The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in delicious appetizers and the wines that complement them best. We asked owner, Sarah Pierce, and her expert team at Milieu Wine Bar in Sherman to recommend wine pairings for some tasty appetizers. The key to perfect pairings is balance, matching flavors, textures, and intensity to create harmony in every sip and bite. Cheers to a season filled with festive flavors and memorable moments!
Layered Pesto Appetizer Dip
Pair with Château Briot Bordeaux Blanc Sauvignon Blanc
Base:
1 (14.5-ounce) can cannellini beans (preferably organic or reduced-sodium), drained and rinsed
1 (8-ounce) block reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel cheese)
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Toppings:
¼ – ⅓ cup fresh or refrigerated pesto (see note)
½ cup chopped artichoke hearts (canned, not marinated)
½ cup chopped (jarred) roasted red peppers
Kalamata olives, chopped or sliced horizontally into rings (optional)
1-2 tablespoons crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese or tomato-basil-flavored feta
Instructions
In a blender or food processor, combine the beans, cream cheese, and salt until very smooth, scraping the sides as needed.
Spread the cream cheese mixture onto a platter or appetizer serving tray.
Then spread a thin layer of pesto over top, not quite to the edge of the cream cheese mixture.
Top the pesto with artichokes, roasted red peppers, and Kalamatas (if using). Sprinkle feta cheese evenly on top.
Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese
Pair with Kaiken Indomito Cabernet Franc
Ingredients:
14 oz. dates: The ounces will be listed on the container.
4 oz goat cheese
1 package bacon, cut either in half or in thirds depending on the size of the dates.
4 Tbsp. honey
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh thyme leaves and parsley for topping
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350.
Slice dates in half and remove any pits that are there.
Stuff each date with 1/2 to 1 tsp. of goat cheese.
Wrap 1/3 - 1/2 piece of bacon around each date and secure with a toothpick.
Add the wrapped date to a baking rack on top of a baking sheet.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy. If you want to ensure that all parts of the bacon are crispy, turn halfway through baking.
Once they are done, drizzle with honey and top with salt and pepper to taste.
Let cool, then serve with fresh parsley and fresh thyme leaves.
Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers
Pair with Poppy Pinot Noir
12 jalapeño peppers (4-5 inch long peppers)
8 oz cream cheese softened
4 oz sharp cheddar cheese
1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 cup Panko bread crumbs
1/2 tsp paprika
2 tbsp butter melted
Smoked Salmon Bites
Pair with Lone Birch Riesling Riesling
Ingredients:
2 oz Original Honey Smoked Salmon, flaked
12 oz cream cheese, softened
¾ cup fresh chives, finely snipped
2 tbsp Italian flat leaf parsley, chopped fine
4 tbsp fresh basil, chopped fine
2 tbsp lemon zest, finely shredded
1 fresh lemon, juiced
Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper
Crackers of choice
Balsamic reduction
Instructions
In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese with the chives, parsley, basil, lemon zest and juice. Blend and season with pepper and salt to taste.
Put approximately 1-2 tbsp of cream cheese mixture on each cracker with either a knife or a pastry bag, then top each with Honey Smoked Salmon.
Drizzle with balsamic reduction and serve immediately.
The Milieu Wine Bar
218 W. Houston St., Suite 100, Sherman