Oh Sherry Song: Discovering Delicious Crab Bisque and a Lyric Revelation

The best culinary discoveries often start in the most unexpected ways. For me, it began with two simple ingredients sitting in my kitchen: a generous pound of jumbo lump crab meat and, surprisingly, two bottles of Cooking Sherry. Cooking Sherry is not a staple in my pantry, so its sudden appearance in duplicate was a bit of a mystery. Where did these come from? The first bottle remains unaccounted for, a culinary enigma. However, the second bottle was the result of a delightful plot by my husband, a secret mission to equip me with everything needed to embark on a new gastronomic adventure – homemade crab bisque.

2 Bottles of Cooking Sherry – You started it all!

The journey to this crab bisque, and the title of this post, is humorously intertwined with the iconic Journey song, “Oh Sherrie.” Every time I reached for the Cooking Sherry, the familiar melody and lyrics would flood my mind. I even caught myself humming the chorus a few times, confidently singing, “Oh, Sherry, your out of luck, hold on, hold on…” It was only when I went to find the music video to share with you that a startling revelation hit me. For years, yes, years, I had been singing the song completely wrong!

Oh Sherry, your out of luck
Hold on, hold on

Turns out, those aren’t the actual lyrics. Did everyone else already know the real words?

Oh Sherry, our love
Holds on, holds on

No embarrassment here, perhaps a slight urge to start a lyrical revolution! You can watch the video Here and tell me I’m not the only one who misheard those classic 80s lyrics!

But let’s get back to the star of our show: the crab bisque. This recipe is truly something special, so good it deserves all the accolades. It all began with those two ingredients. First, the premium crab meat, a luxurious ingredient we were slightly anxious about using before it went bad (even though the expiration date was still a safe distance away – we are just that eager!). Second, the Cooking Sherry, intentionally purchased for the purpose of making crab soup. However, the recipe my husband initially found didn’t quite excite me. I was on a quest for something exceptional, a recipe that would highlight both the delicate crab and the nuanced flavor of sherry. And so, “Oh, Sherry! Crab Bisque” was born. While the name is entirely my own playful creation, inspired by the song and the key ingredient, the recipe itself is an adaptation. I stumbled upon the fantastic South Carolina She-Crab Soup recipe from AllRecipes.com and tailored it to my taste. Below are my revised instructions for this delightful “Oh Sherry Crab Bisque.”

Oh, Sherry! Crab Bisque

Oh Sherry Crab Bisque Recipe: A Symphony of Flavors

Adapted from [She-Crab Soup](http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/South-Carolina-She-Crab Soup/Detail.aspx) – AllRecipes.com.

This creamy and flavorful crab bisque is elevated by the subtle nutty notes of cooking sherry, making it a perfect starter or a light yet satisfying meal. The recipe is relatively easy to follow and the results are restaurant-quality.

Ingredients:

• 5 tablespoons light butter
• 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 of 1 large sweet onion, diced
• 1 1/2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 green onion bulbs, diced (both white and green parts)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup 2% milk
• 1 cup half & half
• 1 pint heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Dashes of hot sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons dill weed
• 2 tablespoons dried chives
• 1 pound jumbo lump crab meat
• 1/2 cup cooking sherry, plus a splash for serving
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Old Bay seasoning to taste (optional, but recommended, especially if you appreciate Maryland flavors!)

Oh, Sherry! Crab Bisque ingredients.

Instructions:

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a smooth, roux-like paste. Stir in the diced onion, celery, green onion, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 4 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant. This step builds a flavorful base for the bisque.

2. Create the Creamy Base: Gradually whisk in the milk and half & half, ensuring no lumps form. Slowly incorporate the chicken broth, followed by the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

3. Infuse with Sherry and Spices: Once simmering, add half of the cooking sherry (1/4 cup). Stir in the dill weed, Worcestershire sauce, dried chives, and hot sauce. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to slightly thicken. The cooking sherry at this stage infuses a subtle depth into the bisque.

4. Add the Crab and Finish: After simmering, gently fold in the jumbo lump crab meat and the remaining cooking sherry (1/4 cup). Season with salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning to taste. Stir gently and simmer for another 10 minutes, just until the crab is heated through. Be careful not to overcook the crab, as it can become rubbery.

5. Serve and Garnish: For an extra touch of “Oh Sherry” flavor, pour a splash of Cooking Sherry into the bottom of each serving bowl before ladling in the bisque. Garnish with fresh or dried chives and a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this luxurious and comforting Oh Sherry Crab Bisque!

Oh, Sherry! Crab Bisque

This “Oh Sherry Crab Bisque” is more than just a recipe; it’s a culinary story sparked by a song lyric mishap and the serendipitous appearance of cooking sherry. It’s a dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in, a special occasion, or any time you want to treat yourself to a taste of creamy, crabby deliciousness with a hint of nutty sherry warmth. Enjoy the symphony of flavors, and maybe listen to a little Journey while you cook!