Beer Girl Cooks

Cooking & Craft Beer

rachelle

Blood Orange Gose Glazed Mixed Berry Pavlova

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Blood Orange Gose Glazed Mixed Berry Pavlova is a perfect mixture of tart and sweet beer glazed fruit on top of a whipped cream covered meringue cloud.

Blood Orange Gose Glazed Mixed Berry Pavlova is a perfect mixture of tart and sweet beer glazed fruit on top of a whipped cream covered meringue cloud!

Obviously I’ve had a thing for all things blood orange lately.  From cakes to margaritas I think I’ve been a little obsessed.

Blood Orange Gose Glazed Mixed Berry Pavlova is a perfect mixture of tart and sweet beer glazed fruit on top of a whipped cream covered meringue cloud!

I clearly have a thing for meringue too.

Blood Orange Gose Glazed Mixed Berry Pavlova is a perfect mixture of tart and sweet beer glazed fruit on top of a whipped cream covered meringue cloud!

But can you blame me?  There’s nothing quite like some fruit covered in blood orange gose glaze on a fluffy cloud of whipped cream and sweet meringue.

Blood Orange Gose Glazed Mixed Berry Pavlova is a perfect mixture of tart and sweet beer glazed fruit on top of a whipped cream covered meringue cloud!

This Blood Orange Gose from Anderson Valley Brewing Company has been one of my favorite beers to start off the summer.  I’m loving it in my glass and in my food!

Blood Orange Gose Glazed Mixed Berry Pavlova is a perfect mixture of tart and sweet beer glazed fruit on top of a whipped cream covered meringue cloud!

It was the perfect beer to use in this recipe because it’s not super salty like some gose style ales, but it’s deliciously tart with a hint of salt that went really well with the fruit.  All that business made the perfect topping to cut through the sweetness of whipped cream and meringue.  This Blood Orange Gose Glazed Mixed Fruit Pavlova would make any Dad happy on Father’s Day.  It’s also a great dessert for any 4th of July cookout or party!  Cheers, friends!

Blood Orange Gose Glazed Mixed Berry Pavlova
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Blood Orange Gose Glazed Mixed Berry Pavlova

Ingredients

  • 4 egg whites room temp
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons corn starch
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 4 cups mixed berries and fruit
  • 1/2 cup blood orange gose
  • 1/4 cup strawberry preserves or jam
  • 8 - 10 ounces Whipped cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 215
  2. Add egg whites to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment
  3. Start out on low speed and whip the egg whites
  4. Add vanilla and corn starch and when the eggs start to get foamy, increase the speed to medium
  5. Add sugar slowly, one tablespoon at time
  6. After about half the sugar is incorporated, increase the speed to medium high
  7. Continue adding sugar one tablespoon at a time and beat until stiff peaks form and can stand up on their own without falling over - this process takes about 15 minutes
  8. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
  9. Spoon meringue onto parchment paper in a 9 inch round circle with a concave center
  10. Bake 90 minutes or until dry to touch
  11. Turn off oven and let cool in oven completely
  12. In a sauce pan heat beer and preserves/jam until thick and syrupy
  13. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and let cool
  14. Toss berries and fruit in beer/jam mixture to coat
  15. Top meringue with whipped cream and spread all the way to the edges
  16. Spoon glazed fruit on top and pour any remaining glaze over top
Blood Orange Gose Glazed Mixed Berry Pavlova

Steakhouse Loaded Baked Potato with Beer Cheese

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Steakhouse Loaded Baked Potato with Beer Cheese is just like a classic fancy baked potato you would find in an expensive steakhouse. This potato is made extra special and delicious with a heaping amount of beer cheese on top!

 

There’s nothing in the human experience that’s not within my scope.

Tony Randall

Steakhouse Loaded Baked Potatoes with Beer Cheese is just like a classic fancy baked potato you would find in an expensive steakhouse. This potato is made extra special and delicious with a heaping amount of beer cheese on top!

I absolutely love that quote.

Let me put things into context for you.  I have this ridiculous addiction.  An embarrassing guilty pleasure if you will.

Steakhouse Loaded Baked Potatoes with Beer Cheese is just like a classic fancy baked potato you would find in an expensive steakhouse. This potato is made extra special and delicious with a heaping amount of beer cheese on top!

Buzzer.

