WRITTEN BY Tamberlyn Dobrowski
During the holidays I like to have a few go-to recipes, bottles of bubbly and wine and some great cocktail ingredients on hand for a planned party, last-minute gathering or drop-in guests. Creating memories we can share and cherish with family and friends is the goal. Being prepared with a few simple go-to items will help eliminate the last-minute stress.
Danielle Rollins’ book, Soirée: Entertaining with Style, is a favorite inspirational book for both recipes and decor. Veranda calls her “a genuine expert, a natural-born entertainer.” Her Radish, Goat Cheese and Preserved Lemon Canapés are always a favorite, and so festive for holiday serving.
Endive Salad with Roasted Beets, Blue Cheese and Honey-Sherry Vinaigrette
Smokey Brussel Sprouts
Chocolate-Pecan Pie with Toasted Marshmallow Chantilly Cream
Butternut Squash Soup Shooters
Radish, Goat Cheese and Preserved Lemon Canapés
The Wine List
Jeff Hous of Bond Street Wines has shared his knowledge, expertise and must-have wines to keep on the shelf during the holidays. You and your guests will enjoy his outstanding selection for holiday entertaining.
Les Dames Blanches du Sud 2014
Beautiful color with intense golden reflections. The nose has dominated aromas of white flowers (acacia) and citrus. Over the mid palate the wine has a full mouth feel, rich and fruity with a lot of fat. The wine exhibits impressions of freshness, balance and aromatic power. Notes of apricot and white peach and floral notes show throughout the wine.
Merriman Cummins Road Pinot Noir 2012
The Cummins Road is made up of grapes from the new south facing block #13. This block is planted entirely to the Pinot Noir clone Wädenswil, which traces its origin to Switzerland. The extra degrees of heat from the southern exposure ensure a nice, even ripeness, giving the wine its full character. Restrained use of French oak during the wine making process rounds out the palate and gives it a creamy mouth feel. We are proud to produce this value- oriented wine completely from Merriman Vineyard fruit and to let it serve as an introduction to the vineyard.
Gerard Bertrand Cuvée Thomas Jefferson Cremant de Limoux Brut Rosé 2012
The wine has a pale straw color with hints of green reflecting at the edge of the glass. The bubbles are tiny and very elegant. Its aromas are very fruity with a hint of biscuits, hazelnuts and flowers. This sparkling wine is elegantly balanced, complex and well-structured with a long and crisp mineral finish.
Cocktails
Entertain your guests with these innovative holiday cocktails from mixologist Bob Peters. Bob has been in the business for over 20 years, and his passion and creativity are evident in each drink.
Awfully Fall
This drink is for the bourbon lover who is not afraid of spirit forward warming flavors. Cinnamon and vanilla flavors come from the Jager Spice and Byrrh Wine. Can be made in pitchers for a holiday party.
Next to a Negroni
This drink is a riff of a traditional Negroni. Aged gin adds depth of flavor, and complexity comes from the Frinet Branca and Cynar.
Austin Cider
Great for brunch, lunch or holiday party. You can cut back on the vodka if using early in the day and make them up in a batch for party serving.
Leave a Reply