Once upon a wine....

I have never been a wine enthusiast, but sometimes cooking with wine can be a real treat.

So, for the easy girls guide to cooking with wine here are some tips I've learned!

When you remove the fat from a dish, you need to replace it with something to keep it moist.

Wine is ideal for making marinades because it adds so much flavor. You can decrease the oil by 1/2 and add the other half with wine. (For example, if the marinade calls for 1/2 cup of oil, use 1/4 cup each of wine and oil.)


You can saute veggies in a combination of wine and olive oil rather than using butter.

Wine is great for simmering fish because it helps to bring out the natural flavors of mild foods. You can even add wine to a slow cooker for extra flavor and moisture. You know how I LOVE a slow cooker! I'm listing an easy recipe for chicken and a wine sauce with mushrooms!

Generally, an easy way to know how Red vs. White. Red wines are great with darker meat: beef, duck, goose, venison, and pasta dishes. White wines are best with lighter meat: chicken, turkey, ham, fish, veal.

Play off of the consistency of your dish too! Don't be afraid to try something new. And use what you like. If you like to drink it, chances are you'll like it in your food.

Crock Pot Chicken and Wine sauce with mushrooms

1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 teaspoon dried minced onion
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/4 cup white wine
1 Tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon milk
1 can (4oz) mushrooms (drained)
salt and pepper to taste
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

In a bowl, mix together the soup, onion, parsley, wine, garlic powder, milk, and mushrooms. Season with salt and pepper. Place chicken in your crock pot and cover with the soup mixture.

Cook on Low setting for 5 to 6 hours!

You can serve this with pasta or rice and a nice green salad!

Pour a glass of wine and dinner is done!!!