Sparkling Wine: September 2011 Archives

Submitted by Chandon

These fluffy-light cheese puffs are dangerously easy to eat. A perfect finger food for entertaining, they could also be called cheese bubbles, because their interiors are filled with air. Not surprisingly, they pair quite well with their bubble-filled liquid counterpart--sparkling wine.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup/115 g unsalted butter
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup/130 g all-purpose/plain flour
• 6 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups/170 g shredded Gruyère cheese*
• Preheat the oven to 400°F/200°C/gas 6

*Gruyère cheese, made in the French and Swiss Alps, is a semi-hard, aged cheese with a nutty quality. In the absence of Gruyère, other semi-hard cheeses such as Cantal, Asiago, or white Cheddar would make delectable substitutes.

Submitted by Chandon

The next party you throw with friends will be a breeze. Chandon has several quick and easy to make appetizers that are sure to make your next shin dig a hit!

This pairing of prawns and bacon is extremely popular in tapas bars and ideal for an intimate gathering of friends. Serves 12



Ingredients

• 5 oz thinly sliced bacon
• 24 medium to large uncooked, headless prawns, peeled
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 lemons, quartered
  

Instructions
Cut the bacon into pieces that will wrap around the prawns completely. Place the wrapped prawns flat on a board and skewer them securely through the thickest part of the tail. Season with pepper and drizzle with oil.

On a griddle or barbecue, cook the brochetas for 2-3 minutes per side, until the bacon is crisp. You may also roast the brochetas in the oven at 425°F on an oiled baking tray for 8-10 minutes. Drizzle with lemon juice and serve immediately.

Recommended Wine Pairings

• Chandon Reserve Pinot Noir Brut
• Chandon Reserve Pinot Noir Rose