Ever since I was hit between the eyes with an elastic band as a child (one of those big fat ones...the elastic band I mean, I was rather slender), I've been afraid of flying objects. I suspect this is why I duck for cover whenever anyone opens a bottle of champagne.
Did you know that the number one New Year’s injury in France is caused by flying champagne corks to the eye? I kid you not. A champagne cork leaves the bottle at a velocity of approximately 38-40 mph, but has been clocked at speeds as fast as 100 mph.
What You Need To Know Before You Buy Your Next Bottle Of Champagne
The last thing you want is to get hit in the eye with a cork torpedo and have to wear an eye patch for the remainder of the night, exclaiming, “Happy New Yarrrrrrr!” at midnight (read that in a pirate voice).
Bottles need to be corked properly to avoid injury AND to prevent spillage. Wasting champagne is no joking matter. Here’s how to open a champagne or sparkling wine bottle safely:
Remove the foil from the wire cage around the cork. Twist the tab while holding down the cork with a kitchen towel. Tilt the bottle away from you (and others) at a 45-degree angle to allow space for expansion of the bubbles. Then, with the cloth still over the top of the bottle, grasp the cork with one hand and gently twist the bottle (not the cork) with the other. Let the pressure in the bottle gently force out the cork and the cork should ease out of the bottle gently, without an explosion.
Here’s a video demonstrating how to properly open a champagne bottle...for those who need a visual.
For me, the word “bubbles” conjures up images of blowing endless soapy spheres for my kids until I pass out. But with New Year’s Eve approaching, it’s time to burst those parental connotations and embrace the most effervescent image of all – “Bubbly.” Bring on the champers!
Did you know there are approximately 49 million bubbles in the average bottle of champagne? Now that’s bubbly baby (Just a little Cliff Clavin trivia for you to share during your New Year’s celebration).
What Kind To Buy?
Champagne is classified by its level of sweetness. If like your champagne very dry and not too sweet, choose a Brut. It’s the driest of the lot. Extra-dry is a bit sweeter, but still fairly dry. Sec or Dry champagne falls in the medium range of sweetness. If you like it sweet, choose a Demi-sec which is the sweetest variety.
How Much to Buy For Your Party?
A 750-ml bottle will yield six glasses. If you’re serving one glass per guest for a midnight toast, you’ll only need one bottle for every six guests. (Yes, I did that math in my head). If you're serving sparkling wine at cocktail party, you'll want at least one bottle for every 3 guests.
Serving Sparkling Wines With Style
To get the most bubble for your buck, sparkling wines must be served cold. Refrigerate them for at least three hours or put them in a sink or bucket filled with ice. I use our laundry tub (and almost always remember to remove my fine under-things that are soaking there first).
Glasses
Champagne flutes, if you have them, are best for serving sparkling wines. Their narrow openings help conserve the bubbles by limiting the exposed surface area. Personally, I find it hard to remain bubbly for long. It’s hard to be witty and engaging past 10 pm these days...
Happy New Year! May bubbles dance on your tongue and tickle your nose.
~Party Mummy, Straight Up
For the past few years, on Christmas Eve, we've borrowed from the Mexican celebration Noche Buena and hosted a “Feliz Navidad Festivus.” Why, you ask? Any excuse to eat guacamole is reason enough for me.
We shake maracas and indulge in fajitas, nachos, con queso and of course, guacamole. A few margaritas or a Corona while wrapping gifts, and you've got yourself a festive fiesta.
Friends and family join in every year. The look on my mother-in-law’s face that first fiesta was one of sheer bewilderment. “Where is the cheese log? Is there even egg nog??” Her uncertainty was short lived as moments later she was happily onto her second fajita, cheese sauce dripping merrily from her chin.
This year my son asked, "Do we have to have Feliz Navidad Festivus this year? Can't we just be normal?" Oh silly boy, of course we can't. However, instead of mexican, we could explore another international menu...
How about Japanese food? Sushi + sake = "Konichiwa Christmas?"
Or Indian, featuring Samosa Claus, Frosty the Snow Naan, Ruldolf the Red Nosed Rein-paneer and for our Jewish friends, perhaps a pakora menorah?
Maybe Chinese? We could order in some Ho-Ho-Lo Mein, Santa (crab) Claws and sauteed SNOW peas.
I'd like to say that exploring the food and traditions of other cultures is primarily aimed at opening my children's eyes to diversity. I could say that, but it would only be half true. The other half of the story is that the holidays are BUSY! Ordering in some unique and tasty food before the onslaught of mince tarts, turkey, and Christmas pudding is easy and fun! And did I mention delicious?
What does your family eat on Christmas eve?
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