Cognac

Cognac is a French brandy produced by double distillation of white wine and subsequent ageing in oak barrels. It originates exclusively from the Cognac region in south-western France and is subject to strict classification rules, VS, VSOP, XO and others. In the kitchen, it is used for flambéing meat, desserts and pancakes, and for flavouring sauces, pâtés, fondues or chocolate pralines. It lends dishes a deep, complex aroma with notes of vanilla, dried fruit and oak wood. During cooking the alcohol evaporates, leaving only an intense flavour that elevates the entire dish.