Cognac

Vitis vinifera (grape distillate) Spirit/Deglazing Agent

Cognac Spirit/Deglazing Agent

At a Glance

  • Category Spirit/Deglazing Agent

The Forktionary Angle

"The sophisticated spirit that adds unparalleled depth, fruity complexity, and a touch of luxury to savory sauces and decadent desserts."

Definition

A renowned type of brandy, made from distilled white grapes in the Cognac region of France, aged in oak barrels for distinct flavor.

Aging Process Aged for a minimum of two years in French oak barrels, contributing to its color and complex flavor profile.
Culinary Usage Widely used for deglazing pans, flambéing dishes, and as a base for rich sauces and reductions.
Origin Requirement True Cognac must be produced in the Cognac region of France and adhere to strict production regulations.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Cognac are:

Fruity floral vanilla oak spice slightly sweet

Chef’s Secret

When flambéing with Cognac, always remove the pan from direct heat before adding the spirit to prevent flare-ups, then return to ignite.

Best Substitutes

Brandy

Ratio 1:1

Dry Sherry

for similar acidity and depth
Ratio 1:1

White Wine

less complexity
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Choose a VS (Very Special) or VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) Cognac for cooking; higher grades are best for sipping.

Recipes Using Cognac

Poultry 4 Hours Or Less Whole Chicken Preparation

Barefoot Contessa's Chicken With 40 Cloves Garlic

Get ready for a garlic lover's dream! This recipe, inspired by Ina Garten herself, features a whole roasted chicken bursting with the flavor of 40 cloves of roasted garlic. The chicken is incredibly juicy and tender, with a deeply savory garlic aroma that will fill your kitchen. Prepare to be amazed by the intensely flavorful and unforgettable taste of this simple yet elegant dish. Perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner when you crave something extraordinary.

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Main Ingredient Meat Main Dish Course

Beef In Red Wine

Indulge in this decadent Beef in Red Wine roast, inspired by Charlotte Turgeon's Encyclopedia of Creative Cooking. This recipe delivers a melt-in-your-mouth beef experience, slow-cooked to perfection in a rich red wine sauce. The 12-24 hour marinade ensures maximum flavor penetration, resulting in an unforgettable culinary masterpiece. Learn a simple tomato peeling trick for effortless prep!

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Main Ingredient Fruit Plums Candy

Acaramelados Almond Stuffed Prunes

Discover a taste of the past with this irresistible recipe for Acaramelados Almond Stuffed Prunes! Passed down through generations from Great-Aunt Tina, these sweet and savory treats are a delightful combination of tender prunes, crunchy almonds, and rich caramel. While the original recipe uses raw egg, we've provided suggestions for a safer alternative (see instructions). Get ready for a culinary journey back in time – your taste buds will thank you!

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Course Meat Main Ingredient Course

Beef Fillets With Cognac Onion Sauce

Indulge in the rich flavors of perfectly seared beef fillets, nestled atop a decadent cognac onion sauce. Three types of onions – yellow, red, and green – along with shallots and garlic, are slowly caramelized to perfection before being deglazed with fine cognac. This elegant recipe is perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.

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Very Low Carbs 30 Minutes Or Less Main Ingredient Low In Something

Baked Fish With Mushrooms And Cream

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this decadent Baked Fish with Creamy Mushroom Sauce! Inspired by Bon Appetit, this recipe features succulent fish baked to perfection under a rich, savory mushroom sauce. Get ready for a burst of flavor in just 30 minutes!

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Desserts Strawberries Main Ingredient Desserts

Berry Sundaes With White Chocolate Sauce

Cool down with these delightful Berry Sundaes! This summery dessert features juicy strawberries (raspberries optional!) and a luscious homemade white chocolate sauce. Easy to make and perfect for a hot day, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready for a burst of berry goodness!

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Stove Top Valentines Day Steaks Meat

Beef Medallions With Cognac Sauce

Indulge in these exquisite Beef Medallions, bathed in a rich and luscious Cognac sauce! This elegant yet surprisingly easy recipe is perfect for impressing dinner guests or enjoying a special night in. Double or triple the recipe to feed a crowd – it's that simple! Tender beef medallions meet a decadent sauce with just the right balance of sweet and savory. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Meat Belgian Beef 4 Hours Or Less

Belgian Meatloaf

Inspired by classic Belgian cuisine, this hearty meatloaf recipe delivers a rich, savory experience. Featuring a blend of ground beef, aromatic herbs, and a touch of port and cognac, it's perfect for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight dinner. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this unforgettable dish!