We cancelled our cable several months ago and now have one of those antennas that looks like an iPad.  (This event ended my access to DVR and therefore my love of General Hospital has been a hardship to overcome.)  I was flipping through what limited channels we had one night and there it was.  Buzzer.  There is a channel called Buzzer that’s all old game shows mostly from the 1970’s, but some from the 60’s and 80’s.  I can’t quite remember what exactly they were showing the first time I found it, but that was all she wrote.  I went down the rabbit hole.  Episode after episode of Password, Password Plus, The Match Game, Card Sharks, Press Your Luck – No Whammy! No Whammy!

Steakhouse Loaded Baked Potatoes with Beer Cheese is just like a classic fancy baked potato you would find in an expensive steakhouse. This potato is made extra special and delicious with a heaping amount of beer cheese on top!

So I was watching an episode of Password Plus, which was hosted by Allen Ludden.  As a side note, did you know he was married to Betty White?  She said her only regret was saying no to Allen’s marriage proposal for a year and that she missed out on spending that year with the love of her life.

Anyway, Tony Randall was one of the celebrities on Password Plus and Allen Ludden raised his eyebrows at Tony’s comments about American football.  Tony responded with, “There’s nothing in the human experience that’s not within my scope.”

I just stopped.  Shouldn’t that be the sentiment we all live by?  To pay attention.  Be happy and spend every minute possible with the people who matter most to you.  Yet, look beyond just your world.  Put the whole human experience in your scope.  Appreciate the ordinary and the extraordinary.

You could also take an ordinary baked potato and make it an extraordinary special Steakhouse Loaded Baked Potato with Beer Cheese.

Life is a participation sport.

Steakhouse Loaded Baked Potatoes with Beer Cheese is just like a classic fancy baked potato you would find in an expensive steakhouse. This potato is made extra special and delicious with a heaping amount of beer cheese on top!

Steakhouse Loaded Baked Potatoes with Beer Cheese is just like a classic fancy baked potato you would find in an expensive steakhouse. This potato is made extra special and delicious with a heaping amount of beer cheese on top!
5 from 4 votes
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Steakhouse Loaded Baked Potato with Beer Cheese

Ingredients

  • 2 large russet potatoes cleaned and dried
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2-3 tablespoons coarse salt like sea salt
  • 1 cup cooked broccoli florets
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 4 ounces white sharp cheddar shredded
  • 2-3 garlic cloves peeled
  • a dash or two of Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 - 3/4 cup of beer
  • Optional Garnishes
  • Bacon bits
  • Chives
  • Sour Cream
  • Butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350
  2. Coat the potatoes in olive oil and salt
  3. Bake potatoes on a parchment or foil lined baking sheet for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until done and soft in the middle when tested with a knive
  4. In the bowl of a food processor combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic, Worcestershire sauce and puree until combined
  5. With the food processor running, slowly pour in beer until it reaches desired consistency
  6. To serve, slice open the potatoes and gently push in each end to break up the potatoes a bit.
  7. Add butter, if using, broccoli, beer cheese and top with optional garnishes

NOTES:

  1. As usual, I do not recommend an IPA or any beer with a big hop profile.  I like malty beers in this, such as an amber or red ale.
  2. The beer cheese is not cooked or hot, so I heated some up in the microwave for about a minute before topping the potatoes with it.
  3. You will end up with more beer cheese than you need for 2 potatoes, but if you use it all I will not judge.  You can easily double or triple the potatoes, broccoli, etc. to feed more people or save the remaining beer cheese for a snack with bread, pretzels, vegetables, etc. and it will be perfect for a party or game day.
  4. This beer cheese and a smoked gouda beer cheese (which would also be delicious on steakhoues loaded baked potatoes!) can be found here and here.

Easy Beer Cheese – Two Ways

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Easy Beer Cheese – Two Ways is so versatile you can make the original version or mix things up by using pimento cheese for a fun and delicious alternative.

Easy Beer Cheese - Two Ways is so versatile you can make the original version or mix things up by using pimento cheese for a fun and delicious alternative

This post was originally published on January 29, 2017, but the Super Bowl is tomorrow so I thought you could use some easy beer cheese. 

 

So I was trying to relax at the nail salon while getting an overdue and much deserved manicure and pedicure.  I had a glass of delicious red wine in my hand and reached for some beer cheese when I’m abruptly awakened from my dream like state with a complaint from Lisa.  You have never put this beer cheese on your blog.  What?

Easy Beer Cheese - Two Ways is so versatile you can make the original version or mix things up by using pimento cheese for a fun and delicious alternative

Au contraire mon frere.

