An Easy Holiday Wine & Meal Idea

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #HolidayPairings #CollectiveBias The following content is intended for readers who are 21 or older.

The holidays are coming! I repeat: the holidays are coming! While we will be eating more than our fair share of ham and turkey over the next month, we will also have to think of other food and drinks to serve to our family and guests when we run out of leftovers...or just want something different to eat.

If you will be finding yourself like me; hosting guests for several days at a time, you have to serve pasta and wine one night for dinner.

Barilla has this pasta called Pronto Pasta that is super easy to prepare and is ready in minutes. It’s actually prepared in one pan - no need for water to boil, and there’s no draining required! The options are limitless as to what you can add in and create for dinner, but I like to make a Sweet Sausage Sundried Tomato Dish with Basil in creamy Mozzarella cheese.

Sweet Sausage Sundried Tomato Dish with Basil in Creamy Mozzarella Cheese

What you need:

1 Box of Barilla Pronto Pasta

5 ounces sundried tomatoes

2 cups of mozzarella cheese, diced

½ cup heavy cream

½ cup fresh basil, chopped

4 links of cooked sweet Italian sausage

Salt and pepper to taste

1. Cook pasta according to directions. Add in tomatoes, cheese, sausage, and heavy cream and simmer until cheese is melted and combined with cream. 

2. Remove from heat and add chopped basil.

3. Serve immediately. 

A great wine to pair with your meal is The Dreaming Tree Cabernet Sauvignon or Crush Red Blend. The Dreaming Tree wine is a wonderful brand that can be enjoyed by many friends and family at an affordable price. The Dreaming Tree is actually collaborated with the musician Dave Matthews, who shares his love for wine with co-creator and friend Steve Reeder.

The Cabernet Sauvignon is an easy drinking wine with lots of character. It highlights sweet berry and cherry flavors that will make many guests happy.

The Crush is a red blend that has a smoky berry flavor that goes well with pasta or a roast beef holiday dinner. It’s a tasty blend that you will want to share with your friends.

Of course no holiday meal and gathering is complete without dessert, and while we will be eating lots of pies, it’s nice to serve something a little different but just as good - and it’s easy to make.

Pepperidge Farm cookies are always a hit; their classic cookie collection gives a little something that everyone will love. They are perfect to keep on hand for guests, but you can go a little bit further and make an easy Homemade Caramel Ice Cream Cookie Stack that will wow your guests.

Homemade Caramel Ice Cream Cookie Stack

What you need:

2 boxes of Pepperidge Farm Classic Cookie boxes

1.5 Quarts of Vanilla Ice Cream

Whipped Cream

Caramel sauce

1. Layer cookies, whipped cream, ice cream, and caramel sauce, alternating. Top with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Serve immediately or place in the freezer until ready.

To make caramel sauce you will need:

½ cup heavy whipping cream

1 cup dark brown sugar

¼ cup butter

1. Mix ingredients in a pan over high heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently.  Cool completely before serving. 

Remember, holiday meals with friends and families don’t always have to be elaborate and time consuming. By using the right tools and ingredients you can create a delicious meal in minutes, so you can spend more time enjoying the moments with your loved ones.

The Dreaming Tree wines, Barilla Pronto Pasta, and Pepperidge Farm cookies can all be found at your local Walmart.

For more holiday meal and entertaining ideas, plus information about tastings at your local Walmart, visit the Simple Entertaining Hub HERE. 

~Melissa