Adding a splosh of vodka to your pasta sauce or a cup of red wine to a slow-cooked stew can be a great way to make a dish that’s designed to impress. When it comes to cooking with alcohol, thinking of it as a flavour enhancer and using it in moderation adds depth in flavour as well as complexity that might be hard to replicate with the usual ingredients. While one would certainly not be drunk from consuming these foods, alcohol can really elevate an eating experience significantly. From dessert decadence to amping up your savoury creations, here are a few ways alcohol can come into your kitchen and create a delicious menu.
Penne Alla Vodka
One of the most loved sauces all thanks to model Gigi Hadid’s popular recipe going viral, the penne alla vodka is a no-fuss, deliciously creamy pasta main to have on the dinner menu. Combining penne pasta with a rich and creamy tomato sauce, infused with a touch of vodka, the spirit not only adds a subtle warmth but also enhances the flavours of the tomato sauce. A delightful blend of sweet, savoury and creamy elements, this is sure to be a hit among pasta enthusiasts. Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese for a truly delicious experience.
Irish Coffee Pancakes
The creamy and decadent taste of Irish coffee liqueur makes it a perfect addition to any sweet dish but also an equally good topping. These boozy pancakes are a delightful breakfast or brunch treat made by adding some of the liqueur to the pancake batter, which imparts a smooth and slightly boozy flavour to the pancakes. Add a double dose of coffee liqueur to the dish by whipping up a batch of fresh cream spiked with a few glubs of it and smothering your pancakes in the boozy cloud.
Tiramisu
Of the many delicious Italian desserts that are celebrated, the tiramisu is one of the most beloved ones. The classic Italian sweet treat which translates to ‘pick me up’ in English, most surely lives up to its name. Made with layers of delicate ladyfinger biscuits soaked in a mix of espresso and liqueur, booze it up by soaking them in rum or whiskey, followed by a layer of creamy mascarpone cheese topping.
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Chocolate Truffles
While bite-sized truffles can seem too fancy to make at home, they are pretty simple to recreate. Melting butter and cream together and poured over chocolate chips with a splash of whiskey results in a silken ganache which can be refrigerated and scooped to create these fudge-like morsels. Roll them in cocoa powder or desiccated before serving, to offer a harmonious blend of smooth, rich chocolate and the warmth of whisky, which adds a subtle complexity.
Whiskey Glazed Chicken
When done right, chicken can be an indulgence in its own way and what better manner to treat the bird than to whip up a delicious whiskey-infused glaze with barbecue sauce, honey and smoked paprika. Grill or barbecue the chicken over coals, brushing more of that delicious glaze over it as it cooks to create deeply moist and juicy chicken. The whiskey gives it a unique smokiness while the glaze adds a delightful sweetness.
Crepe Suzette
An iconic French dessert that was created by accident, needs a dash of alcohol to be flambeed to perfection. The dish itself is quite easy to make since the crepes are made from regular pancake batter, and then drizzled in a liqueur-infused orange sauce. In lieu of liqueur, you could also pour over some whiskey or brandy to create a dazzling and delectable dessert that your guests are sure to fall for.