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‘Tis the Season to Live Large with White Wine-Infused recipes

Unleash your holiday spirit and indulge in a festive extravaganza of mouthwatering dishes paired with exquisite wines

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By House & Garden South Africa | September 18, 2023 | Recipes

It's time to unleash your holiday spirit and indulge in a festive extravaganza of mouthwatering dishes paired with exquisite wines. Whether you're embracing the festivities in all its glory or creating your own unique twist, we have curated a sensational lineup of wine pairings that will take your celebration to the next level. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey filled with joy, laughter, and the perfect fusion of flavours.

Let the enchantment of Christmas begin!

Starters to Spark Joy

Elevate your Christmas feast with a mouthwatering roasted prime rib infused with aromatic herbs, paired with bold red wine, such as a Merlot. Image: Supplied

Festive caprese skewers

Get the party started with colourful and flavourful skewers featuring cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves. Pair them with a lively Sauvignon Blanc to complement the vibrant flavours and herbal notes of the basil, creating a refreshing and zesty pairing that will invigorate your taste buds. Alternatively, you can opt for a light and fruity Rosé, offering a delicate balance of acidity and fruitiness that enhances the overall enjoyment of the caprese skewers.

Cheese and charcuterie board

Create a tantalising spread of artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and an assortment of accompaniments. Pair this delightful board with a medium-bodied red wine like a Merlot or a versatile Chardonnay to complement the flavours and enhance your grazing experience.

Mains that Make the Spirit Bright

Roasted prime rib with herb infusion

Elevate your Christmas feast with a mouthwatering roasted prime rib infused with aromatic herbs. The juicy and flavourful meat deserves a robust and bold red wine, such as a Merlot. The wine's rich tannins and dark fruit flavours will complement the succulent prime rib, creating a harmonious pairing that showcases the meat's exquisite flavours and the herb-infused aromatics.

Grilled salmon with citrus glaze

Embrace the summer vibes with a delightful grilled salmon drizzled with a zesty citrus glaze. Enhance the seafood experience by pairing it with a crisp and refreshing FAT bastard Chardonnay. The wine's acidity will complement the succulent salmon and accentuate the citrus flavours.Top Tip: Your favourite award-winning Chardonnay is now in a 2-litre box for larger LIVING.

Sides with a Merry Twist

Pair your side of green beans with a crisp and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc to create a harmonious balance. Image: supplied

Truffle mashed potatoes

Elevate the classic mashed potatoes to a whole new level with the indulgent addition of truffle oil. Pair this luxurious side with a medium-bodied wine like the FAT bastard Shiraz which can be enjoyed with great, joyous abandon, creating a heavenly combination that will leave everyone craving for more. The dark fruit flavours, spice notes, and velvety texture of Syrah/Shiraz complement the richness of the truffle mashed potatoes, creating a tantalising fusion of flavours that will delight your taste buds.

Spruced up green beans

Prepare to be dazzled by the vibrant flavours and festive flair of spruced-up green beans. These transformed beauties, enhanced with toasted almonds for a delightful crunch and a subtle tang of lemon zest, are a sensational side dish that captivates the taste buds. Pair them with a crisp and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc to create a harmonious balance, as its vibrant acidity and herbal undertones beautifully complement the bright flavours of the green beans.

Dessert that Jingles the Bells

A bold and rich Cabernet Sauvignon accentuates the decadence of a chocolate dessert. Image: supplied

Berry pavlova

Delight in a heavenly pavlova topped with a luscious blend of fresh berries. Pair this light and fruity dessert with a sparkling Rosé or a sweet Moscato, creating a delightful contrast of flavours that will leave your taste buds singing.

Decadent chocolate fondue

Dive into the indulgence of a chocolate fondue, perfect for sharing and savouring the moment. Pair this delectable dessert with a bold and rich Cabernet Sauvignon, accentuating the decadence of the chocolate.

“Taste the magic, relish the flavours, and share the joy as you live large and make cherished memories with loved ones during this special time. Here's to a wonderful and enchanting December holiday,” — Riekie Viljoen from FAT bastard