Adding wine to dishes is a wonderful way to brighten flavor or reduce fat content. While there are many ways to cook with wine, some methods are easy enough for novices to handle. Here are three intriguing ways to add wine to your menu and whip up a restaurant-worthy dish in the comfort of your own home.

How to Use Wine When Cooking

1. Fish

Salmon and cod are natural partners for many different toppings and flavor profiles. Try something balanced to allow the depth of the wine to truly stand out, such as a low-key lemon and olive oil blend with dry white wine. Cook your fish in this combination to experience a brilliant taste that’s simple to create.

2. Pasta

Visit any Italian restaurant and you’ll likely spot spaghetti on the menu. It’s an old favorite — but there’s nothing “old” about cooking your spaghetti with red wine! This trendy preparation method involves cooking your pasta in boiling red until it’s just soft enough. You can also use the wine to make a sauce.

3. Cake

A hint of alcohol can change the tone of dessert. That’s particularly true if you bake a rich chocolate cake with some red wine. The flavor profile changes dramatically, going from merely sweet to sinfully rich. There are many recipes available, but a simple combination of cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and red wine is a safe choice.

You don’t have to be a chef to enjoy some wine in the kitchen! But if you prefer to let someone else do the cooking, turn to Brookside Inn Restaurant in Oxford, CT. The charming Italian restaurant has a plentiful menu of show-stopping appetizers and entrees, many of which are cooked in delicious wine. They also offer a variety of takeout party tray options. Visit the restaurant’s website to view the menu, or call (203) 888-2272 today.