My PB + J

Holiday Entertaining with Whole Foods + $50 GC Giveaway

Are you entertaining this holiday season? Or, are you heading to a party and are in need of some quick, inexpensive yet healthy options? Then look no further! Whole Foods Market is your one-stop entertaining shop this holiday season. 



For those in the San Diego area, there’s a Dressing Rehearsal on Thursday, December 12th from 6 to 8 pm at the Whole Foods Market Encintas (687 S Coast Highway 101, Encintas, CA 92024)

The event will feature: 

o   Beer & Wine – Holiday favorites, pairings and sampling

o   Holiday Cheese Board – How to create

o   Premier Party Dips sampling

o   Coffee and seasonal treats

I don’t know about you but when it comes to entertaining it can be stressful worrying about all the details, making sure you have special diets covered, yummy food to serve and overall, happy guests! Keep it simple and let Whole Foods do the some or all the work. 


Last week I created a yummy cheese board that impressed out-of-town guests as they arrived. It was a nice afternoon treat as we caught up and enjoyed one another’s company. 

While shopping I asked the cheesemonger for advice on how to create a memorable cheese board, she walked me through the cheese case and gave me some great advice! 

Tips for  How to create a cheese board: 
• Pick cheeses of contrasting textures and flavors: creamy, firm, sweet, pungent. 
• Offer at least one cow, sheep & goat’s milk cheese.                                               
• Contrast Old World cheeses with New World selections.
• On a budget? Buy one or two fantastic cheeses, rather than five or six so-so options.
• Two ounces of cheese per person is a good rule of thumb.
• Let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving for optimal flavor.
• Serve with bread and crackers for different textures and flavors to accent the cheese. 


 “Easy, breezy, wine and cheesy” pairing and entertaining ideas:


o   Roger d’Anoia Cava ($9.99) – A great crowd-pleasing, Spanish sparkling wine that’s ripe, round and perfect for toasting. Pair with a smooth, semi-firm Uniekass Parrano cheese.  
o   H & G Priorat ($13.99)– A spicy, dusty nose with aromas of red fruits, orange peel and licorice lead to a full-bodied and complex palate. This Spanish red has a silky feel and long finish and pairs perfectly with Guillateau Fromager d’Affinois ($15 per pound).
o   BYOBrie – Start with your favorite brie like Isigny Sainte-Mère French Brie (exclusive to Whole Foods Market) and then grab pre-portioned toppers to mix and match, like dried cranberries, walnuts, marcona almonds and more to suit a variety of palates.
o   DIY: Learn how to dress your table with parchment paper flower napkin rings, cork and using DIY craft tutorials Etsy’s seller community has developed exclusively for Whole Foods Market. 

                                                             

For additional holiday inspiration make sure to check out Whole Foods Market’s Best Holiday Ever!

  
One lucky reader will win a $50 Gift Card to Whole Foods Market to help simplify your holiday season! 

Winner will be notified by email and will have 24 hours to reply, at which point another winner will be selected if winner does not reply.
To enter to win enter via the rafflecopter form below. Be patient, it might take a minute to load. 


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post for Whole Foods Market Encinitas.

Comments

  1. We are going to have Christmas party and family get-together dinners. Love Whole Foods deli for quick fix and produce for baking and our favorite sweet potato casserole.

    Reply

  13. My in-laws will be at our house for the holidays and the gift card would be great to get some healthier meal options for Christmas Eve dinner.

    Reply

  14. I am going to a few different family parties this season. I’m not the best cook in the world, so I would love to pick up some selections from Whole Foods’ amazing salad bar and the bakery to take with me.

    Reply

  17. I’m bringing entrees to a few gatherings. I’d like to bring a cheese platter (esp after going to a cheese class this week) and a shrimp platter – you guys know how to do it great!

    Reply

  27. We always spend Christmas evening with family and a large home cooked meal. This gift card would help me purchase all the things I need to bake desserts 🙂

    Reply

  31. I have two parties to attend this year.Usually,I will throw a party but it isn’t possible this year. One party I will be attending I know I will bring food.The gift card would be great so I can buy organic…healthier foods!

    Reply

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