11/15/07 Appetizers & Desserts

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran and today we are going to explore some of my recommendations of easy appetizers and desserts to serve up during the holidays. Recently a friend asked for some suggestions of unusual appetizers and desserts to serve during the holidays preferably with sparkling wines. She also was hoping they could be easy. Cheese of course - it can work as an appetizer but I like it better as dessert. In either case it is best to serve it at room temperature. When accompanied by your favorite fruit chutney or dried fruit and toasted nuts it is a simple and satisfying dessert. If you like a sweeter dessert try grilling some fresh fruit and serving it with an asti-spumante as dessert. If you prefer cheese as an appetizer try serving it along side roasted or grilled room temperature vegetables, olives and pate' with good quality mustards and savory crackers. If you want to turn it into heavy app's add smoked dried meats sliced meats and toasted slices of crusty baguette. I have to say if you like easy with bubbly go to the store and get a platter of sushi and California rolls. That is super easy and a stunning good combination, especially when you transfer it onto one of your favorite serving platters. Those are my top choices for easy and delicious app's and desserts to go with Sparkling wine. Remember to send your wine questions to Linda at vine to wine dot net and thanks for joining me on today's Vine to Wine.