Easy Beer Cheese - Two Ways is so versatile you can make the original version or mix things up by using pimento cheese for a fun and delicious alternative

I have put Lisa’s beer cheese recipe on this ridiculous website, but I can understand the oversight since it wasn’t in the title.  It was actually the first recipe I shared when I launched my new look almost two years ago.

Easy Beer Cheese - Two Ways is so versatile you can make the original version or mix things up by using pimento cheese for a fun and delicious alternative

In order to make Lisa eat her words happy and because I absolutely cannot get excited about either one of the teams playing in the Super Bowl this year, so I’m going to be faceplanting in some beer cheese only coming up long enough to watch commercials and hope Tom Brady gets sacked, I share with you two versions of beer cheese – Lisa’s original and pimento.

Yes, from the girl who said she doesn’t like pimentos because she doesn’t like olives.  I’m looking at you, Lisa.

Easy Beer Cheese - Two Ways is so versatile you can make the original version or mix things up by using pimento cheese for a fun and delicious alternative.

Easy Beer Cheese - Two Ways
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Easy Beer Cheese – Two Ways

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 4 ounces extra sharp white cheddar cheese shredded
  • 2 - 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 -2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 = 3/4 cup beer

Instructions

  1. Combine cream cheese, cheddar, garlic, and Worcestershire Sauce in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until combined.
  2. With the food processor running, slowly stream in beer until desired consistency is reached

For a Pimento Cheese Version

  1. Combine 8 ounces of pimento cheese, 4 ounces cream cheese, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce in a food processor and pulse until combined.
  2. With food processor running, slowly stream in beer until desired consistency is reached

NOTES:

  1. I used my Irish Red Ale home brew for this, but you can use any beer that you want.  Just remember that it is going to taste like whatever beer you use, so be careful of anything too hoppy or with flavors you don’t want in your cheese.
  2. Serve with pretzels, chips, bread, pita, vegetables, or any other kind of snack you like

 

Easy Beer Cheese - Two Ways

Smoked Porter Beer Brownies

by 10 Comments

Smoked Porter Beer Brownies are so fudgy and delicious! They’re super easy to make and have a hint of smokey flavor from a smoked porter beer. You can’t go wrong by finishing with a topping of a decadent amount of cream cheese frosting.

Smoked Porter Beer Brownies are so fudgy and delicious! They're super easy to make and have a hint of smokey flavor from a smoked porter beer. You can't go wrong by finishing with a topping of a decadent amount of cream cheese frosting.

I’m not messing around getting 2018 started.  I realize that January is about half over and I’m just arriving to the party.  What can I say.  I had to decide what to lead this new year with.  How do I want to represent and forecast what’s to come?

I decided for all of us that we need lots of chocolate, obscene amounts of cream cheese frosting, and beer.  So I give you Smoked Porter Beer Brownies.  Happy New Year!

Smoked Porter Beer Brownies are so fudgy and delicious! They're super easy to make and have a hint of smokey flavor from a smoked porter beer. You can't go wrong by finishing with a topping of a decadent amount of cream cheese frosting.

2017 was a crapstorm.  You guys know that.  I have confidence that this year is going to be great and I’m starting with a positive outlook.  Awesome things are going to happen for all of us.  Let’s do this together.  Hello 2018!  Bring on all things wonderful!

Smoked Porter Beer Brownies are so fudgy and delicious! They're super easy to make and have a hint of smokey flavor from a smoked porter beer. You can't go wrong by finishing with a topping of a decadent amount of cream cheese frosting.

After all – how can we lose when we’re starting out with Smoked Porter Beer Brownies?  Cheers!

Smoked Porter Beer Brownies are so fudgy and delicious! They're super easy to make and have a hint of smokey flavor from a smoked porter beer. You can't go wrong by finishing with a topping of a decadent amount of cream cheese frosting.

Smoked Porter Beer Brownies are so fudgy and delicious! They're super easy to make and have a hint of smokey flavor from a smoked porter beer. You can't go wrong by finishing with a topping of a decadent amount of cream cheese frosting.
5 from 4 votes
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Smoked Porter Beer Brownies

Smoked Porter Beer Brownies are so fudgy and delicious! They're super easy to make and have a hint of smokey flavor from a smoked porter beer. You can't go wrong by finishing with a topping of a decadent amount of cream cheese frosting.

Author rachelle

Ingredients

  • 1 cup smoked porter beer
  • 3 sticks butter divided
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 5 large eggs
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 2 tablespoon vanilla divided
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk chocolate chips
  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 4 cups confectioners sugar

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 325

    Smoked Porter Beer Brownies are so fudgy and delicious! They're super easy to make and have a hint of smokey flavor from a smoked porter beer. You can't go wrong by finishing with a topping of a decadent amount of cream cheese frosting.

