The holidays are a time for gathering, celebrating, and indulging in delicious food. If you’re looking to change up your holiday cooking, while catering to diverse tastes, non-alcoholic wine is your secret ingredient. With its rich flavours and versatility, non-alcoholic wine brings depth to dishes without the need for alcohol. Plus, it allows everyone at your table—kids, non-drinkers, and those simply looking to cut back—to enjoy the festive cheer in every bite.
Why Cook with Non-Alcoholic Wine?
Cooking with non-alcoholic wine is more than just a trend; it’s a game-changer in the kitchen.
Here’s why:
Flavour Enhancement: Non-alcoholic wines like Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon retain the complexity of traditional wines, making them perfect for adding bold flavours to marinades, sauces, or reductions.
Inclusive Cooking: Whether your guests are non-drinkers, pregnant, or health-conscious, non-alcoholic wine ensures everyone can partake in the meal without concern.
Easy Substitution: Non-alcoholic wine works seamlessly in recipes that call for traditional wine. Simply swap it in at a 1:1 ratio for cooking.
Now, let’s showcase how non-alcoholic wine can shine in your holiday kitchen with a recipe that’s guaranteed to impress your guests
Sweet and Savoury Topped Cheese
The holidays wouldn’t be complete without a stunning appetizer to set the tone for your gathering. This Sweet and Savoury Topped Cheese recipe combines the creamy texture from soft cheese, the tartness of fruit, and a crunchy texture from nuts into a harmonious bite that also happens to pair beautifully with non-alcoholic wine.
Ingredients:
1 wheel of brie or Camembert cheese
½ cup of fresh cranberries
¼ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans
2 tbsp of honey
A splash of non-alcoholic St. Regis Pinot Noir for added depth
Fresh thyme for garnish
Crackers or toasted baguette slices for serving
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place the cheese wheel on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in an oven-safe dish.
In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, honey, and a splash of non-alcoholic Pinot Noir.
Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
Spoon the fruit mixture over the cheese, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the chopped nuts on top.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is soft and gooey.
Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme. Serve immediately with crackers or toasted baguette slices.
Pro tip: Pair this appetizer with a glass of chilled non-alcoholic Sauvignon Blanc for a crisp, refreshing counterpoint to the warm, melty cheese. For a cozier vibe, non-alcoholic Pinot Noir enhances the sweet and savoury notes beautifully.
Tips for Cooking with Non-Alcoholic Wine
Select Quality - Premium non-alcoholic wines like St. Regis' offerings ensure you’re working with top-tier ingredients.
Reduce Slowly - When using non-alcoholic wine in sauces, simmer it gently to concentrate the flavours without losing the essence.
Balance Flavours - Pair the natural acidity of non-alcoholic wine with complementary ingredients like citrus, herbs, or a touch of sweetness.
This holiday season, let non-alcoholic wine transform your cooking and elevate your appetizers to new heights. With recipes like these, you’ll inspire cheers and compliments at every gathering—no alcohol required! Cheers to festive cooking, inclusive flavours, and a season filled with delicious memories!