Liquid herbal seasonings bring a whole new level of flavour to your plate.
Passion has a way of shining through in food.
When Rhéal Caissie, co-owner of Brew Chez Nous, a craft winemaking store in Shediac, NB, was told he would never be able to produce a cooking wine using fresh herbs and vegetables instead of grapes, he made it his personal mission to prove the naysayers wrong. Rhéal loves to try out new ideas—and enjoys a challenge—so he began to experiment with replacing the grapes with garlic.
Then Rhéal encountered a problem: if you have cooked with garlic, you know how the smell can permeate a room. Imagine fermenting a whole batch in your home! The final product, however, had definite promise, so Rhéal's wife, Joanne, graciously allowed the experiment to continue in the family home.
Eventually, Rhéal created a garlic and herb cooking wine that he felt confident about putting his reputation behind. He bottled a few samples and gave them to friends and customers at the brew store. To his surprise and delight, people began returning with their empty bottles, asking him to refill them. A local Italian restaurant began showcasing this cooking wine on their menu—and the feedback was positive. Rhéal and Joanne began to realize that there was potential for a new product that would marry well with their existing business.
The couple now operate Culinary Wines, which sells fermented “liquid seasonings.” They offer three varieties: Garlic & Herbs, Onion & Herbs and Chile Pepper & Herbs.
These culinary wines are so crisp and precise in their flavours that they elevate foods to a whole new level. They can be used, measure for measure, to replace traditional wines in any recipe. They also work well as marinades and can be used to make vinaigrettes—but keep in mind that they contain 10 per cent alcohol, so should be used sparingly in situations where the alcohol will not evaporate through the cooking process.
Culinary Wines are sold in grocery stores and at specialty markets throughout Atlantic Canada. Find out more at culinarywines.ca.