The Holidays are here and while it is still upwards of 70 degrees in Los Angeles, we do love to embrace the spirit of the season- we just have to work a bit harder to feel the vibe as we walk around in our flip-flops and tank tops. One way we Angelenos compensate for our lack of frigid temps and snow is to get festive with our food and alcohol.
Of all the Wanderpants editors, I’m admittedly the worst cook despite the fact that I do love food. This also does not mean I don’t love entertaining, it just means I have to keep things simple when it comes to food preparation and distract people with good wine, music, and conversation. I recently discovered Can Bech’s “Just for Cheese” line of 100% natural sauces, created to complement and enhance a variety of cheeses by using internationally sourced fruit, nuts, and spices.
At a recent “Wine and Cheese “ get-together chez moi, these sauces were a saving grace (read: easy), and a huge hit (read: delicious). Here are my favorites offerings from Can Bech’s line, and what cheese and wine to serve them with (all Can Bech products available via Wagshal’s Fine Foods). Don’t forget crackers or crostini and you’re all set.
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Sweet Sauce of Black Figs (with Australian Macadamia Nuts and Jamaican All Spice)
Pair with any type of blue cheese such as Roquefort, Gorgonzola, and Cashel Blue. Serve with Riesling, Port, or Merlot.
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Sweet Sauce of Raspberries (with Rose Petals and Szechuan Pepper)
Pair with soft cheese such as Mozzarella, Ricotta, and Provolone. Serve with Chianti or Pinot Grigio.
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Sweet Sauce of Golden Apples (with Pistachios and Cinnamon)
Pair with hard cheeses like Manchego, Gouda, and Gruyere. Serve with Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Bordeaux.
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Sweet Sauce of Black Grapes (with Majorcan almonds)
Pair with washed rind cheeses such as Taleggio, Munster, and Humboldt. Serve with Gewurztraminer or Burgundy.