Alcoholism & cooking with wine, etc.?

Question

I am a recovering alcoholic (19 months sober) and I am trying to get my cholesterol down. Alot of recipes that I have found calls for wine, brandy, etc. Is it safe for me to eat these foods prepared with alcohol?

Answer 1

hi and congradulations on your 19mos, im also a friend of bill w's , 15mos. i think its the in thing these days.

about the alcohol in the food, i wouldnt say its safe to put it in your food, im not an expert, but any type of alcohol, whether its in a cake, sauce, or anything else, can trigger your alcoholic mind, not to mention having the alcohol in your house, just the smell could bring back memories, i know it would for me. i dont even take nyquil anymore because of the alcohol content.

just think of the NON alcoholic beers out there, i thought it was ok to drink them, (even though there is a very small percent of alcohol in them) so i drank them all the time, and it led me to go back out again. i learned from my sponser that any of that stuff is just a gateway to drinking again. remember, "to thyne own self be true". im sure there are other spices you can use that would taste similar or maybe better.

it is an everyday thing in recovery, one day at a time, and we as alcoholics have that disease always talking to us....go ahead, its ok, and then it traps us.
this is only my opinion, but i dont think its safe, and if you really want to drink again, nobody will stop you. i just try to stay away from any temptation or idea. im over the obsession to drink again, but i still go with outta site outta mind.
hope this helps,

i just started a new website dedicated to alcoholics, addictions, depression, family standing by and more, its a chat /blog type site, for us to talk and share our experience strength and hope with others who still suffer and for those who need to talk to put it out on the table. i would love for you to visit and share your story, or just to talk about your recovery and what works for you. its new, and im trying to get it started
if you can let anyone you think would benefit from it, know about it, thanks its www.threadsofhopeinrecovery.com thanks hope to talk to you soon.

Answer 2

First- congrats!

Second- There are many substitutes avail for brandy and wine, etc. I would rec using those. Even the taste of something alcoholic can get some overpowering cravings going...and there is no need to backslide.
Ask around at the next meeting, there are probably alot of people who have run into this situation before and they can help!

Answer 3

Yes because once you cook the cooking wine, the alcohole is gone. It is even safe for kids to eat the food prepared with wine.

Answer 4

It should be OK provided you are cooking the alcohol out of the food its the flavor you want in the dish. If you dont feel comfortable keeping it in your house find substitutes...I use broth instead of wines or sherrys you can try this web site they have a lot of solutions.

Answer 5

As an alcoholic I would avoid any alcohol period. Although the alcohol cooks off it is the flavor that could 'wake' the craving you have done so well to avoid. Congrats on your success.

Answer 6

No because you might be tempted to take a swig while you're cooking.

Cook the food as the recipe suggests but leave out the alcohol.

congrats tho 19 months is great.

Answer 7

Really there are plenty of alternatives to meals with alcohol added. If you are smart and really want to stay sober, you will avoid meals with added liquor.

Answer 8

THE BEST WAY TO LOWER YOUR CHOLESTEROL IS A GLASS OF RED WINE EVERYDAY JUST IN CASE LIMIT YOURSELF TO A BOTTLE A DAY HAPPY DRINKING
FORGET BEING SOBBER ITS MORE FUN DRINKING AND BLACKING OUT NOW GO HAVE A DRINK AND RELAX

Answer 9

yes...the alcohol burns off when you cook with it leaving you with yummy flavors!

Answer 10

Emily G is right!


YuuuummmmmmY!