A Bedtime Snack

A Bedtime Snack

3 Unusual Champagne Pairings That You Have To Try

by Zoey Howell

When it comes to a celebration, champagne is often the drink of choice, and for good reason. The bubbly, crisp taste of champagne is the perfect complement to a happy occasion. But what should you be eating with that champagne toast? Celebratory foods aren't always fancy – in fact, sometimes, what you really want when you're in a partying mood is something fried, salty, or fattening. What you may not realize is that, unlike some wines that seem to only go with the kind of food that you'd find at a formal, sit-down dinner, champagne can be served with a variety of fun foods that you might not expect. Take a look at these unusual champagne pairings – you're going to want to try one of them the next chance that you get.

Champagne and Corn Dogs

Probably one of the last foods that you'd think of pairing with champagne is a hot dog coated in batter, fried, and served on a stick. If anything, that's fair food – more suitable to be served with a red plastic cup full of beer than with a glass flute of champagne. But give it a try and your taste buds will be blown away by the combination… as long as you choose the right mustard.

Why it Works: Part of it is the fried food factor – champagne is surprisingly compatible with fried and salty foods. However, in this case, it's really not the corn dog itself that's being paired with the champagne, it's the mustard that you use on the corn dog that you'll want to match to the champagne. Both champagne and mustard are acidic, and those acidic elements complement the sweet corn batter and the hearty hot dog. Pair a rich, citrusy champagne with a good Dijon mustard and enjoy the treat.

Champagne and Macaroni and Cheese

Who doesn't love mac and cheese? It's filling, it's comforting, and it's easy to make. It works as a side dish or as an entrée, depending on your preference at the time. Macaroni and cheese can cheer you up after a bad day or it can be a special treat after a good day. But the question is, can you pair it with champagne? The answer is yes, and if you think about it, you'll understand why.

Why it Works: If you've ever been to a wine and cheese tasting, you've surely had champagne paired with some kind of cheese. And what is the macaroni in a dish of macaroni and cheese, other than a way to showcase the flavor of cheese? The pasta itself has little flavor, and the best macaroni and cheese dishes are those that are exceptionally cheesy. Pairing champagne with a dish of cheesy pasta may look a bit strange at first, but the tasting is similar to any other cheese and champagne pairing. The trick here is to make your mac and cheese with a type of cheese that goes well with champagne. None of that bright yellow stuff in the box – make your dish with the cheeses that typically pair with champagne, like brie, gouda, or goat cheese. Add a bread crumb topping for the best flavor.

Champagne and Potato Chips

What's a party without at least one bowl of potato chips? Chips are the perfect celebratory snack food. They're delicious, they come in a variety of flavors, and they're simple to prepare and serve – just open the bag and empty it into a bowl (or, if you don't want to stand on ceremony, you can just eat right out of the bag.) Anyone who's seen The Seven Year Itch knows that there's a precedent for serving champagne with potato chips – if Marilyn Monroe can do it, certainly you can too.

Why it Works: Remember, champagne is compatible with both fried and salty foods. It also works well with foods that contain a lot of fat or grease, because the light, crispy taste of the champagne tends to cleanse the palate, allowing you to appreciate the taste of the food without feeling a buildup of grease or fat in your mouth. And what fried food has a more perfect combination of fat and salt than the potato chip? It's really the perfect pairing. Choose a very light and sweet champagne to go with everything from good old plain potato chips to fancier chips made with specialty flavorings.

Wine pairing may be daunting to the inexperienced, but there's no need to be an aficionado with a gourmet palate in order to pair champagne. You can easily use it to complement some of your favorite foods. The next time that you want to celebrate a little, go ahead and grab a bottle of wycliff champagne along with some snack or comfort food. You won't regret it.


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About Me

A Bedtime Snack

Ever since I was a child, I’ve enjoyed spending the night at hotels. I particularly like to stay at posh resorts that provide indoor swimming pools, onsite spas, and oceanfront dining options. Whenever I stay at a luxurious hotel, I always look to see if there are gourmet chocolates on the pillow waiting for me to savor at bedtime. For some reason, this small amenity really appeals to me. If you own a hotel, consider treating your guests with chocolates at the end of their busy days. This added touch is also perfect for Valentine’s Day. On this blog, you will discover how to shop for the best gourmet chocolates for your hotel. Enjoy!

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