  2. Pour beer into a saucepan with fairly high sides, bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer until reduced to a 1/4 cup

  3. When beer is reduced, add 2 sticks of butter and cocoa powder to the same pan and cook over low heat until butter is melted while stirring until the mixture is smooth then set aside to cool slightly

  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, and salt

  5. Add eggs to chocolate butter beer mixture, whisking them in one at a time

  6. Stir vanilla into the chocolate mixture

  7. Stir the flour mixture into the chocolate butter beer mixture until just combined

  8. Line a 8 x 8 inch square pan with parchment paper or grease the pan with butter then pour in the brownie batter

  9. Sprinkle the milk chocolate chips on top of the brownie batter

  10. Bake for 35 - 35 minutes, cool completely

  11. While the brownies are baking, make the frosting.  Add remaining one stick of butter and cream cheese to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat until smooth

  12. Add vanilla 

  13. Add confectioners sugar one cup at a time and beat until smooth

  14. Top cooled brownies with cream cheese frosting 

Recipe Notes

  1. Keep an eye on the beer while it's reducing.  It can boil over - this is why you want to use a fairly deep pan.
  2. You want the beer chocolate butter mixture to cool enough so that you don't cook your eggs when you add them
  3. You will want one stick of butter and the cream cheese softened to room temperature to make it easy to beat for the frosting
  4. After frosting the brownies you can pop them in the refrigerator for an hour or so for the frosting to firm up a bit and it will make them easier to cut

 

Peppermint Frosted Chocolate Stout Cookies

by 13 Comments

Peppermint Frosted Chocolate Stout Cookies are the most delicious holiday cookie!  A  soft brownie cookie made with chocolate stout topped with decadent cream cheese frosting and finished with crushed peppermint for the win!

We’re feeling a bit chocolatey over here.

Peppermint Frosted Chocolate Stout Cookies are the most delicious holiday cookie!  A  soft brownie cookie made with chocolate stout topped with decadent cream cheese frosting and finished with crushed peppermint for the win!

And all things deliciously stout.

I told you how I started drinking beer at the Birdsong anniversary party then came home to bake cookies while watching the snow.  There was Coffee Vanilla Beer Pound Cake and Chocolate Mint Stout Crinkle Cookies involved.  What can I say.  I get creative and ambitious when I start drinking beer and celebrating at 11:00 am.

Peppermint Frosted Chocolate Stout Cookies are the most delicious holiday cookie!  A  soft brownie cookie made with chocolate stout topped with decadent cream cheese frosting and finished with crushed peppermint for the win!

What?  You don’t?

Anyway, these Peppermint Frosted Chocolate Stout Cookies use a modified version of the Chocolate Mint Stout Crinkle Cookies I posted the other day.  I couldn’t miss an opportunity to make and share an easy cookie that can be made different ways.  Everyone loves saving time and eating delicious cookies!

Peppermint Frosted Chocolate Stout Cookies are the most delicious holiday cookie!  A  soft brownie cookie made with chocolate stout topped with decadent cream cheese frosting and finished with crushed peppermint for the win!

So, do you have all of your cookies baked and holiday/Christmas/Hanukkah celebration decorations up?  It was a challenge in these parts, but we finally got our tree up last weekend while watching the Panthers game.  It didn’t magically appear as hoped, but it got done.  We even got a fancy light post for out front porch, some lights for the deck, and a GIANT 7 foot light up Santa for the dock.  It’s ridiculously hilarious, but totally fun.

I’m not sure you can appreciate how big this guy is from this picture, but his head almost reaches the roof.  And while you are looking up – notice the clock.  It’s always 5:00 on the dock! Cheers!  Happy Holidays!

Peppermint Frosted Chocolate Stout Cookies are the most delicious holiday cookie!  A  soft brownie cookie made with chocolate stout topped with decadent cream cheese frosting and finished with crushed peppermint for the win!
5 from 6 votes
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Peppermint Frosted Chocolate Stout Cookies

Peppermint Frosted Chocolate Stout Cookies are the most delicious holiday cookie!  A  soft brownie cookie made with chocolate stout topped with decadent cream cheese frosting and finished with crushed peppermint for the win!

Servings 48 Cookies
Author rachelle

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup vegetable or canola oil
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup chocolate stout or chocolate mint stout
  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 8 tbsp butter, room temperature
  • 2 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 4 cups confectioners sugar
  • 1 cup peppermint candies or candy canes crushed and broken into medium size pieces

Instructions

  1. Whisk or sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.

    In the bowl of a stand mixer using the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer) beat the sugar and vegetable oil together.

