Labor Day Wine and Cheese

Momma loves to sit with friends and family and enjoy some simple pleasures. So what makes me happy and is quickly served, but is delicious?

Momma Explains: As the summer vacations draw to a close, we often gather for one last hurrah. I love getting together with loved ones to eat, drink and be very merry. It is not necessary to prepare elaborate meals all the time, instead try a few of my favorite simple snacks which can fill you up as well as a meal. Take time to experiment with a few sensational whites that mimic the fruit and flavor in your snacks. I recently discovered an awesome Gewurztraminer which MUST BE SERVED VERY CHILLED but is delicious with cheese and melon. Try Vin D'Alsace Helfrich Gewurztraminer 2007 with ripe cantaloupe or local melon, add a goat cheese and some herb crackers. Chill the wine and you will be smiling while snacking. Very simple combinations of wine, fruit, cheese and crackers are always a welcome feast. Some of my favorites are listed below.

Momma's Favorite Combos:

Fresh strawberries, pinot grigio and a baked brie cheese. Put some raspberry preserves on the brie and bake on about 350 for 20 minutes.

Aged Provolone, herb Italian bread, grapes, and Chianti Classico

Melon, Gewurztraminer and goat cheese with multi grain crackers

Basil or Rosemary flat bread, a Shiraz wine, Bing cherries, and Gouda cheese.

Now who needs a main course after that?