You can purchase wines, crackers, and non-perishables weeks in advance for this do-ahead party.

Parmesan-Pecan Cheese Straws

MAKES 4 DOZEN

PREP: 25 MIN., BAKE: 10 MIN. PER BATCH

2/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
½ cup butter, softened
1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground red pepper
1 tablespoon milk
48 pecan halves.

Process cheese and butter in food processor until blended. Add flour, salt, and pepper; process 30 seconds or until mixture forms a ball, stopping to scrape down sides.
Divide dough in half; roll each portion into a 12- x 4-inch rectangle (about 1/8-inch thick) on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 24 (2½- x 1-inch) strips. Place strips on an ungreased baking sheet; brush tops with milk. Top each strip with 1 pecan half.
Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool 3 minutes on baking sheet; remove to wire racks, and cool completely.

How Much Wine to Buy? Most resources say a 750-milliliter bottle of wine will pour about 6 glasses or about 12 samples. Consider buying one bottle of wine with each type of cheese served, i.e. 3 cheeses and three bottles of wine would allow about a glass-and-a-half per person for 10 guests.

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