Wine

We recommend using a good-quality California or Spanish sparkling wine for this recipe. Both are widely available and less expensive than Champagne.This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

An aromatic Champagne cocktail that pairs beautifully with different herbs and spices.

There are a number of variations of this traditional Scandinavian Yuletide drink. Dry red wine, muscatel and sweet vermouth, with aquavit in place of the brandy, may be used. In another version, 2 bottles of dry red wine, preferably Bordeaux, are used with the quantity of aquavit increased to a whole bottle, which is poured over the flaming sugar.

A simple drink for any kind of celebration.

In Austria this is called Krambambuli.

This German drink, called Grossmutters Punsch (Grandmother's Punch), is usually enjoyed warm at midnight on Christmas Eve. It can also be served as a refreshing chilled drink. For a festive touch, add a cinnamon stick to each glass.

Set up an assembly line to make six or so of these lovely cocktails at a time: Fill each glass with the liqueurs, then top with Champagne. Flutes are elegant but not essential.

Red Wine-Braised Beef Tenderloin with Red Pepper and Rosemary

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe is adapted from George Lang's book The Cuisine of Hungary.