Cream sherry is a sweet fortified wine that is used for cooking and drinking. It has a rich, sweet flavor that pairs well with both savory and sweet dishes. Here are some of the main uses for cream sherry:
Cooking
Cream sherry is commonly used to enhance the flavor of sauces, soups, stews, and braises. Its sweetness helps balance out salty or acidic ingredients. Some popular uses for cream sherry in cooking include:
- Sherry vinegar – Made from cream sherry, this vinegar has a sweet, nutty flavor. It’s great in salad dressings, marinades, and reductions.
- Seafood – Cream sherry nicely complements shellfish like scallops, shrimp, and lobster. Add some to seafood stews and bisques.
- Meat – Use cream sherry to deglaze pans when making pan sauces for chicken, pork, or beef. It also makes a nice marinade.
- Vegetables – Saute mushrooms or glaze carrots with a bit of cream sherry.
- Soups – Add cream sherry to onion or tomato-based soups for extra depth.
Baking
When used in baking, cream sherry imparts a rich, sweet flavor and aroma. It’s often used in desserts like:
- Custards and puddings – Stir a splash of cream sherry into the milk or cream for flavor.
- Pound cakes and fruit cakes – Replace some of the liquid in the batter with cream sherry.
- Sweet pies – Brush the crust with cream sherry before baking for enhanced flavor.
- Cookies – Add a tablespoon or two to doughs for sugar cookies or shortbread.
- Fruit desserts – Use cream sherry to deglaze the pan when making fruit compotes or poached pears.
Drinking
While often used in cooking, cream sherry can also be enjoyed on its own. Its sweet, creamy flavor makes it a pleasant after-dinner drink. It’s often served:
- As an aperitif before the meal
- With dessert
- On the rocks
- Splashed into coffee or tea
Cream sherry also makes a nice base for cocktail mixing. It’s delicious in drinks like the Sherry Cobbler, Sherry Flip, and Sherry Eggnog.
Other Uses
Besides cooking and drinking, cream sherry has some other handy household uses:
- Deglazing pans – The high alcohol content helps dissolve fond.
- Adding flavor to stocks and broths – Use a splash in place of regular wine.
- Pickling foods – Cream sherry makes a sweet pickling liquid for fruits and vegetables.
- Making herb vinegars – Steep herbs in sherry vinegar for a flavorful finishing vinegar.
Key Points
- Cream sherry is a fortified wine that provides sweet, nutty flavor to foods.
- It’s commonly used in seafood, meat, and vegetable dishes, as well as baked goods and desserts.
- Cream sherry can be enjoyed on its own as an aperitif or after dinner drink.
- Besides cooking, it’s useful for deglazing pans, making pickles and herb vinegars.
Conclusion
With its rich, smooth flavor, cream sherry is a versatile ingredient to keep on hand. A little splash can elevate the flavors of many savory dishes and desserts. Beyond cooking, it makes a pleasant sipping wine on its own. Cream sherry is easy to incorporate into all kinds of recipes to add sweet complexity and delightful aromas.
