PERFECT PAIRINGS
WINE & DINE
Before the last-minute prep of the side dishes, there is often a little time to relax with hors d’oeuvres and a glass of wine. Appetizers don’t have to be a burden. Our recipes rely primarily on ingredients being used for the main event. Match the appetizers with Crisp & Light white wines and the main course with a savoury Light & Fruity red such as Pinot Noir. Our Brie, Onion & Cranberry appetizer is a great dish to serve just before the main meal, as it is a great pairing to tangy red wines such as a light Pinot Noir or savoury Italian Chianti, that will also pair well with the turkey.
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Wine Styles to Match Side Dishes
1. Cranberry Sauce & Chianti The tangy, assertive nature of cranberry sauce wants a red wine with marked acidity. A classic choice is an Italian Chianti or a Pinot Noir, but many local red wines make great matches too, such as Nova Scotian Marquette.
2. Cheesy Broccoli & Tidal Bay There’s no perfect pairing for the broccoli and cheese sauce, but a good wine to try is a vibrant Tidal Bay from Nov Scotia. The fresh acidity of a Tidal Bay will cleanse the palate from the richness of the cheese.
3. Stuffing & Aged Tempranillo The earthy, mushroom and savoury herb flavours of a good stuffing love to be accompanied by similarly savoury tones in the accompanying wine. Pinot Noir is a classic choice, but an aged Tempranillo will also offer the right flavours.
4. Squash & Viognier
The mildly sweet character and generous texture of roast squash will harmonize well with the sweet spice flavours and round texture of Viognier.
5. Mashed Potatoes & Chardonnay
The creaminess of mashed potatoes will harmonize well with the buttery flavours and round texture of a barrel-aged Chardonnay such as those from the Central Coast of California.
Brie, Onion & Cranberry Tart
6 to 8 Servings
Prep Time: Overnight
Total Time: More than 3 hours
1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 1⁄2 cups onions, caramelized
1 large wheel Brie cheese, cut into 1-inch long pieces
1⁄2 cup cranberry sauce
2 sprigs rosemary, leaves removed, finely chopped
Directions: Preheat oven to 400 º F. Roll out pastry until it is 11x14 inches. Place pastry on a baking sheet. Top with caramelized onions and slices of Brie. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The pastry should be crispy, and cheese melted. Drizzle with cranberry sauce and sprinkle with rosemary.
Sage, Thyme & White Bean Dip
6 to 8 Servings
Prep time: Less than 30 minutes Total time: Less than 30 minutes
1 tbsp diced sage 1 tbsp dried thyme
1 can white navy beans, rinsed 3 cloves garlic, roasted
2 tbsp Sherry vinegar
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Pinch salt
Pinch pepper
Vegetables, to serve
Baguette, sliced, toasted to serve
Directions: Place all the ingredients in a bowl. Using a handheld blender, purée until smooth. Serve with raw vegetables and slices of toasted baguette.
Tip: Accompany with vegetables you were planning on serving as part of main meal such as carrots and broccoli.