Snacks & Sips: Wine & Snack Pairings
After-School Snacks and Sips: Elevate Your Snack Time
As the school year kicks off and the lazy days of summer come to an end, the after-school routine returns. This transitional time of the day, when kids return home with tales of their day and a ravenous appetite, is the perfect opportunity to connect and unwind together. Instead of sticking to the usual snacks, why not elevate your after-school snack time into a fun and enjoyable experience for both kids and parents? Let’s explore some gourmet snack ideas and wine pairings to make your snack time a memorable part of the day.
Gourmet Cheese, Fruit, and Charcuterie Boards
Create an assortment of cheese, meats, and fruits for a snack board that offers a variety of flavors and textures. Select a mix of cheeses such as creamy brie, sharp cheddar, and tangy blue cheese to satisfy different palates. Pair these with a selection of cured meats like prosciutto, salami, and chorizo. Add fresh fruits like grapes, apple slices, and figs for sweetness, along with olives, nuts, and pickles for extra crunch. Include some sliced baguettes or crackers to complete the board.
We also understand that those selections aren’t for everybody, especially little ones, but you can still make fun charcuterie for your kids that you can enjoy too. Pick cheeses that aren’t as robust such as a mild cheddar, a havarti, and maybe a Colby jack. For meats, you can go super simple and do ham or turkey, or you can have a little fun and do salami, pepperoni, or even summer sausage. For the extras, fresh fruits and veggies are always fun, but you can also do dips, such as hummus, or you can do some applesauce. Crackers don’t have to be fancy, they can be goldfish or Cheez-Its. Charcuterie was made to be customizable, it doesn’t have to be hoity-toity fancy pants all the time. So make it your own and share it with us on Instagram, we’d love to see your creations.
Wine Pairing: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements the acidity in the fruit and balances the creaminess of the cheese, while a Pinot Noir enhances the savory flavors of the meats.
Chips and Salsa
A classic snack that everyone loves, chips and salsa can be easily elevated by offering a variety of salsa options such as pico de gallo, mango salsa, and spicy salsa verde. For a twist, try serving homemade guacamole or queso dip alongside the salsas. Our favorite tortilla chips are the Hint of Lime, and we highly recommend trying them if you haven’t. There’s also the On The Border Cafe-style tortilla chips, which are also wonderful.
Wine Pairing: A Rosé with its light and fruity notes pairs wonderfully with the fresh flavors of salsa and guacamole, adding a refreshing touch to your snack time.
Veggie and Hummus Cups
Fill small cups with different flavors of hummus like classic, roasted red pepper, or garlic. Add sticks of carrots, celery, bell peppers, and cucumbers to create colorful and healthy snack cups. These are not only visually appealing but also provide a nutritious and satisfying snack option.
Wine Pairing: A Chardonnay pairs well with the creamy texture of hummus and the freshness of the vegetables, offering a smooth and elegant finish.
Mini Skewers
Caprese
For a bite-sized appetizer that’s both delicious and easy to make, thread cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil leaves onto skewers. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a burst of flavor that kids and parents will love.
Wine Pairing: A Pinot Grigio complements the fresh and bright flavors of the caprese skewers, making it a delightful choice for this snack.
BBQ Chicken
As another option, skewer together pre-cooked BBQ Chicken(doesn’t matter what kind, you want wings do wings, you want thighs do thighs, you want breasts do breasts), precooked potato(frenchie fries, or the baby potatoes, or fried potato slices), and if you want to do veggies such as peppers or onions, or getting wild do some pickles. Then all you gotta do is warm them up later.
Wine Pairing: A Merlot with its fruity palette would complement the sweetness of the BBQ wonderfully.
Simple Appetizers
Here are a few more quick and easy options to consider:
- Mini Quiches: Bake mini quiches with ingredients like spinach, bacon, and cheese. These bite-sized treats are perfect for snacking and can be made ahead of time.
- Pita and Tzatziki: Serve warm pita bread with a side of homemade tzatziki sauce. This cool and creamy dip is a great way to enjoy the end of summer.
- Antipasto Skewers: Thread olives, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and salami slices onto skewers. These are easy to make and perfect for sharing.
Wine Pairing: The savory flavors of these appetizers pair beautifully with a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, providing a rich and robust complement to the snacks.
Time-Saving Tips
Making snack time enjoyable doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Here are some time-saving tips to help you prepare these gourmet snacks effortlessly:
- Pre-cut Ingredients: Prepare fruits, vegetables, and meats ahead of time and store them in airtight containers. This way, you can quickly assemble your snacks when the kids come home.
- Use Store-Bought Items: Don’t hesitate to use high-quality store-bought items like hummus, cheeses, and cured meats. We offer to-go options! So if you’re in a hurry, order a charcuterie or appetizer on your way to the school to get your kiddos or on the way home, and we’ll get it ready for you.
- Get the Kids Involved: Encourage your kids to help with snack preparation. They can arrange the cheese and fruit plates, make skewers, or set up the charcuterie board. It’s a great way to spend quality time together and teach them about healthy eating.
Savor the Moments
After-school snack time is more than just a way to satisfy hunger; it’s an opportunity to connect, relax, and enjoy each other’s company. By elevating your snack time with these options and wine pairings, you can create a special experience that everyone looks forward to.
So, the next time your kids come running through the door, eager to share their day, take a moment to savor the moments with them. Whether it’s a cheese, fruit, and charcuterie board, chips and salsa, or simple appetizers, pairing these snacks with a glass of wine can turn your ordinary snack time into an extraordinary part of your day.
We believe in creating memorable experiences with our loved ones. Visit us to explore our selection of gourmet foods and fine wines that can make your after-school snack time truly enjoyable. Cheers to a wonderful start to the school year, and remember to Sip, Smoke, Savor! See you soon!
