The holiday season is all about bringing people together, sharing delicious food and enjoying a glass of something special. This Christmas we’re making your celebrations even more memorable with some easy festive recipes that pair perfectly with our wines. Whether you’re planning a relaxed dinner with loved ones or a full-scale holiday feast, these recipes will add that extra touch of joy to your table. And of course no holiday spread is complete without a glass ofDavid Hook Wineto elevate the experience.
Christmas Prawn Cocktail: A Festive Classic to Pair with David Hook Wines
A Christmas prawn cocktail is a refreshing and elegant starter that’s sure to set the tone for your festive feast. With succulent prawns, a zesty cocktail sauce and crisp greens, this dish brings a touch of luxury to the table. It pairs beautifully with David Hook Wines, especially a chilled glass of our Vermentino, which adds a light and refreshing touch to the meal.
Ingredients:
- 500g cooked prawns, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons tomato ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon horseradish sauce
- 1 small handful fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Mixed salad leaves (e.g., rocket, baby spinach)
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, paprika, mustard, tomato ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and horseradish sauce. Stir until smooth to make the cocktail sauce.
- Gently toss the prawns in the cocktail sauce, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Arrange the mixed salad leaves on serving plates and top with the avocado slices.
- Place the prawn mixture on top of the salad, garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of paprika for extra flavour.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Wine Pairing Suggestion:
This light and tangy prawn cocktail pairs perfectly with our 2023 Vermentino. The wine’s crisp acidity and citrus notes balance the richness of the prawns and complement the zesty cocktail sauce. It’s the perfect way to begin your Christmas celebration!
Christmas Ham with Roasted Vegetable Salad & 2022 Shiraz
A Christmas ham is a must-have for many festive tables and this version served with a warm roasted vegetable salad is the perfect way to enjoy this holiday favourite. Pair it with our 2022 Shiraz, which brings rich fruit flavours and a subtle spice that complements the sweet smoky ham and earthy roasted vegetables.
Ingredients:
- Christmas ham, thinly sliced
- Roasted carrots, parsnips, and potatoes
- Baby spinach
- Cranberry sauce
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme)
How to Prepare:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C.
- Peel and chop the carrots, parsnips, and potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast for 30–40 minutes, or until golden and tender.
- While the vegetables are roasting, arrange thin slices of Christmas ham on a platter.
- Once the vegetables are ready, toss them with fresh baby spinach and top with cranberry sauce and fresh herbs (rosemary and thyme).
- Serve the warm roasted vegetable salad alongside the ham.
Why It Works:
The 2022 Shiraz complements the Christmas ham with its medium-bodied richness, offering red berry flavours and subtle spice that enhance the ham’s sweet and smoky notes. The gentle peppery undertones of the wine harmonise with the roasted vegetables, while its smooth, soft tannins help balance the richness of the dish. This pairing creates a well-rounded experience that’s perfect for a festive, satisfying meal. The Shiraz's smooth finish ensures it’s a great match for a Christmas feast, providing depth without overpowering the delicate flavours.
Enjoy this classic Christmas pairing for a festive meal that brings joy to the table.
Panforte: A Rich Festive Treat to Pair with David Hook Wines
Panforte is a classic Italian dessert and the perfect festive indulgence for your Christmas table. With a rich blend of nuts, dried fruits, spices and dark chocolate, it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with the complex flavours of David Hook Wines. Whether you’re serving this at the end of your Christmas feast or sharing it with friends over a glass of wine, this decadent treat will elevate your celebrations.
Ingredients:
- 2 x 100g hazelnuts
- 2 x 100g slivered almonds
- 1 x 100g pecans
- ½ cup figs
- ½ cup dates
- 2 cups mixed dried fruit
- 8 x apricots, chopped
- 2 x tablespoons chopped ginger
- 2 x teaspoons grated nutmeg
- 1 small cup plain flour
- 325g dark chocolate
- 1 ¼ cups honey
- ½ cup caster sugar
- 100g butter
- 1 teaspoon all spice
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
How to Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 150°C (about 300°F). Line two 8-inch sponge tins with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the nuts, dried fruits, chopped ginger and spices.
- Sift the flour, cocoa powder and all spice into the mixture, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- In a saucepan, gently melt together the honey, caster sugar, butter and dark chocolate until smooth and glossy.
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared tins and spread it evenly. Bake for approximately 45 minutes or until the panforte feels firm but slightly soft in the center.
- Allow it to cool completely before slicing into pieces.
Wine Pairing Suggestion:
For this sweet and spiced dessert we recommend pairing it with our 2023 Shiraz. The bold fruit flavours and subtle spice of the Shiraz will complement the rich, nutty textures and warming spices of the panforte. It’s a match made for festive indulgence!
