The beauty part of braising is to release the juices of the meat, bones, and veggies used. I think a plain water alternative should be included as cooking liquid. Maybe it was but there was so much reading I might have missed it. One can always adjust the seasonings after the initial 2 or so hours of braising. but enough about that, i think the set up was glorious and very scientific appealing to the chemist which I was, in me. Very good plan. Fran