Baking and bubbly: Does it get any better?
I'm not sure which I like more: biting into a warm sugar-dusted holiday cookie or sipping an effervescent Champagne.
December offers plenty of opportunities to do both.
In order to introduce you to some new sparkling selections and fine holiday wines, liquor stores and wine shops around the suburbs will be holding tasting events throughout the month. Here are a few that piqued my interest.
Wine and Candlelight Among the Poinsettias: 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Shady Hill Gardens, 42W075 Route 38, Elburn. Enjoy wine and nibbles at this free - yes, free - event hosted by Gibby's Wine Den in Geneva. (630) 208-6424 or gibbys-wine.com.
Champagne Gala: 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, Binny's, 790 Royal Saint George Drive, Naperville. Sample 40 selections from France's top Champagne houses and tapas from Meson Sabika. Also giveaways and a silent auction. Tickets cost $50 for Binny's Card members; $60 for nonmembers. Proceeds benefit Little Friends of Naperville. Reservations recommended. (630) 717-0100 or naperville@binnys.com.
Holiday Celebration Tasting: 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Binny's, 124 McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. Sample great red, white and sparkling wines as well as ports, cognacs and winter beers. $5 Binny's Card members; $10 for non-members. Reservations recommended. (847) 459-2200 or buffalogrove@binnys.com.
Champagne Tasting and Gala: Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at Dobby's World Wide Wine & Liquors, 15 S. Brockway St., Palatine. Get in the holiday spirit while you taste an array of Champagnes and sparkling wines and sample some light hors d'oeuvres. Free! (847) 359-0400.
Rising to the occasion: I bet many people during this recession-wary season are considering making their holiday gifts (we'll have more on that next week), but if you want some inspiration, read "The Gift of the Christmas Cookie," by Dandi Daley Mackall and illustrated by Deborah Chabrian.
The story follows young Jack during a Christmas season where families are struggling to make ends meet. He finds his mother baking cookies, not for him, but for other families in the community. While the two roll and mold the dough, his mother explains the origin and tradition of Christmas cookies, and Jack learns the gift of sharing. The book (Zonderkidz, $16.99) is aimed at ages 5 to 9 and concludes with a simple cookie recipe for the family to make together.
Learning from the masters: Head to Bloomingdale's at Oakbrook Center Saturday, Dec. 6, for holiday demonstrations and the chance to meet local culinary luminary chef Charlie Trotter.
At noon, you can learn tips and tricks for mastering perfect chocolate delights - from chocolate chunk brownies to sumptuous fondue. At 1 p.m., Trotter, of the world-renowned Charlie Trotter's in Chicago, will be on hand to sign copies of his books "Lessons in Wine Service" and "Home Cooking with Charlie Trotter."
For details about both events, call (630) 974-4377.
- Deborah Pankey
• Contact Food Editor Deborah Pankey at 847 427-4524 or food@dailyherald.com.