Does the thought of turkey, cranberry sauce and stuffing—again—leave you feeling a bit uninspired? This year, jazz things up with some slightly different dishes that will impress your guests and reinvigorate your holiday table.
Of course what you pour is just as important as your menu, and Sonoma-Cutrer has the perfect wines for your feast. With the help of a few inspired recipe ideas and wine pairings that will elevate your offerings, it’s simple to create a truly memorable meal.
Set the tone with a made-for-fall soup that lets guests know this isn’t your standard Thanksgiving spread. Pumpkin Soup with seasonal wild mushrooms becomes a showstopper when served in individual pumpkin bowls. A warming Winter Squash Soup is a tasty alternative, both of which pair nicely with a glass of crisp, versatile Russian River Ranches Chardonnay.
Bold enough to bypass the turkey this year? If so, give your guests something to gawk at with individual Smoked Game Hens. Brined in cider for moist, flavorful results, these birds also pick up a rich smoky flavor when cooked over wood chips on the grill.
If you’d rather stick to the traditional Thanksgiving centerpiece, not to worry—the same brining technique will work quite well on turkey. Either makes a fantastic partner for Sonoma-Cutrer’s Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. Lush and silky, the fruit-forward pinot is light enough to let the poultry shine through.
For an intimate Thanksgiving meal, or impressive sidekick for your turkey, try serving a Slow-Roasted Duck. Surprisingly simple to prepare, the rich duck is an ideal pair for a glass of complex yet elegant Founders Reserve Pinot Noir.
Top off your meal with a dessert that will challenge pie for a permanent place on your holiday table. Pumpkin Cheesecake with a graham-cracker crust is a fitting finish, while a simple Apple Batter Cake is a slightly lighter option that celebrates the season equally well.
Uncork a bottle of succulent Late Harvest Chardonnay to serve alongside your dessert and raise a glass to family, friends and an exceptional meal.