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60 Minutes Or Less French European Course

Basic French Lentils

Experience the rustic charm of France with this simple yet elegant lentil recipe! Made with authentic French Le Puy lentils, this dish is adapted from Dorie Greenspan's beloved cookbook, "Around My French Table." Enjoy a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a sophisticated gathering. Get the recipe now!

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60 Minutes Or Less Course Main Ingredient Seasonal

Autumn Apple Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting

Delight your taste buds with these irresistible Autumn Apple Cupcakes! Perfect for fall gatherings, lunchboxes, or a cozy afternoon treat, these easy-to-make cupcakes burst with the warm flavors of grated apple and aromatic spices. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, they're the ultimate comfort food. Get ready for rave reviews! (Adapted from 'Bake and Freeze Desserts' by Elinor Klivans)

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Fruit Low Cholesterol Beginner Cook North American

10 Minute Applesauce Alton Brown

This lightning-fast applesauce recipe, inspired by Alton Brown's genius, delivers perfectly cooked apples in just 10 minutes! Skip the stovetop and achieve perfectly smooth and subtly spiced applesauce in your microwave. A fantastic quick side dish or healthy snack, perfect for busy weeknights.

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Low Sodium Meat Beef Low Carb

Beef Filets With Cognac Mushroom Onion Sauce

Indulge in the rich, savory perfection of pan-seared beef filets, elevated by a luxurious cognac mushroom onion sauce. This recipe, crafted from a cherished family memory, delivers restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen. The tender filets, perfectly browned and cooked to your desired doneness, are nestled atop a decadent bed of sautéed onions, mushrooms, and shallots, all infused with the aromatic warmth of cognac. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this unforgettable culinary masterpiece!

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4 Hours Or Less Pies Chocolate Dietary

Basic French Silk Pie

Indulge in the decadent smoothness of this classic French Silk Pie! This recipe delivers a rich, creamy chocolate filling that melts in your mouth. Perfect for special occasions or a sophisticated weeknight treat. Easy to follow instructions guide you to silky perfection.

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Taste Mood Low Fat Number Of Servings 3 Steps Or Less

After Dinner Mocha

Indulge in the rich, decadent warmth of our After Dinner Mocha! This luxurious chocolate coffee cocktail is the perfect ending to any meal or a delightful treat for any occasion. A blend of freshly brewed coffee, creamy cocoa, smooth cognac, and sweet Kahlúa, topped with a touch of half-n-half and optional whipped cream – pure bliss in a mug!

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Beef Meat Main Dish Beef

Beef Tenderloin Steaks With Mustard Cognac Sauce

Indulge in this decadent Beef Tenderloin Steaks with Rich Mustard Cognac Sauce recipe, inspired by Bon Appétit's October 2006 issue. Perfectly seared tenderloin, infused with aromatic herbs, and topped with a luxurious, creamy mustard cognac sauce – this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Elevate your weeknight dinner or impress your guests with this unforgettable dish. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Low In Something Holiday Event Seasonal Eggs Dairy

Moose Milk

Ring in the New Year with this decadent Moose Milk eggnog recipe! A traditional favorite enjoyed every January 1st, this creamy concoction is elevated with the perfect rum selection: Lemon Hart Dark. While other spirits like white rum, rye, can be substituted, Lemon Hart's rich notes truly complement the eggnog's spices. Prepare to impress your guests at your next New Year's Day levee with this festive and unforgettable drink! Learn how to make this classic cocktail at home with our easy-to-follow recipe.

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Beef Very Low Carbs Low Carb Time To Make

Beef Medallions W Saucy Shiitake Mushrooms

Indulge in a luxurious and flavorful Beef Medallions with Saucy Shiitake Mushrooms recipe! Tender beef medallions are pan-seared to perfection, then topped with a rich and savory sauce made with earthy shiitake mushrooms, sweet shallots, and a hint of warming brandy. A touch of flambé adds excitement! This elegant dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes and crisp green beans for a complete and satisfying meal.

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Potatoes Main Dish Main Ingredient Meat

Auntie Em's Steak And Potato Pie

This award-winning Steak and Potato Pie recipe, straight from Auntie Em's restaurant (as seen on MSNBC!), is a culinary masterpiece. Forget everything you thought you knew about pot pie – this flaky, buttery masterpiece is in a league of its own. Even without the steak, the incredible flavor combination of perfectly seasoned potatoes and rich gravy will leave you craving seconds (and thirds!). While making the homemade pate brisee (pie crust) is a labor of love, the result is a crust so unbelievably delicious, it's half the magic. This recipe uses an ice water and lemon juice method for an extra-flaky texture. Feel free to substitute tequila for cognac in the filling – the alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a delightful hint of warmth. Prepare to be amazed!

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