3 Easy Appetizer and Drink Pairing Ideas for Winter

Winter is a great time for hearty munchies and a stiff drink. These appetizer and drink pairings will definitely warm up a cold winter night!

Fried Ravioli and Lambrusco

This winter appetizer and wine pairing provides a taste of Italy! Fried ravioli is easy to make, and Lambrusco is a red table wine from Italy, so all you have to do for the drink is open the bottle.

You'll need:
1 bag frozen cheese ravioli, thawed
2 eggs
seasoned bread crumbs
oil
1 jar spaghetti sauce (optional)

1 (or more) bottle(s) of chilled Lambrusco

Over medium heat, warm about an inch of oil in a shallow frying pan. (Canola oil is recommended, but any type of oil works just as well.) Meanwhile, beat two eggs on a plate, and sprinkle a layer of seasoned bread crumbs on another plate. Coat raviolis on both sides with egg, then breadcrumbs. Gently place in hot oil and flip when edges turn golden brown. When both sides are golden brown, remove from pan and drain on a paper towel lined plate.

Serve fried raviolis on a platter with a side of warmed spaghetti sauce, if desired. A glass or two of Lambrusco compliments the fried ravioli appetizer perfectly.

Spicy Cheese Dip and Tequila Sunrises

This appetizer and drink pairing brings a Tex-Mex flare to the coldest winter days!

You'll need for the dip:
1 pound soft processed cheese (like Velveeta brand)
1 16 oz. jar salsa
1 pound ground beef, if desired
1 bag corn chip scoops

Brown the ground beef and drain it, if you want to use meat. (If you don't want the meat, just skip it.) Cut cheese into cubes and place in a microwave safe bowl. Add the whole jar of salsa and meat (if desired). Microwave until the cheese just starts melting, stir, and repeat until thoroughly melted. Serve with corn chip scoops. (Note: This dip can also be made about two hours ahead of time in a crock pot set on low.)

You'll need for the drink:
tequila
orange juice
grenadine
ice

Using a tall glass filled with ice, start by pouring in a shot of tequila. Add orange juice up to about an inch below the rim. Gently drizzle grenadine over the top of the drink. Serve with a straw.

Kielbasa and Wisniak

The old Polish favorites, kielbasa and wisniak- na zdrowie vivat! (Roughly translated: "Here's to your health.")

You'll need:
kielbasa
toothpicks
sauerkraut, optional
mustard, optional

Wisniak

Kielbasa is Polish sausage. Cook kielbasa on the stove-top or in the broiler and slice into half-inch rounds. Serve on a bed of warmed sauerkraut, if desired, or with a side of mustard for dipping.

Wisniak is a cherry flavored liqueur from Poland. Serve in a shot glass or cordial glass at room temperature.

Hearty munchies and a stiff drink- any of these easy appetizer and drink pairings will warm up a cold winter night!