The holiday season is here and our calendar is filled with parties and get togethers. It’s the most wonderful — and hectic — time of the year. Let us help you out with some of our ideas — and a few great recipes we found — to wow your hosts and guests everywhere you go this season. Pick out a bottle of Tanglewood wine and a holiday appetizer from below and you’re good to go! Happy Holidays!
Classic Charcuterie
A charcuterie board is always a great choice. Depending on what other guests are bringing, you can craft your board to include the perfect treats for the evening. The recipe is simple. First, take a look through the store’s cheese selection.
You want a good variety of cheese, so try to find a combination of hard, soft, crumbly, and creamy. Make sure to include a cheese that all of your guests are familiar with and enjoy. A good combination example would be an aged cheddar, a hard cheese like Gruyère or Manchengo, a soft Brie, and goat cheese.
Now add in some meats. A mix of flavors and textures is always a plus. Pick some salamis, prosciutto, and chorizo. Choose different levels of spice to add to the variety.
To go above and beyond a cheese plate, choose some spreads to top your treats. Mustards, chutneys, honey and jams compliment the cheeses and meats and can add a pop of spice, or a little sweetness. Fruits and olives can also elevate your board. Grapes are always an easy add, but apple or pear slices are a great choice too! For a holiday twist, add cranberries and candied pecans.
The basis of your charcuterie is the bread and crackers. Pick out some firm crackers that wont crumble when they’re dipped or built upon. Add a baguette for a more filling choice.
There are tons of great pairings online too, if you need some more inspiration.
Caprese
Caprese is a simple, healthy, and festive appetizer choice that can be assembled in minutes. Grape tomatoes, fresh and creamy mozzarella, and basil is all you need. It’s even red and green! Add a dish of balsamic reduction for dipping and head out the door.
Flatbreads
Flatbreads are quick to make, inexpensive, and fun! You can get as creative as you want with these, mixing and matching toppings for lots of options. Stick with familiar toppings like mozzarella and sausage, or step it up with cranberry and goat cheese. To make it easy for guests to eat and keep your tray looking beautiful, cut the flatbreads into triangle slices.
Cranberry Brie Bites
Check out this great recipe we found from delish.com for Cranberry Brie Bites.
Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Smoky Links
Who doesn’t like bacon? These casual treats can fit in at ay soirée with the extra touch of brown sugar. Wrap mini smoky links in bacon, roll them in brown sugar, and bake. For the full recipe, visit Spend with Pennies.
For a great host gift or Christmas present, shop Tanglewood wine. We hope you have an idea for a great holiday appetizer for all of your get-togethers this season!
