Make Your Holiday Gathering A Simmering Success



Warmth and friendship are hallmarks of the holiday season. This year, welcome your guests with a traditional Italian winter aperitivo, or before-dinner cocktail, of warm wine flavored with a variety of nuts, dried fruits and spices. Or, if you prefer, serve this as an after-dinner beverage with Italian Christmas cookies or panatone, sweet Italian bread.

's8220;Throughout the holidays we add hot, peeled chestnuts, a cinnamon stick and a little brandy to a nice, full Chianti,'s8221; says Sicily-native Paolo Lafata, executive chef for Olive Garden. 's8220;We sip it slowly, enjoy the company of family and good friends, and are warmed from head to toe.'s8221;

Lafata offers two suggestions to create variations of this simple holiday beverage enjoyed throughout Italy.

First, select a bottle of medium- to full-bodied wine.

For red, consider a Chianti, Barbera or Cabernet:

*24 ounces red wine
*About 8 chestnuts, cooked and peeled (2 per person)
*3 fresh, whole cinnamon sticks
*1/4 teaspoon fresh nutmeg
*1/8 teaspoon allspice
*1/4 cup sugar
*2 teaspoons cognac or Sicilian brandy, optional

Combine first five ingredients in 2 quart saucepan. Heat at a steady simmer for 5 minutes, but do not boil. Add sugar and stir to dissolve. Simmer for 5 more minutes. Turn off heat and allow to steep, or sit, for 10 minutes, to let the flavors infuse the wine . Add up to another 1/4 cup of sugar based on preference, and cognac or brandy, as desired.


For white, Chardonnay is a good choice:

*1/4 cup whole almonds
*1/4 cup dried apricots, sliced
*1/2 vanilla bean
*24 ounces Chardonnay
*1/8 cup sugar

Toast almonds and apricots in 2 quart saucepan for 1 to 2 minutes or until you smell aromas. Split vanilla bean down the center and add to pan. Add wine and sugar and bring to a steady simmer for 5 minutes, but do not boil. Turn off heat and allow steeping, or sitting, for 10 minutes, to let the flavors infuse the wine . Add up to another 1/8 cup of sugar based on preference.

Use a ladle to pour mixture into wine glasses with sugared rims or garnish with cinnamon sticks, orange peel or freshly ground nutmeg.

's8220;The best part is what's8217;s left at the bottom of the glass,'s8221; said Lafata. 's8220;The wine-soaked fruit and nuts are a delicious ending.'s8221;





Make Your Holiday Gathering A Simmering Success