"The holidays are all about hosting family and friends. Make entertaining easy with these simple, pre-dinner bites and pairing it with the perfect wine," says Walter Martino. He is standing at the Ferguson showroom with the gorgeous Wolf appliances while preparing his top 15 easy Holiday Appetizers recipes- just for our readers.
Tis the season for holiday parties to celebrate, and most of these celebrations include dining with friends, family, and colleagues. "Whether you are hosting a dinner party in your home, or are a guest in another person's home, I got you covered with festive recipes, including suggested pairing." It's the same deal around the holidays every year: You get super excited that it's that season again, only to quickly be reminded of how stressful it can actually be. But take a beat before you shift into panic mode. Soulivity has you covered this holiday season. So get your holiday-gear ready and head to the kitchen with the Million Dollar Chef. For the next 15 days, we'll share some fantastic recipes and his perfect pairing- to make it even better, we partnered up with some incredible brands to shop and have them delivered to your doorstep.
Let's get cooking Soulivity!
Follow along @ChefWMartino #AllThingsWine during this holiday season- Don't forget to share a photo with us!
#15: Shrimp Cocktail with Moet & Chandon Champagne
This shrimp cocktail platter with my favorite 5-ingredient homemade cocktail sauce is one of my secrets for a quick and easy appetizer when hosting friends for the holidays.
#14: Blini with Caviar & Avissi Prosecco
The holidays present a number of opportunities to impress your guests. This classic combination of blini and caviar is the perfect example — indulgent, elegant, and delectable to the extreme. If you are hosting a small crowd for drinks, it's all you need to serve.
#13: Bruschetta Party Bar & 2013 Hailstone "Impact" Cabernet Sauvignon
It's going to be a Bruschetta Bar kinda holiday – Throwing a brunch holiday party can be a lot of work! Bruschetta Bars are the answer. It's essentially the best of the best when it comes to tapas-style eating.
#12: Spinach Spanakopita & Cubanisimo 2015 Pinot Gris
Put a little Greek into your Holiday Party! Between all of these holiday parties, you will inevitably be asked to bring something to share. This Spinach Spanakopita is an excellent traditional appetizer paired perfectly with Cubanisimo, Pinot Gris.
#11: Stuffed Mushrooms & 2014 Ritual Chardonnay, Casablanca Valley
Who is already partying it up this holiday season? These Mouth-Watering Stuffed Mushrooms….make an excellent holiday appetizer, and don't forget to pair with your favorite wines, perfect for your next party!
#10: Tuna Tartare Cripsy Tacos & Hungry Blond, Chardonnay
How to prepare your ultimate Taco Bar Party for the Holidays… The fun thing about tacos is they're fun, they're casual, and they're low pressure.
#9: Bacon Pastry Twists & 2013 Hailstone "Impact" Cabernet Sauvignon
Puff pastries are a total secret weapon, and it is the star of one of the most classic hors d'oeuvres out there, everything from appetizers to tarts, both savory and sweet.
#8: Sweet Chili Chicken Meatballs & Casa Marin – Cartagena Sauvignon Blanc 2018
Ready to meet your new favorite appetizer? Check out these easy Sweet Chili Party Meatballs!
#7: Chocolate Toffee & El Joven Equilibrista Malbec – Juan Ubaldini
If there was ever a candy that was made for the holiday season, Chocolate Toffee has got to be right near the top of the list!
#6: Holiday Canapés & La Marca Prosecco
Every good drinks party needs some finger food to serve alongside the fizz. A canape is a small, one-or-two bite hors d'oeuvre, usually consisting of a piece of bread or cracker topped with, well, anything.
#5: Zucchini Fritters & Mionetto Prosecco Brut, Treviso DOC
They are delicious plain or dipped in a sauce- serve them as an appetizer or side dish. It's an easy recipe you can whip up in no time and still have time to wrap those last-minute gifts.
#4: Caramel Brownies & 2015 Napa Valley Three By Wade Red Blend
Looking for a tasty chocolate dessert recipe this Christmas season?
#3: Roast Pork – Lechón Asado & Cubanisimo 2015 Pinot Gris
How to throw a killer Cuban Pig Roast! The origins of the Caja China—basically, "Chinese box" in Spanish—and particularly how it made its way to Cuba from Asia, the basic method inverts traditional cooking structures by placing the coals on top of the box.
#2: Mascarpone Cream for Panettone & Dom Ruinart Brut Rose
The Panettone brings back so many happy memories for me! It was actually one of the first desserts I made as a kid, especially for Christmas.
#1: Beef Wellington Bites & 2017 Wade Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville
The classic dish of beef Wellington bites is perfect for before-dinner bites. Packaged puff pastry makes easy work of the pastry wrapping, while onions and mushrooms round out the beef.
BONUS: Salmon Roe Caviar & Billecart Salmon Blanc de Blancs NV
Since salmon roe is not as expensive as sturgeon caviar, it is readily available, so I suggest you make a visit to your favorite store.
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Watch this space as we countdown the top 20 easy holiday appetizers recipes from Walter Martino!
