They tell me Easter's the time for retrieving your white stuff. A much anticipated moment for the Full Cleveland crowd, suddenly it's safe again to slip on white shoes and sip on white wines while listening to the White Album.
No doubt this "rule" has been relegated to mere guideline status, alongside other chiseled classics like "no red wine with chicken." Truth is, I haven't worn white shoes since seventh-grade gym class. And white wines? Nothing could make me hibernate my whites for an entire season. They're just too food friendly. I drink them year-round, White Album on the stereo or not.
And for Easter dinner, when glazed ham is on the menu, I lean toward Rieslings. And with salads, apps, and casseroles fashioned from the inevitable fridge-full of hard-boiled eggs, I go with sparkling wines or chardonnay.
Of course, when its Easter lamb coming out of the oven, I start seeing red. And my favorite red wine with lamb is a California or Washington Cabernet Sauvignon, or a red Bordeaux.
Below are a few recipe and wine suggestions! Happy Easter, all!
Spotlight on Spiral Ham
Apricot Brown Sugar Ham
I'd try a slightly sweet German Riesling with this one. And not just because this recipe was submitted by Roz21, whose hometown in Germany's Rheinland-Pfalz region is among the world capitals of Riesling! A German Riesling paired with a salty, slightly sweet ham can be one of those rare matches where all the stars align upon grateful taste buds. Incidentally, Roz21 is now living in Idaho, a newcomer but no slouch at making crisp, minerally Rieslings!
Other Top Baked Ham Recipes
I'd pour Riesling with these baked hams, as well. Along with Germany and Idaho, Washington, Alsace (France), and Australia are also making great Rieslings. You could also go with a Gewurztraminer from Alsace. If you want red, try a lighter kind, like Beaujolais.
Favorite Easter Lamb Recipes
Cabernet Sauvignon is often too tannic and powerful for the foods I typically eat. It bowls over lighter dishes. So on those special occasions when dinner means steak or lamb, I always reach for it--one sip, and I remember why Cab is considered the king of wines. With these recipes, lamb meets up with rosemary, a very red wine-friendly herb.
Got Leftovers?
Chardonnay and sparkling wines go great with eggs. Try a less oaky style of chard with these recipes or go festive with some bubbly.
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