A recipe calls for 1 cup of dry sherry will it make a big difference if you leave out?

Leaving out 1 cup of dry sherry from a recipe may or may not make a big difference, depending on the specific dish you are preparing and the role of the sherry in the recipe.

Sherry as a Flavoring Agent:

If the dry sherry is used primarily for its distinctive flavor, omitting it can significantly alter the overall taste of the dish. Sherry adds a nutty, slightly sweet, and complex flavor that can enhance sauces, marinades, and certain desserts. Leaving it out may leave the dish lacking in depth and complexity.

Sherry as a Cooking Liquid:

In cases where dry sherry is used as a cooking liquid, its omission may affect the texture and moisture content of the dish. Sherry can contribute to the liquid component in sauces, stews, or braising liquids, and its absence might require adjustments to the recipe's other liquid ingredients to maintain the desired consistency.

Sherry as an Ingredient in Baked Goods:

In baking, dry sherry can act as a leavening agent, helping to create a rise in cakes and other baked goods. If sherry is a crucial component in a baking recipe, leaving it out can impact the final texture and volume of the baked product.

Considering Substitutions:

If omitting the dry sherry entirely may compromise the dish's flavor or texture, consider suitable substitutions. For example, you could use another type of fortified wine like Madeira or Marsala, or a non-alcoholic alternative such as apple cider vinegar diluted with water.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to leave out 1 cup of dry sherry from a recipe depends on the specific dish and the role of the sherry in that recipe. If in doubt, it's best to follow the recipe as closely as possible unless you have a suitable alternative in mind.