December is full of special celebrations! Kwanzaa kicks off the day after Christmas and lasts for one week, and it’s a feast we love. This celebration of African-American heritage was established in the 1960s, and has become a very special time for families to gather, give gifts, and of course, feast together. We asked our Director of Sommology, Missa Capozzo, to choose a few traditional Kwanzaa recipes that pair great with wine. What will be on your menu? Be sure to stop by our Facebook page and let us know. We’d love to hear it!
Southern Cornbread Dressed up Chicken
Southern Cornbread Dressed Up Chicken pairs with dry white and rosé wines, and medium-bodied reds. Photo Credit: Food Network, Food Network Magazine
Missa says, “This recipe is chock full of different flavors and textures, from sweet to savory to salty to spicy, which makes this ideal to pair with wine. Dry whites of all bodies (light, medium, and full), off-dry whites, rosé, light- and medium-bodied reds.” She recommends having some fun and trying different pairings to see what you and your guests like the best! “They’ll each bring a different flavor of the dish to the forefront.”
Check out the recipe for Southern Cornbread Dressed Up Chicken.
Pair with: Three Hearts Rosé, Bailando Malbec
Southern Style Collard Greens
“This recipe has bacon, great fat and salt content that will be an instant compliment to wine with decent acidity,” Missa says. Dry whites, off-dry whites, and lighter-bodied reds would be a nice complement to this favorite dish!
Find the recipe for perfect collard greens here.
Pair with: Never Have I Ever Pinot Noir
Sweet Potato Pie with Candied Pecans and Coconut
This dessert recipe is perfect for any off-dry to semi-sweet whites, but it would also be delightful with our heavier-bodied whites, such as our Chardonnays and Viognier, Missa says. “Pecans and baking spice contrast beautifully with the sweetness of the coconut. Celebrate with this dessert paired with Fissata Blonde and toast to the holiday!”
We love the Food Network recipe for Sweet Potato Pie, which you can check out here.
Pair with: Fissata Blonde, Peekaboo Chardonnay
Cheers to a memorable and delicious Kwanzaa!