What’s better than apples and pumpkin flavored everything? Beer. Due the flexibility of beer and the varying flavors, beer is not just a beverage to quench your thirst. Additionally, beer is often chosen to add tasty surprises to an array of delectable dishes. The ways in which you can incorporate beer into your next family dinner is infinite. Thus, this Fall as you reach to grab that perfect apple and carve that pumpkin, so too should you open a local beer cave. Read on to discover creative ways to use beer this Fall.
There’s no “I” in Beer But There is in Pairing
Beer interacts well with food flavors. Hence, why there’s no boundaries when it comes to adding it to any meal. Whether you are preparing a satisfying seafood supper or a saucy BBQ spread. Unlike wine, beer can be added to pretty much everything. The Brewers Association has devised a nifty chart to help in deciding what to pair your meal with. I don’t know about you, but I’m already compiling a grocery and beer list.
Don’t be shy. Try them all!
Honey Get Out The Crock-Pot
When it comes to convenience and taste, you can’t beat the ease a crock-pot brings this time-of-year. Simply turn on and 4-6 hours later, you have a comforting meal for the whole family to enjoy. Here’s a recipe of mine that I’ll share with you that will surely bring a smile to your face.
Harpoon Honey Barbeque and Garlic Pulled Chicken
Here’s a recipe where your guests or children walk into the house after a long day and say, “it smells delicious in here!” A cook-time of 4-hours. Place three large chicken breast into crock-pot. Pour one Harpoon UFO White over the chicken breast. For the best results, take one sip before you pour. Next, add two-cups of Sweet Baby Rays BBQ sauce.
After, add two-cups of honey. For best results consume one tablespoon of honey. After all, it’s good for your immune system. For the garlic, you can choose to use garlic powder or chopped/minced garlic. For this, you’ll want to add one cup. If you’re a garlic fan, this recipe is for you. You can set cook-time to 6-hours on low if you leave for work or high for four-hours and be teased throughout the day as you smell the yummy aroma from your home office.
They say the way to a mans heart is through his stomach. I think that holds true for both men and women. So, here’s the next creative way to use beer this Fall.
Special note to all you guys out there: A woman truly does appreciate a man who can cook. Frozen pizza fellas are cool too, though. To each their own.
Beer Pancakes Waffles Oh-My
It’s 8 o’clock somewhere. Long ago, a witty and wise soul decided it was 5 o’clock somewhere. Now, you can enjoy an adult beverage before 5 o’clock PM. Beer, pancakes and waffles? Yes, you read that correctly. Again, beer compliments many meals. Breakfast beer may be new to some of you, but I promise you, it’s not one to overlook. Not to mention, when you mix beer, breakfast and maple syrup together, that’s a recipe for the perfect Sunday brunch-extravaganza!
Gluten-Free Folks
With this tasty breakfast wake-up-call, your Sunday mornings will be changed forever. Simple recipe. What you’ll need: All-purpose flour, eggs, olive oil, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and your favorite Porter. Place ingredients in a mixing bowl and top with the porter. For exact amounts, email: info@fliptable.io.
Additionally, for the gluten-free and dairy-free population. Every ingredient can be switched out for almond milk or apple cider!
Where the Beer Comes Into Play
For the liquid piece where you would normally use milk. Instead, use 2/3 cup of your favorite Porter. I recommend a maple or coffee porter to compliment the vanilla. Sit down and add the maple syrup and enjoy! They say you should eat your calories, right. So, maybe not your typical way of making a pancake. However, using beer as a surprising addition to your pancakes is on my list of creative ways to use beer this Fall. You can follow the same process/steps for waffles too!
In the Mood for Maple
Furthermore, I thought I would extend a shout-out to a friend of mine and his tremendous maple business. When I think of a quality maple product and supporting local business’s in Vermont, I think of Nick and his partner, Stephanie at Maple Hill Farm. Located in Barton, Vermont, these two eat, breathe, work, and read all things maple. Can you blame them? Who doesn’t love maple?
This Fall while you’re on your foliage journey, I highly recommend taking a trip to Maple Hill Farm to get your maple on. They also have pumpkins and will soon have Christmas trees. You can get your liquid gold, honey, pumpkins for carving, and get a “taste” of Vermont at one of the many spectacular business’s that keep this beautiful state flourishing. So, cheers to good friends and maple! Check Maple Hill Farm out today.
Beer-BQ Pizza
So, picture it. Sicily 1912. Two young girls, best friends, who shared three things: a pizza recipe, some dough, and a dream.
Do you want to spice up your date-night and like BBQ sauce? I highly recommend making this next homemade BBQ pizza sauce. Don’t forget to pick up that bottle of Cabernet. Don’t cop out with a jar of Ragu. Instead, dress in your favorite sweat pants and hoodie, start the oven and whip out your favorite light beer, tomato paste, BBQ sauce, minced garlic, and salt & pepper. Mix these ingredients together and spread over the dough. The best part about making your own pizza is that no topping is too much and it won’t cost you an arm-and-a-leg! I tend to add obscure toppings, so let your imagination run wild for this one.
Are you a meat-lover? Perfect! Before placing your pepperoni or sausage on your pie, marinate the meat for 30-minutes in either an amber or red ale beer. After 30-minutes, place toppings on your pizza and wait!
There are just so many ways you can enjoy beer without just having to tilt a chilled glass. Today, the ways we all use beer has changed significantly. Now, we don’t just enjoy beer at a bar or restaurant, we enjoy it at home and in delicious recipes. All with the notion that the versatility is growing. Who knew?! You can enjoy a different yet satisfying taste just by adding beer to your pizza-pie. Add that to your list of creative ways to use beer this Fall.
Hint-hint. Beer in your spaghetti sauce is also creative and delicious!
The Ways to Enjoy Beer Through Food
Your palate is wonderous. No one person is the entirely the same when it comes to what they enjoy. There are so many different pairings and tastes when it comes to beers. Not only are there an incredibly large amount of beer to choose from. Whether you want a micro-craft brew or corporate-owned Budweiser, there’s really no cap to what you can add alcohol to. You should also note, that most of the alcohol content cooks off, so you can explain that to your Mom if she becomes concerned with your new-ways.
You can go your own way. My general rule-of-thumb is to add rich beer with rich foods and light beer with light food. Example: Salad with a light ale. Steak with a bold red ale, and chicken with a balanced IPA. When in doubt and if marinating any meat with a beer, pair the meal with the beer you used to marinate. Using beer as a marinade is easy and also on my list of creative ways to use beer this Fall.
Beer not only is a beverage that brings people closer together, it also makes food so much more enjoyable. Moreover, it’s 5 o’clock somewhere and breakfast is good anytime. Pairing your next meal with the right beer will make all of the difference. Follow some of the above recipes or, simply experiment. You are the creator of all things.
Cheers.
Subscribe to our Tip Jar Blog!
