'Tis the Season of Apps

Plus, holiday cookies paired with cheese!

The holidays are almost here, and this year I’m gearing up for a big Christmukkah celebration (Christmas and Hanukkah fall on the same day!) Growing up celebrating both, this season has always been about bringing the best of both traditions to the table — like crispy potato latkes and decadent charcuterie boards. In this week’s Extra Sharp, we have a packed newsletter full of fun and tasty ways to elevate your festive snacks.

LATKE PAIRINGS: TWO WAYS

Latkes are one of my top three favorite potato styles and for good reason. They’re crispy, warm, and the perfect base to build both sweet and savory pairings. Here are a few to try!

SWEET AND SALTY: Honey and Cinnamon Sautéed Apples + Gorgonzola Cheese
SMOKY AND SAVORY: Pastrami-Smoked Salmon + Crème Fraîche + Scallions

LATKE RECIPE

• 2 large russet potatoes, scrubbed and grated

• 1/2 large yellow onion chopped

• 2 eggs

• 1/2 cup of all purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• hefty pinch of flakey salt and ground black pepper

• oil for frying

TO MAKE

1. In a large bowl, combine grated potatoes and onion and squeeze out any excess liquid with a cloth

2. Add eggs, flour, baking soda, salt and pepper and mix until all flour is dissolved

3. Add a layer of oil in a frying pan and heat until shimmering

4. Mold potato mixture into small disks, fry until crispy on both sides, about 5 minutes per side

5. Let cool on a paper towel lined plate, to soak up excess oil

6. Add a touch more flakey salt and top with items of your choice!

   ---

PAIRING PRACTICE: Holiday Cookies + Cheese

Back with more unconventional cheese pairings, winter holiday edition! Cookies are essentially crackers with a bit more flavor, so why not add cheese into the mix? Here’s why these pairings work, with a drink suggestion as well.

Serving Tip: Arrange cookies and cheeses on a board or tray, grouping them by their pairings. Pre-slice everything so guests can easily enjoy the cheese and cookie together in one bite. For a playful twist, set out scorecards and let everyone rate their favorites!

1. Peanut Butter Blossoms with Manchego
   These cookies remind me of my childhood, and they take first place in my holiday cookie rankings. The nutty, salty flavor of Manchego pairs perfectly with the rich, roasted peanut butter in the cookie. Its firm texture balances the soft chew of the blossom.
   Drink Pairing: Spanish Rioja to add some fruity spice to the nutty notes.

2. Gingerbread Cookies with Bay Blue
   This bite actually tastes like the feeling of Christmas morning, if that makes sense. The warm spices in gingerbread pair beautifully with Bay Blue’s fudgy texture and sweet, earthy flavor. The molasses in the cookie also brings out the tangy richness of the cheese.
   Drink Pairing: Spiced mulled wine for a cozy holiday vibe.

3. Sugar Cookies with Aged Gouda
   Sugar cookies are a classic, and I love how versatile their designs can be to set a theme for the holidays! Aged Gouda’s caramel and butterscotch flavors add depth to the simple, sweet vanilla flavor of a sugar cookie. The slight crunch of the Gouda contrasts nicely with the soft cookie.
   Drink Pairing: Buttery chardonnay to complement the rich flavors.

4. Shortbread Candy Canes with Triple Creme Brie
   The buttery, crumbly shortbread is the perfect match for Brie’s rich, creamy texture. This pairing feels indulgent, festive, and balanced.
   Drink Pairing: Sparkling rosé to cut through the richness and keep things light.

5. Pizzelle Cookies with Chevre
   Chevre’s tangy and fresh flavor is a lovely contrast to the light, subtly sweet pizzelle. The soft creaminess of the cheese makes each bite feel balanced and bright.
   Drink Pairing: A crisp sauvignon blanc to highlight the cheese’s brightness.

6. Jam Thumbprints with Aged Goat Cheese
   The fruity sweetness of the jam brings out the nutty, earthy flavors of aged goat cheese. The creamy cheese pairs beautifully with the soft, chewy cookie.
   Drink Pairing: Dry riesling to balance the sweetness and highlight the fruity notes.

   ---

BITES, BOARDS AND BOWLS

When planning holiday party snacks, I love focusing on variety. Mixing up flavors, textures, and serving styles makes for an exciting and well-rounded spread. That’s where my “bites, boards, and bowls” method comes in handy. Here’s a sample menu featuring three recipes to try this week!