3 Ways to Use Wine in the Kitchen

Not only does a glass of wine complete your experience in the kitchen, it also can be a key ingredient! My motto is to only cook with the wine that you would choose to drink and serve at dinner. This will ensure you love the flavours in the dish you are creating and your meal will taste great!

As you are cooking up your delicious meal, it is only right to enjoy a glass along the way. Now that’s a perfect pairing!

Here are some of my favourite ways to use wine in the kitchen.

Use it in Reductions or Sauces

Add wine and simmer – it’s that easy! Choose young, full-bodied reds for red meat dishes. Use dry white wine for fish, shellfish, poultry, pork, veal and cream sauces. The alcohol in wine begins to evaporate well short of the boiling point of water, so there’s no risk of getting ‘tipsy’ by using wine in your cooking.

For Example: If you’re baking a whole fish, splash a little white wine onto your fish before putting it into the oven. Ideally use the same wine you want to pair with it. If you’re cooking up steak, use a full bodied red wine like cabernet sauvignon to add a splash to your steak, reduce it down in a hot pan and pour over your steak as the perfect accompaniment.

Dress Up Your Favourite Salads

Mix white, rosé or red wine with olive oil and spices to make your own unique dressing. It is sure to add sparkle to your favourite salads – and become your new secret ingredient.

For Example: My favourite way to use wine is to use wine instead of vinegar in a pasta salad. To kick up the flavour be sure to use lots of fresh herbs and a few chilies as well! My personal preference is white and something that is zingy in flavour like Sauvignon blanc or Riesling.

Use it as a Sweet Treat

Use sweet wine such as a late harvest, icewine or port to dazzle your desserts. Simply pour over ice cream or berries – or add a touch to your cake mix – for a special treat. If breakfast is your pleasure, you can even drizzle over pancakes and french toast!

For Example: Whether it’s a chocolate cake, vanilla ice cream or a vanilla cupcake, open up a small bottle of icewine and drizzle the sweet goodness overtop for a divine treat. For breakfast offset the sweet on your pancakes with bacon for a play on sweet and salty!

Have Leftover wine? Use an airtight seal to re-cork your wine and keep in the fridge. Regular table wine will last three to seven days and sweeter wines can last over three months. The remains of last night’s party can be tonight’s expert meal!