G'day Intrepid Endorphites, Just my two cents worth. Although not a mash use but I will swear to using dry sherry, particularly if your usage is focused on the more oriental cuisine. I toast a handful of dry peppers and put in a jar or flip top bottle with about 1 tsp "dried" garlic (not fresh or you might just grow something), and top up with dry sherry. Leave for a month and whalah! Aromatic spicy and damn tasty food additive. Mark E. in Oz