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Substitute for Marsala Wine

What is Marsala wine used for? Marsala wine is popularly used in the culinary field and is added to scores of cake and other recipes. There are several chicken Marsala, veal Marsala recipes, etc. that ask for the addition of Marsala into them. Marsala adds a unique sweetness to the dish and imparts a really amazing flavor. However, what does one do if the stock of Marsala at home is over? During times when Marsala wine is not available, a substitute is required. There are loads of people who use Chardonnay or Cabernet as Marsala wine alternatives and the dish is quite tasty. One can also add a mixture of equal amounts of brandy and water into the recipe in place of Marsala.

However, the flavor is definitely different. The flavor that Marsala brings to the dish is definitely not obtained by adding Chardonnay or Cabernet, simply because they are wines with different flavors of their own. Thus, if you want the unique flavor of chicken Marsala, you need to get Marsala itself! Then there are others who do not drink wines and cannot use other wines as sweet Marsala wine substitute in their recipes. In such cases, one can add chicken stock in the recipe in place of Marsala.

Some even add prune puree or fig puree that has been passed through a fine sieve as a substitute for Marsala wine. Cake recipes also call for Marsala wine additions, especially Tiramisu. In such cases, one can substitute Marsala with watered down red grape juice or cranberry juice. The flavor of course will not be like Marsala, nevertheless, if you really do not take wine, this alternative will work fine.

Marsala wine is available in all wine stores and may even be available in some grocery stores. Just buy a bottle and store it in a dark place. The wine is fortified and lasts for a long time, so always keep a bottle at home and use it whenever you are preparing the dish that calls for Marsala addition. Even the best substitute cannot impart the flavor that Marsala brings to the dish!
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