Sometimes you want to branch out in your Wine-Comfort-Zone and take a chance on a bottle you've never tried. If you are not knowledgeable and pick something impulsively - much like I do - sometimes it's not what you expected - and even sometimes awful.
Instead of wasting your money, here are some ideas to do with wine:
1. Mulled Wine
Usually a holiday treat, it really can be enjoyed any time of year. Mulled wine is usually a sweetened and spiced wine, served warm. Everyone has a different recipe - but here are my two favourites!
Mulled Wine - Gimme Some Oven
Jamie's Mulled Wine - Jamie Oliver
2. Fruit Glaze
In a small pot, whisk wine with a little honey until slightly thickened and becoming a glaze. Whisk in a pinch of Cinnamon and a sprinkle of Sugar (white or brown) and take off the heat. When cooled, toss with chopped fruit - Apples, Peaches, Grapes and Clementines are my favourite - and serve just as is - or use as a topping on Cheesecake or Pound Cake (we just discovered this!)
3. Sangria
These are all the rage! Mix wine with Fruit Juice (I usually do 50/50) and a few chunky pieces of fruit of garnish. I will also add a splash of seltzer or tonic water.
4. Marinades
There are a ton of recipes for wine based marinades - and I haven't made one I haven't liked. There are thousands of recipes on Pinterest!
5. Salad Dressings
This is my go-to for using up opened but unfinished wine - but it works great with wine you didn't like too. Just replace some (or all) of the vinegar in any Salad Dressing recipe.
6. Wine Spritzers
If a wine is too dry - mixing half a glass of wine with a generous splash of soda will give you a wine spritzer! Especially with white wines - I've been known to add a little Sprite and a lemon wedge.
7. Wine Cubes
This goes for any wine - good, bad or leftover - freeze in ice cube trays to save for future use. All of these recipes can be made with defrosted wine cubes - or use instead of Ice Cubes in a drink - it will add flavour without diluting!
What are your tips on how to avoid wasting wine?