When you add it to a recipe i.e., country style ribs marinated in soy sauce, water, dry sherry, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, spring onions, sesame seeds you will hone in on it and say...."Oh, I know that taste"! The flavor is in pate, fondue, chicken/mushroom recipes, etc. It adds another layer of flavor and is kind of sweet without being too sweet.
Where to buy it? It depends on if your grocery stores sell wine - it is usually near the Port wine. If your grocery stores don't sell it you will need to go to a liquor store.
Here is one of many recipes using it.
Chinese Five-Spice Grilled Chicken Recipe
1/4 cup dry sherry
1 tablespoon Asian sesame oil
1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
1 cut-up (8 pieces) chicken (about 3 1/2 pounds), skin removed from
all but wings if you like
1/3 cup hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
1. In large bowl, stir sherry, sesame oil, five-spice powder, and
ground red pepper.
2. Add chicken to spice mixture and toss until evenly coated. Cover
bowl and let stand 15 minutes at room temperature, turning chicken
occasionally.
3. Prepare charcoal fire or preheat gas grill for covered direct
grilling over medium heat.
4. Place chicken on hot grill rack. Cover grill and cook chicken 20
to 25 minutes or until juices run clear when thickest part of chicken
is pierced with tip of knife, turning pieces over once and removing
pieces to platter as they are done.
5. In small bowl, mix hoisin sauce and soy sauce. Brush hoisin-sauce
mixture all over chicken and return to grill. Cook 4 to 5 minutes
longer or until glazed, turning once. Place chicken on same platter;
sprinkle with sesame seeds