    Beat in unsweetened cocoa powder until combined.

    Add eggs, vanilla, and beer and beat until combined.

    Gradually add flour mixture and beat to combine.

    Transfer dough to an airtight container with lid and refrigerate overnight or at least 4 hours.

    When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees.

    Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    Using a tablespoon sized scoop, make small balls (about 1 inch round) and set on prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.

    Bake at 350 for 10 - 12 minutes. They should have spread out and stay somewhat soft.

    They come out a bit rounded on top, so I just pushed down the tops with the back of a spoon to make them flat to hold the frosting while they were still warm and pliable.

    Cool for 3-4 minutes on the baking sheet then transfer to a wire rack. Repeat with remaining dough until used up.  

    Combine cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat until smooth.  Gradually add confectioners sugar one cup at a time and beat until smooth.

    Using a pastry bag fitted with a tip of choice, fill with frosting and pipe onto cooled cookies.  

    Top with crushed and broken peppermint or candy cane pieces.

     Store in airtight container in refrigerator.

Peppermint Frosted Chocolate Stout Cookies are the most delicious holiday cookie!  A  soft brownie cookie made with chocolate stout topped with decadent cream cheese frosting and finished with crushed peppermint for the win!

Chocolate Mint Stout Crinkle Cookies

by 4 Comments

Chocolate Mint Crinkle Cookies are a delicious holiday classic.  These Chocolate Mint Stout Crinkle Cookies have the additional layer of mint flavor that comes from a chocolate mint stout for a tasty chocolate mint brownie cookie perfect for the holiday cookie tray!

Have you got your holiday bake on?

Chocolate Mint Stout Crinkle Cookies are a delicious holiday classic.  These have the additional layer of mint flavor that comes from a chocolate mint stout for a tasty chocolate mint brownie cookie perfect for the holiday cookie tray!

I got my hands on some of this Thick Mint Imperial Stout from Southern Tier some time ago.  It was really hard to have enough self-control to save some for holiday baking, but I can proudly say I did it.  The minute I saw it on the shelf, I knew it would make some really delicious Chocolate Mint Stout Crinkle Cookies.

Chocolate Mint Stout Crinkle Cookies are a delicious holiday classic.  These have the additional layer of mint flavor that comes from a chocolate mint stout for a tasty chocolate mint brownie cookie perfect for the holiday cookie tray!

I was right.  These guys baked up like little powdered sugared chocolate brownie bites with just enough of a hint of mint to make them extra special.  They’re really easy to make, but you do have to plan ahead in order for the dough to chill.

Chocolate Mint Stout Crinkle Cookies are a delicious holiday classic.  These have the additional layer of mint flavor that comes from a chocolate mint stout for a tasty chocolate mint brownie cookie perfect for the holiday cookie tray!

I knew I was going to be going to the Birdsong 6th anniversary party a couple of Saturdays ago, so I made the dough on Friday night and popped it in the fridge.  I told you in this Coffee Vanilla Beer Pound Cake post how it snowed the next day and after drinking beer at 11:00 am, I was inspired to come home and get my holiday bake on.  There’s nothing like starting your Saturday with beer at 11:00 am and coming home to bake cookies while watching snow fall.

Chocolate Mint Stout Crinkle Cookies are a delicious holiday classic.  These have the additional layer of mint flavor that comes from a chocolate mint stout for a tasty chocolate mint brownie cookie perfect for the holiday cookie tray!
5 from 3 votes
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Chocolate Mint Stout Crinkle Cookie

Chocolate Mint Stout Crinkle Cookies are a delicious holiday classic.  These have the additional layer of mint flavor that comes from a chocolate mint stout for a tasty chocolate mint brownie cookie perfect for the holiday cookie tray!

Servings 48 Cookies
Author rachelle

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup vegetable or canola oil
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder I used Hershey's
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup chocolate mint stout I used Southern Tier Thick Mint Imperial Stout
  • 3/4 cup confectioners sugar

Instructions

  1. Whisk or sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.

  2. In the bowl of a stand mixer using the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer) beat the sugar and vegetable oil together.

  3. Beat in unsweetened cocoa powder until combined.

  4. Add eggs, vanilla, and beer and beat until combined.

  5. Gradually add flour mixture and beat to combine. 

  6. Transfer dough to an airtight container with lid and refrigerate overnight or at least 4 hours.

  7. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees.

