Where Do I Buy Cooking Sherry?
Cooking sherry is readily available in most grocery stores, liquor stores, and online retailers. Look for it in the *vinegar and cooking wine section of your local supermarket or explore specialty food stores and online marketplaces for a wider selection.
What is Cooking Sherry?
Cooking sherry isn’t simply leftover sherry wine. It’s a fortified wine specifically produced for culinary use. Fortification means that neutral grape spirit is added to the wine, raising its alcohol content and extending its shelf life. Importantly, salt and other preservatives are added to prevent its consumption as a beverage. This alteration makes it legally distinct from drinking sherry and allows it to be sold in grocery stores that may not have a liquor license.
Benefits of Using Cooking Sherry
Cooking sherry adds depth and complexity to dishes that are difficult to achieve with other ingredients. Its subtle nutty and caramel-like flavors enhance savory recipes, providing a richness and umami that elevates the overall taste profile. Benefits include:
- Flavor Enhancement: Adds a savory, nutty flavor that complements a wide range of dishes.
- Acidity Balance: Provides a touch of acidity that balances sweetness and richness in sauces and marinades.
- Tenderizing Properties: The alcohol content helps to tenderize meats when used in marinades.
- Long Shelf Life: Due to the added salt and preservatives, cooking sherry has a significantly longer shelf life than regular sherry.
- Accessibility: Widely available in most supermarkets, making it convenient for home cooks.
Where to Find It: The Shopping Guide
Locating cooking sherry is usually quite straightforward. Here’s a breakdown of where to look:
- Grocery Stores: The most common place to find cooking sherry is in the vinegar and cooking wine aisle. It’s often near the vinegars, soy sauce, and other cooking wines like Marsala.
- Liquor Stores: While cooking sherry isn’t intended for drinking, some liquor stores may stock it. This is more likely to be the case in areas with stricter alcohol sale regulations.
- Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon, Walmart.com, and specialty food retailers offer a wide variety of cooking sherries, often with detailed descriptions and customer reviews.
- Specialty Food Stores: Gourmet food stores and international markets may carry higher-quality cooking sherries or imported varieties.
Comparing Cooking Sherry Brands
| Brand | Price (approx.) | Flavor Profile | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holland House | $3 – $5 | Mild, slightly sweet | Most Grocery Stores | Widely available, budget-friendly |
| Reese | $4 – $6 | Nutty, sherry-like | Select Grocery Stores | Decent quality for the price |
| Taylor | $5 – $7 | Richer, more complex than Holland House | Select Grocery Stores | Good balance of flavor and price |
| Online Retailers | Varies | Broad range from dry to sweet, high quality | Online | Higher quality and price point |
Common Mistakes When Buying Cooking Sherry
Avoid these pitfalls to ensure you’re getting the right product:
- Confusing it with Drinking Sherry: Ensure you’re buying cooking sherry, which contains added salt and preservatives.
- Ignoring the Expiration Date: While it has a long shelf life, cooking sherry can still expire. Check the date to ensure freshness.
- Buying Too Much: Unless you use it frequently, buy a smaller bottle to prevent it from losing its flavor over time.
- Not Reading the Ingredients: Check the ingredients list to ensure it only contains sherry wine, salt, and preservatives. Avoid products with artificial flavors or colors.
Storing Cooking Sherry Properly
Once opened, cooking sherry should be stored in a cool, dark place to preserve its flavor. It’s best to store it in the refrigerator to extend its shelf life. Make sure the bottle is tightly sealed to prevent oxidation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use drinking sherry instead of cooking sherry?
While you can technically use drinking sherry, it’s not recommended because it lacks the added salt and preservatives of cooking sherry. This means the flavor will be different, and it will spoil much faster. If you choose to substitute, use a dry sherry like Fino or Amontillado and reduce the amount of salt in your recipe accordingly.
What is the difference between dry and sweet cooking sherry?
Dry cooking sherry has less sugar and a more pronounced nutty flavor, making it ideal for savory dishes. Sweet cooking sherry has a higher sugar content and a slightly sweeter taste, making it suitable for desserts and sweet sauces. Choose the type that best suits your recipe.
How long does cooking sherry last after opening?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, opened cooking sherry can last for several months, even up to a year. However, the flavor may gradually diminish over time. Discard it if you notice any changes in color, smell, or taste.
Is cooking sherry alcoholic?
Yes, cooking sherry contains alcohol, typically between 17% and 20% alcohol by volume (ABV). However, the alcohol content reduces significantly during the cooking process as it evaporates.
Can I use cooking sherry if I don’t consume alcohol?
While cooking sherry contains alcohol, it’s often used in small quantities, and much of the alcohol evaporates during cooking. If you strictly avoid alcohol, consider using a non-alcoholic sherry substitute made from grape juice or vinegar.
What are some good substitutes for cooking sherry?
If you don’t have cooking sherry, consider using these substitutes:
- Dry white wine: Use equal parts dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
- Apple cider vinegar: A small amount of apple cider vinegar can add acidity and a similar tang.
- Chicken broth: Use chicken broth for a savory flavor boost.
- Grape juice: White grape juice can add a touch of sweetness and acidity.
What are some popular dishes that use cooking sherry?
Cooking sherry is used in a wide variety of dishes, including:
- Soups: Sherry adds depth and richness to soups like French onion soup and cream of mushroom soup.
- Stir-fries: A splash of sherry can enhance the flavor of stir-fries.
- Sauces: Sherry is a key ingredient in many sauces, such as sherry cream sauce and mushroom sauce.
- Marinades: It can be used in marinades for meat, poultry, and seafood.
- Desserts: Sweet sherry can be used in desserts like sherry trifle and bread pudding.
How much cooking sherry should I use in a recipe?
As a general rule, use 1-2 tablespoons of cooking sherry per serving in most recipes. However, you may need to adjust the amount depending on the recipe and your personal preference.
Does cooking sherry expire?
Yes, even though it has a long shelf life, cooking sherry can expire. Check the expiration date on the bottle. While it may still be safe to use after the expiration date, the flavor may have diminished.
Is all cooking sherry created equal?
No, cooking sherry varies in quality depending on the brand and production methods. Higher-quality cooking sherries tend to have a more complex and nuanced flavor. Experiment with different brands to find one that you enjoy.
Can I make my own cooking sherry?
While you can’t replicate commercial cooking sherry exactly, you can create a close approximation by adding a small amount of salt to dry sherry wine. However, be aware that this mixture will not have the same shelf life as commercially produced cooking sherry.
Is cooking sherry gluten-free?
Yes, cooking sherry is generally considered gluten-free as it is made from grapes and doesn’t typically contain gluten-containing ingredients. However, it is always a good idea to check the label to ensure there are no additives that might contain gluten, especially if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.