Wilson and I have recently started a new tradition, we are no longer going to buy gifts for each-other.  Not for Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, etc...  Instead we are going to purchase a very special, extravagant bottle of wine to enjoy with a meal that I prepare. 

Our first "special" bottle of wine was for Thanksgiving and we both agreed that we liked our new tradition.  A few days before Christmas we went to our favorite wine shop, Water to Wine and had the owners pick us a special bottle that would compliment the main part of my Christmas dinner.  We had to get through two courses before we could open up our special wine.

Endive, Apple, Pecan Blue Cheese Boats

We started out with pomegranate cocktails around 4:00 and to give us something to munch on I served an apple, pecan and blue cheese salad in endive leaves with a drizzle of pomegranate dressing. 

Muhammara

My family is big into presents so to keep up our strength for all that ripping and tearing I made a version of Muhammara, which is a roasted red pepper, walnut, pomegranate molasses dip and served it with homemade cumin flatbread - and one more pomegranate martini!

Gorgonzola Wine Sauce Atop Polenta

Presents were unwrapped, appetizers were cleared and martini glasses washed and put away.  It was just after 7:00 and time for our "special" wine and our main courses.

The first course we enjoyed with our excellent wine was grilled polenta smothered in a gorgonzola wine sauce topped with toasted walnuts.  This is one of Wilson's favorites and something that is definitely limited to special occasions as it is horribly fattening but oh so good!

Artichoke, Spinach, Sun-dried Tomato & Parmesan Ravioli

The final two courses were much lighter and healthier.  My artichoke, spinach, sun-dried tomato and Parmesan ravioli were a big hit with Wilson.  I had never made this combination before but certainly will again.  As flavorful as the ravioli was, I opted for a very simple garlic and fire roasted tomato sauce.

Wild Mushroom, Wine & Thyme Ravioli

Lastly, and sadly with the last bit of wine, we had my wild mushroom, wine and thyme ravioli drizzled with truffle oil and sprinkled with a bit of truffle salt.  Decadent!

Yes, this new "special" wine tradition is a keeper as are all these scrumptious dishes!