2 Tbsp Cooking Wine, Burgundy contains 20 calories. It is often used in recipes to add depth and flavor to dishes. Whether you're a professional chef or a home cook, it's essential to understand the versatility of cooking wine in your kitchen.

Cooking wine is usually made from grapes that are not suitable for drinking, meaning they often have a higher acidity level. This makes them an excellent ingredient for marinades, sauces, or stews, as their flavor penetrates deeply into the meat or vegetables. Cooking wine is also usually salted, so it's important to adjust the seasoning accordingly when using it in a recipe.

In this article, we'll explore why you should use Burgundy cooking wine in your recipes, how to use cooking wine, the health benefits of using it, and much more.

What is cooking wine?

Cooking wine is different from regular wine in that it's not intended for drinking. It's made with the same grapes as regular wine, but it has salt added to it to make it undrinkable. This is because cooking wine is usually added to sauces, soups, and other dishes to add flavor and depth. Cooking wine can be found in most grocery stores, usually near the vinegars and oils. It's usually labeled as cooking wine or cooking sherry. The most common types of cooking wine are red and white, but you can also find other varieties like rose or port. It's important to note that cooking wine isn't the same as wine vinegar, which is used in dressings and marinades. Wine vinegar is made by fermenting wine, not by adding salt to it.

Why use Burgundy for cooking?

Burgundy cooking wine is made from Pinot Noir grapes and has a rich, full-bodied flavor that works well with heartier dishes like stews and roasts. The wine is also known for its earthy undertones and hints of berries and cherries, which can add depth to sauces and gravies. Burgundy cooking wine is a popular choice among chefs because it's versatile and can be used with many different types of dishes. It's also a good option for those who prefer a drier wine since it's less sweet than other varieties. When choosing Burgundy cooking wine, look for a bottle that is labeled 'cooking wine' or 'cooking sherry.' This will ensure that it has salt added to it and is safe to use in recipes.

How to use cooking wine in recipes

Cooking wine is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different types of recipes. It's commonly used in sauces, marinades, and stews to add depth and complexity to the dish. When using cooking wine, it's important to remember that it's salted, so you'll need to adjust the seasoning accordingly. To use cooking wine in a recipe, add it to the dish early on in the cooking process so that it has time to infuse the flavors. You can also use it in a pan sauce after cooking meat to deglaze the pan and create a flavorful sauce. Just be sure to let the alcohol cook off before serving! Be sure to store your cooking wine properly after opening. Once opened, it should be refrigerated and used within a few weeks.

The health benefits of cooking wine

Cooking wine contains a small amount of resveratrol, which is a natural antioxidant found in grapes. Resveratrol has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease and some types of cancer. However, it's important to note that cooking wine also contains alcohol, which can have negative health effects when consumed in large amounts. It's best to use cooking wine in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.

Cooking wine vs. regular wine

Cooking wine is salted and not intended for drinking, while regular wine is not salted and is intended for drinking. Using regular wine in a recipe that calls for cooking wine can result in an overly sweet or acidic dish. Additionally, most cooking wines are fortified with salt, which means they have a higher sodium content than regular wine. Using too much cooking wine can add unwanted sodium to your diet.

Finding the best Burgundy cooking wine

There are many brands of Burgundy cooking wine available, so it can be overwhelming to choose one. Look for a bottle that is labeled 'cooking wine' or 'cooking sherry' to ensure that it has salt added to it and is safe to use in recipes. It's also a good idea to read reviews or ask for recommendations from chefs or other professionals in the food industry. They may be able to recommend a particular brand that they have had success with in their own cooking.

Cooking wine substitutions

If you don't have cooking wine on hand, you can substitute it with chicken or vegetable broth mixed with a small amount of vinegar or lemon juice. This will give you a similar depth of flavor without the alcohol content. You can also use regular wine in a recipe that calls for cooking wine, but be sure to choose a dry wine with a flavor profile that complements the other ingredients in the dish.

Common recipes that use Burgundy cooking wine

Burgundy cooking wine is a popular ingredient in many classic French dishes. It's often used in coq au vin, beef bourguignon, and other stews and braised dishes. It can also be used in sauces for steak, pork, or chicken. Burgundy cooking wine can add depth and complexity to many different types of dishes, so feel free to experiment with it in your own cooking.

Storing cooking wine

Cooking wine should be stored in a cool, dark place, like a pantry or cupboard. Once opened, it should be refrigerated and used within a few weeks. If you don't use cooking wine often, consider buying smaller bottles to prevent waste. It's also important to note that cooking wine has a shelf life of about a year, so be sure to check the expiration date before using it in a recipe.

Cooking wine safety tips

Cooking wine is safe to use in recipes when used correctly, but it's important to remember that it contains alcohol. Be sure to let the alcohol cook off completely before serving, especially if you're serving the dish to children, pregnant women, or anyone who is sensitive to alcohol. When storing cooking wine, be sure to keep it out of reach of children and pets. The salt content in cooking wine can make it toxic to animals in large amounts.