"Too often, cooking with wine and spirits is looked upon as a rare grandstand play rather than one of the most enjoyable day-to-day arts," Thomas Mario writes. In this book, Mario tells not only the charming history of this centuries-old culinary art but, in concise, sensible terms, takes the mystification out of the subject and shows even the inexperienced cook how to master the wizardry of wines and spirits in the kitchen. The book's joys are uncorked through explicit, easy-to-follow recipes and includes 300 carefully tested recipes. Many of the recipes are illustrated in mouth-watering color. Each one features an imaginative use of wine, vermouth, whiskey, brandy, rum, aquavit or other spirits, familiar and exotic.