  8. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  9. Fill a small bowl with the confectioners sugar.

  10. Using a tablespoon sized scoop, make small balls (about 1 inch round) by scooping out dough and dropping in the confectioners sugar, roll to cover completely, and set on prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.   

  11. Bake at 350 for 10 - 12 minutes.  They should have spread out and stay somewhat soft.

  12. Cool for 3-4 minutes on the baking sheet then transfer to a wire rack. Repeat with remaining dough until used up.  

  13. Store in an airtight container.

Recipe Notes

  1. Return dough to refrigerator to keep chilled in between batches.
  2. Using a tablespoon sized scoop, this made 48 cookies.
  3. If a chocolate mint stout is not available, a chocolate stout can be used and add a tiny bit of mint extract to the dough with the vanilla extract.  

Chocolate Mint Crinkle Cookies are a delicious holiday classic. These Chocolate Mint Stout Crinkle Cookies have the additional layer of mint flavor that comes from a chocolate mint stout for a tasty chocolate mint brownie cookie perfect for the holiday cookie tray! Have you got your holiday bake on? I got my hands on…

Coffee Vanilla Beer Pound Cake

by 12 Comments

Coffee Vanilla Beer Pound Cake is a very vanilla pound cake with hints of coffee flavor from the addition of a coffee vanilla blonde ale.

Coffee Vanilla Beer Pound Cake is a very vanilla pound cake with hints of coffee flavor from the addition of a coffee vanilla blonde ale

It’s December and I’m finally getting around to posting something sweet.  I’m not starting out the holiday season with cookies, but I thought a Coffee Vanilla Beer Pound Cake would be a good way to get things started.

How’s your holiday baking going?  Do you have your tree up and your lights lit?  We’re working on it.  We had such a busy and hectic (but fun!) Thanksgiving we needed a bit down time.  We had sort of planned – well maybe planned really isn’t quite the right word.  We kind of discussed trying to do the decorating last weekend, but when I say we I really mean me.  I said we should, but never really established an executable plan.  I guess I expected a Christmas miracle and have everything magically appear.

The weather turned out to be so bad that we wouldn’t have gone outside to hang a bizzillion lights anyway.  The sleet turned to snow and I grabbed an Uber to Birdsong Brewing for their 6th Anniversary Party.  Then Chris hung out with the dogs while I baked up some cookies.

Coffee Vanilla Beer Pound Cake is a very vanilla pound cake with hints of coffee flavor from the addition of a coffee vanilla blonde ale

There’s nothing like baking cookies after starting your Saturday with an anniversary party and beer at 11:00 am.

Coffee Vanilla Beer Pound Cake is a very vanilla pound cake with hints of coffee flavor from the addition of a coffee vanilla blonde ale
5 from 6 votes
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Coffee Vanilla Beer Pound Cake

Ingredients

  • 3 sticks of butter slightly softened
  • 3 cups sugar
  • 6 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3 cups flour
  • 1 cup coffee vanilla blonde ale
  • cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325
  2. Cream butter and sugar together either using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a hand mixer
  3. Add eggs, one at a time
  4. Add vanilla
  5. Add flour, one cup at a time
  6. Add beer
  7. Scrape down sides and bottom of bowl and mix until combined
  8. Coat a bundt pan with cooking spray
  9. Pour cake batter into the bundt pan and bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes or until a cake tester or tooth pick comes out clean
  10. Remove from oven and let cool in pan for 10 - 15 minutes then invert to a plate or cake stand
  11. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream, if desired

NOTES:

  1. I used Good Morning Vietnam Coffee Vanilla Blonde Ale from Wooden Robot Brewery.  If that option is not available, you can use a blonde ale with vanilla and it will be just as good.  If you substitute a darker beer like a coffee vanilla porter, it will likely change the color of your cake. That’s not necessarily a bad thing.
  2. If the cake doesn’t easily slide out of the pan when you invert it, just walk away and leave it there. It is likely to come out eventually on its own.

Coffee Vanilla Beer Pound Cake is a very vanilla pound cake with hints of coffee flavor from the addition of a coffee vanilla blonde ale

 

 

Beer Chicken Corn Chowder

by 5 Comments

Beer Chicken Corn Chowder is and easy and delicious comfort food perfect to warm up on nights when the temperature is dropping.

Beer Chicken Corn Chowder is and easy and delicious comfort food perfect to warm up on nights when the temperature is dropping.

 

I’m in that in between place.

Beer Chicken Corn Chowder is and easy and delicious comfort food perfect to warm up on nights when the temperature is dropping.

