Category Archives: Behind the Scenes
Wine & Cheese Pairing for Intermediates
Last month, we touched on the subtle art of wine and cheese pairing. Today, we’re going to move past the 101 basics to delve a little deeper into this fine food art, thanks to a request from one of our Twitter followers. As Wine Enthusiast magazine explains, wine and food pairings are all about acidity, texture, fat and tannin. Found in bark, plants, seeds and fruit skins, tannin is a naturally-occurring polyphenol that gives wine its dryness. One simple yet effective strategy is to divide cheeses into four main groups. Each group can then be paired with particular wines to achieve a complementary or contrasting flavor. The 4 Cheese Groups Bloomy: These are your creamy cheeses with soft rinds. Pair them with chardonnay, pinot blanc, sparkling wine, or champagne. Hard: These firm cheeses (which can be aged) usually come with a salty and/or sharp taste. Pair them with merlot, cabernet sauvignon, sauvignon blanc, zinfandel, bardolino, or chianti. Blue: These types of cheeses, as the name implies, have a blue tinge and pungent flavor. Pair them with Riesling, port, sauternes, or eiswein. Fresh: Tangy and mild, these cheeses are soft and spreadable. Pair with pinot grigio, cauvignon blanc, chenin blanc, …
Celebrate National Military Appreciation Month with Military Gifts from Hickory Farms
“The strength of our nation is our Army; the strength of our Army is our Soldiers; the strength of our Soldiers is our families.” – United States Army May is Military Appreciation Month, a month-long observance dedicated to taking time and special care to honor the brave individuals that serve our nation. As a part of Military Appreciation Month, we celebrate Military Spouse Appreciation Day on May 10th, Armed Forces Day on May 18th, and Memorial Day on May 30th. Military Appreciation Month is a wonderful opportunity to show love and support for our soldiers and give back to the very people that sacrifice so much for us. And what better way to show your love and appreciation than by sending thoughtful comfort foods that bring soldiers the love and warmth of home? Hickory Farms would like to help spouses, family members, friends and other citizens show their love and appreciation to soldiers by offering them special military gifts that are eligible for free APO/FPO delivery. Made with delicious food products and nostalgic authenticity, these gifts are packaged with love to ensure that soldiers know just how much you care. Spouses, family members, and friends can select Our Deluxe Signature Sausage …
Festive Drinks & Cocktails for Cinco de Mayo Fiestas
“With a history steeped in battles and rebuilding, Mexico has earned every right to be proud.” Discovery News Time to get out your sombreros and maracas – it’s almost Cinco de Mayo! This holiday celebrates Mexico’s freedom from French rule after defeating the French forces in the Batalla de Puebla on May 5, 1862. And each year, more and more Americans help Mexico celebrate on May 5 with the famed Cinco de Mayo fiesta! Cinco de Mayo fiestas are all about tasty Mexican food and festive drinks. But instead of battling the Cinco de Mayo crowds at your favorite Mexican restaurant, why not invite your friends over and throw your own fiesta? We’ve found some fabulous ideas and inspiration for festive drinks and cocktails perfect for celebrating Cinco de Mayo. Here are some of our favorites. Blend or mix a fresh and fruity margarita. As Delish puts it, it’s time to “dust off your margarita pitcher and celebrate the warm weather.” Make it a frozen margarita and or serve it on the rocks. Get creative and make up your own fresh combination of fruits with oranges, mangoes, and even kiwi. Don’t forget to finish the rim with lime …