We categorically do not condone leftover wine. But if you do a have a drop or three languishing in a bottle somewhere, we're even more strongly opposed to tipping it away.
Wine is a fabulous ingredient in cooking, from French classics like coq au vin, to Spanish tapas treats like chorizo cooked in a heavy red. So if you have a tipple that's going spare, why not incorporate it into a yummy meal?
Here are a few of our favourite recipes for leftover wine, ranging from the traditional, to the unusual…
1. Pinot Noir Butter with Blue Cheese Biscuits, How Sweet It Is
We came across this amazing recipe on the Traveling Vineyard Facebook feed (another must-visit spot for anyone searching for amazing wine ideas and inspiration) and it's about to seriously blow your mind if you're a cheese and wine person.
A totally different take on wine and cheese pairings which is truly scrumptious, this recipe from How Sweet It Is foodie blogger, Jessica, packs all the tangy goodness of strong blue cheese into a decadently crumbly biscuit, while infusing sumptuous pinot noir into beautifully smooth butter to spread liberally on top. We can't get enough.
2. Moules Marinères, Raymond Blanc
Here's something a little more traditional for lovers of white wine and seafood. We had to turn to French chef extraordinaire Raymond Blanc's website for this Francophile foodstuff because, well, who else would we trust with the last of our Pinot Grigio? Rich, but not overwhelming, incredibly flavoursome but packed with delicate touches, moules marinères is the perfect recipe if you have a little dry white wine to use and mussels are in season.
3. Chorizo in Red Wine, Domestic Sluttery
Time for some serious Spanish flavour. This divine tapas dish is all about the rich flavour of the meat, the heady tang of the wine and the sticky, saucy glaze that the two create together (with help from a generous slug of olive oil and a few choice flavours). This take from Domestic Sluttery is fun to read and easy to make. No muss, no fuss, just yumminess!
4. Drunken Spaghetti (Spaghetti All'Ubriaco), Serious Eats
Next stop – a taste of Italy, but not the traditional one you may be expecting. The rich, red wine colouration of the spaghetti in this recipe makes your “same old” pasta dish look incredibly visually striking, with a flavour that warms you from the inside and makes you want to keep coming back for more. Boiled in wine and water, this somewhat decadent recipe then only calls for a splash of olive oil, a dose of garlic and a few sprinkles of red pepper flakes to achieve pure Italian perfection.
5. Wine Jelly, America's Test Kitchen
And now for the dessert course! This wonderful wine jelly is a delectable addition to your cheese board, and tastes just as yummy spread on a slice of beautiful bread. Why not make a bunch of batches to share the deliciousness with your friends this festive season?
Do you have a favourite wine recipe? Will you be trying any of our favourites? Share your picks and your foodie pursuits with other readers below.
