertaining tips and recipes, visit Mirassou on Pinterest, Facebook or www.Mirassou.com

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

Smarty Had A Party and You’re Invited To Win! November 7, 2014

It doesn’t matter if you’re having a big holiday gathering or just a small fun-filled afternoon with a few of your friends, if your partyware is from Smarty Had A Party, it’s sure to be a blast!

I loved the mini Crock Pots which were just too adorable, and we used them for the veggies but wouldn’t they be cool for holding a bean dip? All the items in the set, especially the Black Plates are very sturdy and can be hand washed to be used again.

As you can see from the pictures, the frosted, Stem Wine Glasses were our favorites, especially when filled with cold Apple Cider…and then later with some chilled wine!

My sponsor over at Smarty Had a Party would like to send to one of my lucky readers their own Elegant Cocktail/Hors d’oeuvre Party set, which will include the following items:

Mini Cooking Pot Blue Dual-Sided Paper Cocktail Napkins Reflections Mini Forks Renaissance Black Salad Plates Onde Wine Glasses

Leave a comment below then enter the Rafflecopter contest for your chance to win. *Contest ends at midnight on November 21st and winner’s name, address, email address and telephone number will be sent directly to Smarty Had a Party on November 25th.

Let Smarty Had a Party be your PPP (Personal Party Provider), and take a look at some of the other great items at http://www.smartyhadaparty.com I am sure you will find something special for your own get togethers and events.

*The contest is limited to participants in the 48 contiguous US States only

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

Home for the Weekend or Home for the Holidays October 30, 2014

Last Friday when Malik came home from college for the weekend he also brought a friend. I really didn’t mind having an extra mouth to feed but having just the right amount of snacks was definitely important.

Whether entertaining friends for the holiday or my son and his buddies for the weekend, having just the right kitchen tools is always essential.

I recently received these KitchenwarePlus Bamboo Cutting Boards from Digital Awol and can honestly say that they are by far the best I’ve ever owned. These top quality boards are sturdy, and extra thick made from Bamboo and the large one measures 18” x 13”, the medium board is 13” x 8.5”.

As you can see, they were the perfect size for “cutting the cheese” and serving snacks to my son. The boards are available via Amazon.com, so if you order a set today you will receive them before your holiday entertaining begins.

What are your kid’s favorite snacks?

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

Mini Cooking Pot
Blue Dual-Sided Paper Cocktail Napkins
Reflections Mini Forks
Renaissance Black Salad Plates
Onde Wine Glasses