NO FUSS DIP RECIPES TO PAIR WITH YOUR HOUSE WINE
It happens to everyone; that friendly unannounced drop by, neighborly pop-in and all- too-familiar play date pick-up that turns into an afternoon social call. Don’t leave your guests high and dry, hungry or thirsty with these quick and simple dip recipes that are sure to complement any sip selection. All that’s needed is an open mind, decorative dish and a reminder that you don’t have to serve “everything but the kitchen sink” to be an elegant (panic-free) host.
Fruit Dip: Using an electric mixer, blend an 8 ounce package of softened cream cheese and a 7 ounce jar of marshmallow cream until mixed thoroughly. Great served with strawberries, apples, pineapple and melon.
Recommended wine pairings:
2007 Volpi Moscato; $12.98
Made by winemaker Federico Riolfo, this wine has the delicate aroma of Muscat grape with a very elegant bouquet reminiscent of orange-blossom, peach and honey. Pleasantly sweet, aromatic, round and a creamy sensation on the palate, it offers an excellent balance between the natural grape sugar and the acidity.
2009 Jung Spatlesse Riesling; $15.98
Geisenheimer Mauerchen Riesling Spatlesse has an intensive aroma with a fruity bouquet, an elegant sweetness combined with great minerality; very mouth-filling with a long aftertaste.
Guacamole: Mash 3 avocados with 1/2 cup minced red onion and 1-2 minced jalapenos. Stir in 1 diced tomato, 1 bunch of chopped cilantro and a splash of lime juice. Season with salt and voila!
Recommended wine pairings:
2008 Lion’s Ridge Chardonnay; $15.98This
"Un-Oaked" Chardonnay from Monterey County utilizes hand-picked grapes, to provide you with the rich, natural fruit character of Chardonnay. The wine opens with strong aromas of freshly cut green apple, melon, and pear. A crisp, satisfying, Chardonnay with refreshing and lush tropical fruit flavors that carry through the finish
2010 30 Degrees Sauvignon Blanc; $11.9830 Degrees Sauvignon Blanc was carefully selected from vines that have historically produced some of California’s finest examples of this varietal. Hints of citrus, gooseberry, and freshly cut grass highlight this wine. This 30 degrees wine can be enjoyed on its own or with many of your favorite meals.
Hummus: Drain one 16 ounce can of chickpeas and set aside liquid from can. Combine 3-5 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 ½ tablespoons tahini, 2 cloves of garlic, ½ teaspoon of salt and 2 tablespoons of olive oil in blender. Add 1/4 cup of liquid from chickpeas and blend for 3-5 minutes until thoroughly mixed and smooth. For a spicier hummus, add a dash of cayenne pepper. Serve immediately with toasted pita bread or pita chips.
Recommended wine pairings:
This wine from winemaker Bill Knuttel has aromas such as grapefruit, citrus, and honeydew melon. A few more swirls of the glass reveal a wonderful depth and concentration in the wine. On the palate, tropical fruit characters abound, such has white peach and pineapple. Honeysuckle elements from the Sauvignon Musqué linger, creating a rich mouth feel without any cluttering oak characters. A long and lingering finish culminates the progression of this dynamic and beautiful Sauvignon Blanc.
2010 Domaine de Saint Serrin Cotes du Gascogne; $9.98 Beautifully balanced, refreshing and festive. Fruity nuances with grapefruit as the dominant feature on the nose. The taste is a lively mouthful of citrus fruit. Blend of 65% Colombard, 20% Gros Manseng, 15% Ugni blanc.
Spinach Dip: Boil 1 cup thawed, chopped frozen spinach and 1 ½ cups thawed, chopped frozen artichoke hearts in 1 cup of water until tender and drain. Discard liquid. Heat 6 ounces of cream cheese in microwave for 1 minute or until hot and soft. Stir in ¼ cup sour cream, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon of garlic and serve hot.
Recommended wine pairings:
This wine has a brilliant and vivid colour with very aromatic aromas of red fruits including cherry and strawberry. In the mouth, it is well-rounded with a good freshness but without excessive acidity.
2009 Olivier Thierriaz Sancerre; $19.98
This crisp, mineral-intense Sancerre has exceptional verve, clarity and precision on the palate. This wine, from producer Olivier Thierriaz, has wonderfully fresh and mouth-watering citrus notes.
Spicy Cheese Dip: Combine 1 cup of Cheddar cheese with 1 tablespoon salsa and microwave for 30 seconds, then stir in 2-3 tablespoons milk.
Recommended wine pairings:
2008 Orbit Cabernet Sauvignon; $17.98
2008 was such an excellent Merlot vintage in Alexander Valley, winemaker Alison Crowe couldn’t resist adding a touch of Peterson Vineyards Merlot (15%) into the Cabernet blend. The Merlot completes the mouth-feel of the Cabernet and makes the wine more accessible at a younger age. French and American oak impartied oak tannins for complexity and to complement the wine’s fruity aromas.
2007 Gonnet Cote du Rhone Rouge; $13.98
This Côtes du Rhône, by winemakers Jean and Michel Gonnet, is a tasty blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault. This Cote du Rhone is a great, fun drinking wine to enjoy with friends! Its bouquet of ripe red fruit and spices will delight the taste buds.