That place for me where I’m completely over Thanksgiving and cannot even think of eating one more bite of leftovers, yet not quite geared up for the upcoming December holidays.  We typically take a staycation the week after Thanksgiving and this year is no different.  The dishes are all cleaned up and put away and the visiting family members have returned to their homes around the country.  We’re doing a few fun things, but overall we are focusing on getting in a lot of rest and relaxation.

Beer Chicken Corn Chowder is and easy and delicious comfort food perfect to warm up on nights when the temperature is dropping.

There aren’t that many things I can think of that say cozy comfort more than a big bowl of chowder – except maybe flannel PJ’s and fuzzy socks.  I’m planning to put my feet up, pour myself a beer, and relax with some beer chicken corn chowder as much as possible for the next week.

Probably while wearing flannel jammies and fuzzy socks.

Beer Chicken Corn Chowder is and easy and delicious comfort food perfect to warm up on nights when the temperature is dropping.

Beer Chicken Corn Chowder is and easy and delicious comfort food perfect to warm up on nights when the temperature is dropping.
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Beer Chicken Corn Chowder

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1/3 cup flour
  • 12 ounces beer I used Shotgun Betty Hefeweizen Ale
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 1 large russet potato peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
  • 3 cups cooked chicken shredded
  • 12 ounces frozen corn
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • bacon bits optional garnish
  • chives optional garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat
  2. Add onions and cook until translucent and softened, 3-4 minutes
  3. Add garlic and cook another 1-2 minutes
  4. Sprinkle flour over softened onions and garlic, and stir for at least 1 minute
  5. Add beer and chicken stock and bring to a boil
  6. Add potatoes and simmer until potatoes are almost (but not quite) fork tender
  7. Add the chicken and frozen corn and simmer until heated through and potatoes are completely cooked
  8. Stir in heavy cream and cook another 1-2 minutes
  9. Serve garnished with bacon and chives, if desired

NOTES:

  1. I used Shotgun Betty Hefeweizen Ale from Lonerider, but a Belgian or wheat would work as well – I do not recommend using an IPA
  2. If you like larger or smaller pieces of potato, just adjust your cooking time
  3. You could never go wrong by adding some shredded white cheddar cheese as a garnish or melting it in when you add the chicken and corn
  4. Feel free to substitute leftover turkey if you still have a ton and you’re not over it

 

Beer Chicken Corn Chowder

Beer Chicken Corn Chowder – Beer Girl Cooks

Wedge Brewing Company – Asheville, NC

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Wedge Brewing Company – Asheville, NC

Wedge Brewing Co. Asheville, NC

The first time I visited Wedge Brewing was during an Asheville brewery tour with the Carolina Brewmasters home brew club.  I still have dreams about the dopplebock I had that day.  It was November 2011 and I had just brewed my first beer – an Irish Red infuse with Jameson Irish Whiskey.  We took a growler of it to share on the bus ride.  Fortunately for everyone who was on the bus, I’m one of the lucky ones whose first home brew turned out awesome.

When we found out we would be in Asheville for a weekend in mid-October, I wanted to visit as many breweries as possible.  The Wedge was at the top of my list and we actually managed to make it there not once, but two times, which made me very happy.

I could go on and on about The Wedge.  It’s in a really cool location in the River Arts District.  We discovered a glass blowing studio across the street when we first visited and were excited to find that it was still there and thriving.  We spent a couple of hours in there just watching the artists doing their thing.  It was super cool and the NC Glass Center has workshops available if you’re interested.

North Carolina Glass Center Asheville Art District NC

North Carolina Glass Center Asheville Art District NC

Wedge Brewing Company was founded by a metal artist named John Payne in 2008.  The property is decorated with some really fun and interesting metal art works.

Wedge Brewing Co. Asheville, NC

Wedge Brewing Co. Asheville, NC

Wedge Brewing Co. Asheville, NCWedge Brewing Co. Asheville, NCWedge Brewing Co. Asheville, NC

You have to go down some funky steps to the river basin area to get to the brewery and tap room.

 

Wedge Brewing Co. Asheville, NCWedge Brewing Co. Asheville, NCWedge Brewing Co. Asheville, NC

There is plenty of patio space and outdoor seating.  People were playing corn hole and a food truck was on site.

Wedge Brewing Co. Asheville, NCWedge Brewing Co. Asheville, NCWedge Brewing Co. Asheville, NC

The Wedge doesn’t distribute.  They serve their own beer in their own tap room.  They have two locations in Asheville now – which came as a welcome surprise since the last time we were there.  We went to the original location in the River Arts District in my quest to find the best doppelbock I’ve ever had.  Sadly, it was not available, but there were a lot of really great beers on tap.

