Category Archives: Behind the Scenes
Entertaining Essentials for Sweat-Free Summer Gatherings
Sometimes the best summer gatherings are the spontaneous ones. And even when it’s a scorcher outside, you can keep your cool during an impromptu hosting opportunity as long as you keep a supply of entertaining essentials. Here is a list we compiled of all the items you need to enjoy spontaneous and sweat-free entertaining this summer. Unbreakable glassware: This one is a must if you plan to do most of your summer entertaining outdoors! Nothing can break up a good time like broken glass. Invest in some acrylic glassware. A collection of containers: We love Interior Collective’s advice: “Keep a cache of containers on hand.” Simple and chic containers like mason jars and hurricane vases can hold everything from fruits and flowers to candles and even silverware to make serving and decorating easy. Beverage butlers: Whether you’re entertaining alfresco or you’re escaping the summer sun indoors, make sure you have a handy tray, tub or beverage cart to chill and serve several drinks at a time. Splashes of color: This may sound a bit broad, but the idea here is to remind you that pops of summery color can come from anywhere. Whether it’s a fun set of place mats …
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 …