General Question

lilakess's avatar

Is it important to buy expensive brandy for cooking?

Asked by lilakess (789points) November 22nd, 2008
13 responses
“Great Question” (0points)

Or is the cheap stuff just as good. I think I know the answer to this, but it never hurts to ask.

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Answers

laureth's avatar

I think the cheap stuff is just fine – you’re mixing it with other flavors, heating it, etc., anyway.

Save the good stuff for drinkin’. ;)

asmonet's avatar

Nah, not unless you’re a famous chef and pretentious blowhards will be critiquing your food.

SoapChef's avatar

I am a chef and I don’t use expensive brandy or wine in my cooking. I don’t use the cheapest either. Christian Brothers or E & J will do fine. That said, there is the logical viewpoint that the end product is only as good as the ingredients used to make it. I feel like as long as the quality is of a certain standard, the attributes that elevate a finer brandy for drinking are lost when combined with other ingredients and subjected to heat etc..

asmonet's avatar

But…you cook soap.

?

SoapChef's avatar

asmonet, Soapcooking is my hobby. I use it to wash out the mouths of dirty talking little girls. Sausage or taco, indeed! :0)

cooksalot's avatar

Main thing is that the brandy or wine is drinkable. None of that “cooking” junk.

Knotmyday's avatar

Sometimes cheaper is actually better…
Case in point- Ronrico rum and heaven Hill vodka. (though neither = brandy)
Anyway, as soap said, heat changes the attributes of the liquor. My family has used Napoleon for holiday dishes since time immemorial.

SoapChef's avatar

Take note of what cooksalot said. Don’t buy the stuff labeled “cooking” wine. It is crappy and full of salt.
@Knot I am familiar with Ronrico rum, but not Heaven Hill vodka. Good stuff you say? I am wondering if it is a regional brand, I don’t remember seeing it here in Oregon.

cooksalot's avatar

True, true @Knotmyday the best homemade liqueurs are made with the cheapest vodka and brandy.

cooksalot's avatar

Oregon is “Potters” right in Hood River.

Knotmyday's avatar

soap- it’s distilled in Kentucky…and, it’s one of the plastic bottle varieties. but I like it

asmonet's avatar

Oh dear, I am shamed.

Knotmyday's avatar

because of my tacky penchant for cheap liquor? hee hee

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