One of the best things about cooking is experimenting with different unique ingredients, and brandy is a perfect choice for that.
Whether you are an avid brandy lover or not, you’re sure to have fun using this delicious spirit in your cooking.
Since it is made by distilling wine, it has a sweet flavor that also has notes of apples, grapes, or other fruits.
Not only does using brandy in your cooking bring a rich, robust, and distinct flavor to your favorite meals, suitable for both sweet and savory dishes, it is also a fantastic ingredient for keeping meat juicy and tender.
Here are just a few of the ways you can add extra flavor and sophistication to your recipes with help from this delicious spirit!
Classic Crêpes Suzette
Crêpes Suzette is a delicious retro recipe that pairs paper-thin crêpes with a brandy-infused orange sauce.
It takes less than 30 minutes to prepare and cook, making it quick and easy to whip up at a moment’s notice.
While the crêpes can follow any standard recipe you love, the showstopper of this dish is the sauce.
A combination of oranges, lemon, and sugar gets a boozy boost with three generous tablespoons of your favorite brandy, providing a unique fruity and oaky flavor that ties the ingredients together.
French Onion Soup
French onion soup is one of the most popular soup recipes on earth.
Apart from chopping your onions into slices, preparation takes little effort; the hardest part of this recipe is waiting for it to be ready!
A fantastic way to add a punch of rich flavor to this hearty meal is to deglaze your pan with a mixture of dry sherry and brandy after you have caramelized your onions.
Then, add your stock and allow everything to simmer until you’re ready to top your soup with French bread and cheese.
The brandy adds terrific depth to the overall meal, taking a simple and well-loved recipe to new heights.
Bittersweet Chocolate Truffles
For a simple, easy, and incredibly quick dessert treat to enjoy throughout the week, decadent chocolate truffles are always a hit.
They require just four ingredients, and can be prepared in less than 20 minutes.
It is important to note that truffles will need to sit in the fridge to set before serving, so prepare ahead of time to ensure it is ready to go.
Place 8 ounces of bittersweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
Combine 1/2-cup of whipping cream, two tablespoons of butter and two generous tablespoons of your favorite brandy together in a small pan and bring to a simmer.
Once tiny bubbles appear at the pan’s edge, remove from the heat and pour over the chocolate. Whisk the mixture until the chocolate is fully incorporated, allow it to cool, and place covered in the fridge until firm.
Then, simply roll small spoons of the chocolate mixture into balls and coat in chopped nuts, sprinkles, icing sugar, or cocoa powder!
Brandy Butter
Brandy butter is a delicious and decadent treat ideal for the festive holidays.
It requires just three ingredients and can be slathered over everything from morning toast to warm mince pies to a slice of Christmas pudding.
Mix together unsalted and soften butter, icing sugar, and brandy to taste before transferring to a ramekin and storing in the fridge to use as needed.
The key to getting a silky smooth mixture is to ensure your butter is soft enough for the ingredients to properly combine without clumping.
If you notice your mixture is lumpy, a tablespoon or two of boiling hot water can help further soften the butter to easily incorporate the icing sugar.
The Sidecar Cocktail
The sidecar cocktail is a classic and delicious tart drink that dates back to the WWI era.
It is incredibly easy to make, requiring just three ingredients to be shaken over ice until well-chilled. The drink is served in a sugar-rimmed cocktail glass, and garnished with a twist of lemon or orange rind.
This well-balanced sour drink uses two ounces of your favorite brandy, one ounce of premium triple sec (a fruity orange liqueur) and one ounce of fresh, tart lemon juice.
Combine them in an ice-filled cocktail shaker, mix well, and enjoy!
Chicken with Mustard & Mushroom Sauce
Chicken with a rich and creamy mustard and mushroom sauce is an easy casserole meal ideal for a weekday family dish or a special occasion.
It takes less than an hour to prepare and cook, with minimal preparation and even fewer dishes.
The trick is to brown your chicken thighs in an ovenproof skillet before placing the pan in the oven to cook fully.
Then, sauté your vegetables and use brandy to deglaze the pan before adding the cream and mustard.
After that, the pan goes into the oven to finish cooking the chicken to perfection!
Saratoga Cocktail
The Saratoga cocktail is a ridiculously simple recipe that perfectly combines all the best parts of a Manhattan and Metropolitan drink into one glass, appealing to whiskey and brandy lovers alike.
First created in the 1880s, all that is required is equal amounts of your favorite brandy, high-quality whiskey, and sweet vermouth, with a couple of dashes of bitters to bring the flavors together.
Rye whiskey is the preferred choice, but it can be substituted with a bold bourbon if you prefer.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect main course, a decadent dessert, or a cocktail to unwind with at the end of a busy day, brandy’s versatility makes it a great choice for any kitchen.
Grab a bottle and start experimenting yourself to see what kind of culinary masterpieces you can whip up!