vodka

A clear, highly distilled liquor composed primarily of water and ethanol, designed to be flavorless. In cooking, it is used purely for its chemical properties: it halts the development of gluten in pie crusts (yielding a flakier dough) and binds water to oil in tomato cream sauces (Penne alla Vodka). **Selection & Storage:** Store upright at room temperature; it is highly stable and will not degrade.