10 Ways to Cook with Wine for a Splash of Sophistication

Peaches and Cream Prosecco Cake

"I bake a lot and this is one of the best cakes I've ever made or eaten," raves BHG.com home chef Judy Morrow. What makes it so exceptional? We call for dousing the dense sponge cake and the marinated peach filling in bubbly before stacking up the luscious layers and whipped cream frosting.

Cherry-Cabernet Brownies

We like our dessert like we like our wine; rich, dark, and oh, so delicious. As if infusing brownie batter with Cabernet Sauvignon isn't enough, the red wine ganache on this decadent treat will send your taste buds blissfully over the edge.

Vanilla-Sparkling Wine Pound Cake

A party without cake is just a meeting, and a meal without wine is like a day without sunshine. So let's bake this bubbly-boosted cake for more sunshine and parties.

Tip: Can't find (or don't want to splurge on) Champagne? Cava, Prosecco, or any sparkling wine all work well here.

Slow Cooker Coq au Vin

Make like Julia Child and whip up some juicy stewed chicken. This might just be the easiest-ever spin on the classic French comfort food dinner. Three secrets make it taste as amazing as the fuss-over-it-all-day version: a splash of dry red vino, a packet of beef-onion soup mix, and a slow cooker.

Champagne Cupcakes

Make your dessert pop by adding sparkling wine to your cake batter and frosting! The bubbly lends a light, luscious texture to both. Don't worry: You'll still have more than half the bottle left to toast your baking prowess.

Tip: Feel free to make the cupcakes up to a month ahead and freeze until it's time to celebrate.

• Our Complete Guide to Champagne

Beefy French Onion Noodle Soup

Step away from the heat-and-eat canned soup. You can do better—and in just 60 minutes! This hearty soup includes fresh mushrooms and onions for an earthy touch, plus egg noodles, beef sirloin, and cheesy toasts, of course. Oh yes, and bit of white wine for a pleasant touch of acidity.

Pasta with Bolognese Sauce

Introducing: The best meaty tomato sauce recipe our Test Kitchen has ever created! In place of broth, add red wine to the tomato mixture to help balance out the rich whipping cream you add just before serving.

Wine-Poached Pear Trifle

As delicious as it is pretty, this decadent trifle impresses. In addition to 10 pears and two bottles of wine, this recipe also features hazelnut cream, vanilla cake, and streusel topping.

Classic Chicken Cacciatore

Sure, you could braise chicken in chicken broth. Or you could finish off that last bit of dry white wine for even more layers of flavor.

Tip: This vegetable-rich Italian dinner is begging to be paired with anything from Chardonnay to Chianti.

Rose Wine Jelly with Pink Peppercorns

As the saying goes ... when life gives you lemons, have a glass of wine. Or use lemon juice, wine, and peppercorns to make this sweet-and-spicy jelly.