Halloween isn’t just 31 flavors of sugar anymore! Long dark nights and cooler temperatures call for snuggling up with a cup of hot soup, or gathering friends around the fireplace. Halloween foods are starting to be front and center, with some of the most creative dishes being served on Halloween. Hostesses and cooks around the world outdo themselves in ghoulish grossness, while providing nutritious fun for kids of all ages.
Traditionally, Halloween has been a time of gathering with family, reflecting on those who came before us, giving thanks, and honoring what we have because of those who paved the way. What better reason to gather the family around a spookily decorated, sumptuous table!
This year, I invite you to have fun discovering the gastronomic joys of this imaginative holiday. Here’s a sample menu with paired wines.
First Course: Goblin’s Stew, a.k.a. pumpkin soup and Day of the Dead bread (Pan)
I love Chardonnay with pumpkin dishes. A creamy pumpkin soup with carrots, perhaps slightly curried or peppered, paired with a nice oaky Chardonnay is a perfect duet.
Second Course: Worm’s Delight, a.k.a. warm spinach salad
This dish pairs beautifully with Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio or a Pinor Noir.
Main Course: Witch Wanda’s Scary Chili, a.k.a. chili
This dish will go great with Syrah, Shiraz or Malbec. For extra fun, add plastic spiders, worms, and eyeballs to the chili before serving.
Dessert Course: FUDGE
Yes, there will be a lot of trick-or-treat candy floating around on Halloween. But don’t let that get in the way of serving a scrumptious, decadent dessert that lets you really indulge. For mouth-watering ideas, please see my blog on pairing wine and fudge.
This menu offers food and wine for just about every palate. Recognizing that we all have our own unique palates, I recommend putting out all of the wines I suggested and letting people choose their favorites. That’s the best way I know for ensuring perfect wine and food pairings ☺
For more ideas on ghoulish dishes, please visit these fun websites: Divine Dinner Party and Lisa Goes Crazy
Here’s to a ghoulish, scrumptious Halloween featuring WINEderful Halloween foods!!! Please share your most delectable Halloween recipes with us here. Thanks!
As an independent wine consultant with WineShop At Home, I absolutely enjoy bringing a taste of the Napa wine country home to you one sip at a time. Whether you simply love to drink wine, seek a special personalized wine gift, or are in search of a new wine jobs opportunity as a wine consultant, feel free to contact me for a truly unique wine tasting experience!
Cheers,
Betty Kaufman, WineShop At Home