Wedge Brewing Co. Asheville, NC

If you can’t get the doppelbock I highly recommend the dubbel.  Wedge Brewing Company has a hip groovy atmosphere with the beer to make you want to stay.

The second trip to The Wedge on the same day involved a party bus.  It was fun and I won at corn hole.  That’s all I’ve got to say about that.

Seriously, if you can make it to Asheville you should check out Wedge Brewing Company.

This is not a sponsored post.  I just like talking about good craft beer.

You can visit Wedge Brewing Company at these locations as of the date of this publication:

Wedge at Wedge Studios

37 Paynes Way, Suite 001

Asheville, NC 28801

 

Wedge at Foundation

5 Foundly Street

Asheville, NC 28001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Ale Short Ribs Sliders

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Slow Cooker Pumpkin Ale  Short Ribs Sliders topped with Beer Caramelized Onion Horseradish Sauce are perfect for a party or watching football!

Slow Cooker Beer Braised Short Rib Sliders with Beer Caramelized Onion Horseradish Sauce

Hello October.

Slow Cooker Beer Braised Short Rib Sliders with Beer Caramelized Onion Horseradish Sauce

I get really excited this time of year.  The leaves are starting to turn, the air is crisp enough at night to sit outside with a fire going in the pit, we can escape the sweltering southern heat and sip on all the pumpkin beer I can get my hands on.

We normally brew our own pumpkin beer in the fall and I have to say that we have mastered the recipe.  Think pumpkin pie rather than pumpkin spice and that should give you an idea of my preference of pumpkin beer flavor.  We haven’t got to it yet this year, but I’m having a good time sampling everything that’s out there.  Two of my go-to favorite pumpkin beers are Southern Tier’s Pumpking and NoDa’s Gordgeous.  They’re both delicious to drink and for cooking up some short ribs.  I used Pumpking for these Slow Cooker Pumpkin Ale Braised Short Ribs Sliders with Beer Caramelized Onion Horseradish Sauce.  I made Beer Braised Short Ribs with Mushrooms and Polenta and Pumpkin Ale and Butterscotch Donuts with Gordgeous.  I’m telling you – you can’t go wrong with either of these beers. (This is not a sponsored post – I just love talking about good craft beer)

Speaking of October and pumpkin beer, Sara from Cake Over Steak is hosting a virtual pumpkin party!  If you’re looking for all the pumpkin recipes to make your October the best it can be, head over to the Virtual Pumpkin Party page and get your pumpkin on!

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Ale Braised Short Ribs Sliders topped with Beer Caramelized Onion Horseradish Sauce are perfect for a party or watching football!

Slow Cooker Beer Braised Short Rib Sliders with Beer Caramelized Onion Horseradish Sauce
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Slow Cooker Pumpkin Ale Braised Short Ribs Sliders with Beer Caramelized Onion Horseradish Sauce

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 1/2 pounds short ribs
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 16 ounces pumpkin ale divided
  • 2 onions thinly sliced
  • 9 ounce jar prepared horseradish
  • 1/4 cup mayonaise
  • slider rolls

Instructions

  1. Melt butter and olive oil over medium-high heat
  2. Generously salt and pepper short ribs (measurements above are guidelines and don't have to be exact)
  3. Sear short ribs on all sides - working in batches so not to over crowd the pan - 2-3 minutes per side
  4. Transfer short ribs to slow cooker
  5. Pour 1/4 cup of pumpkin ale into the pan used to cook the short ribs and pour the rest of the beer over the meat in the slow cooker
  6. Cook short ribs on low for 6 hours
  7. Add sliced onions to pan with the beer and cook on medium for 20 - 30 minutes or until softened and caramelized
  8. Reserve some of the beer caramelized onions for toppings
  9. Combine remaining beer caramelized onions, horseradish, and mayonaise to the bowl of a food processor and pulse to combine to desired consistency
  10. Remove meat from the bones and shred by pulling it apart with a couple of forks
  11. Pile shredded short ribs onto slider rolls, top with caramelized onion horseradish sauce and finish with reserved beer caramelized onions

NOTES:

  1. This made about 12 sliders and can easily be adjusted to make more or less, depending on the size of your slow cooker
  2. I didn’t make the beer caramelized onion horseradish sauce too smooth.  I left it with a little texture, but it’s a flexible sauce and you can make it how you like it.