If the recipe calls for alcohol

[Anonymous]

do you change anything if you were planning on serving the dish to kids.

[Anonymous]

Doesn't the alcohol cook off (not proper term, I know) when heated?

[Anonymous]

 

Why use alcohol in cooking?

Universally the main reason alcoholic beverage are used in recipes is to add flavor. After all, the most premium of extracts with the most concentrated flavors are alcohol-based, particularly vanilla.

In many recipes, the alcohol is an important component to achieve a desired chemical reaction in a dish. Alcohol causes many foods to release flavors that cannot be experienced without the interaction of alcohol. Beer contains yeast which leavens breads and batters. Alcoholic beverages also helps break down tough fibers in marinades. Lastly other dishes use alcoholic content to provide entertainment, such as flambé and flaming dishes. As for fondue, Wine and Kirsch are added because it lowers the boiling point of the cheese which helps prevent curdling.

Does the alcohol burn off?

Alcohol not only evaporates without heat, but the majority also burns off during the cooking process. How much remains in the dish depends on the cooking method and amount of cooking time. Those alcohol-soaked fruitcakes would have to turn into solid bricks before the alcohol evaporates. A bottle of beer in a long-simmered stew is not going to leave a significantly measurable alcohol residue, but will add a rich, robust flavor. A quick flambé may not burn off all the alcohol, whereas a wine reduction sauce will leave little if any alcohol content. Heat and time are the keys. Obviously, uncooked foods with alcohol will retain the most alcohol.
http://www.bsciresourcecenter.com/proddetail.php?prod=ArtJanEnews

They got a chart that my help you.

[Anonymous]

No, unless it is something that is really heavy I. Raw alcohol, like a rum cake. In which case, I wouldn't make it for kids.

[Anonymous]

When you add it to de-glaze the pan, the alcohol burns off, so I wouldn't worry. For baking you can use alcohol free extracts. If it were something like a rum cake, I'd probably use the real thing but not let the kids eat it.

[Anonymous]

seriously? i thought everyone understood and knew that alcohol burns off in the cooking process. Of course I don't modify it when cooking for the kids.