Creative cooking wine

3 things you may not know about cooking wine
The term was coined during Prohibition, when salt was added to kitchen wine so people wouldn't drink it on its own.

It's a bit of a misnomer today, as you should always cook with the same wines that you'd drink.

It adds taste, not alcohol, to a dish. Most of the alcohol burns off during cooking, leaving behind a subtle, fruity flavour.

2 things all good cooks know
The longer a dish is cooked, the less alcohol remains, so plan accordingly. Don't add the wine right before serving.

The kind of wine you use should complement the flavours in your dish. A meaty stew, for example, can handle a rich, full-bodied wine, while a sorbet benefits from something light and fruity.

2 ways to cook with wine right now
Serve a homemade wine jelly with crackers and cheese, or beside a roasted meat dish.

Add wine to the pot at your next fondue party. The alcohol lowers the boiling point of the cheese, keeping the cheese from curdling.

3 kinds of wine to keep on hand
A dry white such as a Sauvignon Blanc to add a light, fruity bounce to sauces.

A dry, robust red wine like a Zinfandel or Pinot Noir for use in hearty meat dishes and stews.

Sherry, Madeira and Marsala, all fortified wines (with additional alcohol added to help preserve them) that have a long shelf life.

1 thing to remember at the liquor store
Look for a familiar wine that you know to be consistent in flavour year after year. Don't forget to taste it every now and then to make sure!

1 collectible to snap when you see it
Skip the plastic bags at the liquor store and use a vintage metal carrier. Popular in France from the late 19th century, we love the diamond-shaped ones that carry four bottles.

Read more in Recipes and Country Pantry