Ways To Cook With Whiskey
With such an array of flavor notes in each different whiskey, it’s no wonder that the spirit seems to be gaining popularity in the culinary arts. This rich liquor is distilled from barley, rye, wheat or corn. There are many types of whiskey, and each type offers a different flavor to the dish you’re using it in. Variations are present in each brand and style, but bourbon tends to be sweet, plain whiskey has malty taste, and scotch is smoky. Bourbons are the best to cook with, with their versatile vanilla, nut and caramel flavors. You can have a glass while you cook and use it in your dish. Scotches won’t offer as much flavor to a dish, unless you want it to taste a bit like a campfire. Whiskey brings these flavors out in different dishes, as well as adds a distinct taste of its own. If you’re looking for a way to add some character to your same-old dishes, add some whiskey.
Have it for breakfast
Unlike drinking it, it is socially acceptable to cook with whiskey in the morning. What sounds better in the morning than a tall stack of pancakes drizzled with bourbon vanilla maple syrup? Serve your pancakes with a hot cup of a bourbon chai and you’ll really get your day started.
Marinate your meats with it
Marinades are a foolproof way to enhance any meat. A whiskey-ginger marinade tastes great on chicken, and a bourbon-coffee sauce will add a sweetness to your steak. Depending on the type of whiskey you use, it also lends great flavor to mushrooms and onions to top your steak with. Just sautee everything in the pan together.
Finish up your meal with whiskey
Why not end that meal on a high note with blueberry bourbon cream cheese pie? It’s sweet and delectable, and even without the whiskey added, you would probably experience a feeling of euphoria after the first bite. Or, if you know you’ll be too full for something so rich, try a light and airy chocolate whiskey mousse. Most of the ingredients for this simple and elegant dessert are probably already in your pantry, waiting to be enjoyed.
A rule of thumb
When you’re looking for your perfect cooking whiskey, keep cost in mind. You don’t need top-of-the-line liquors for your cooking. If you’re not much a whiskey drinker, consider small bottles, as most recipes don’t call for very much. Top shelf, aged whiskey should be sipped and enjoyed, not used in a recipe.
