appetizers

Easy Beer Cheese – Two Ways

February 3, 2018 by rachelle 22 Comments

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?

Au contraire mon frere.

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.

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

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

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

For a Pimento Cheese Version

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

NOTES:

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.
Serve with pretzels, chips, bread, pita, vegetables, or any other kind of snack you like

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Ale Short Ribs Sliders

October 23, 2017 by rachelle 28 Comments

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

Hello October.

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 Beer Braised Short Rib Sliders with Beer Caramelized Onion Horseradish Sauce

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

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

NOTES:

This made about 12 sliders and can easily be adjusted to make more or less, depending on the size of your slow cooker
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.

Blood Orange Ale and Cranberry Baked Brie

December 29, 2016 by rachelle 16 Comments

Blood Orange Ale and Cranberry Baked Brie is the perfect appetizer to for any party that beer lovers will thank you for!

Later 2016.

I’m keeping things short today and just popping in with a last minute easy appetizer to ring in the New Year. This Blood Orange Ale and Cranberry topped baked brie is easy and has very few ingredients. You can make the cranberries and bake the brie at home, keep the cheese warm, and assemble at a party or serve at your own New Year’s Eve celebration.

Whatever you do this weekend to celebrate the end of 2016 and the promise of a new year, I wish you all a safe and Happy New Year. Cheers!

Blood Orange Ale and Cranberry Baked Brie

Ingredients

12 fresh cranberries
1/2 cup beer
1 cup sugar
pinch of salt
1 brie cheese wheel

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350
Combine cranberries, beer, sugar, and salt in a sauce pan
Bring to a boil, reduce and simmer over medium low heat until thick and some of the berries burst - about 10 minutes
Unwrap brie and transfer to a baking sheet or baking dish
Bake at 350 about 15 minutes or until soft and melty
Transfer brie to a serving dish and top with cranberry mixture
Serve with bread, toasted baguette, and/or crackers

NOTES:

I happened to find a 35.2 ounce/2.2 pound wheel of brie on sale for $14.99, so I went with it. You can certainly use a smaller one, but you will only need about half of the beer/cranberry mixture. If you want the same amount, just use two smaller brie wheels.
To make things easier, you can bake the cheese in a baking dish that can also be used as a serving dish. If you transfer the cheese, just use a large spatula and be careful not to let it fall or separate because it will be soft.
I used Kind of a Big Deal Blood Orange Wit from Triple C brewing, but any orange flavored beer will work. They cranberries don’t cook very long, but long enough to concentrate flavors, so keep that in mind when choosing a beer. I wouldn’t recommend anything too hoppy.
Out of all the serving options listed, I prefer a toasted baguette for the crunchy texture.

Easy Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe

October 5, 2016 by rachelle 31 Comments

Easy Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe

Note: This post is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by the National Football League (NFL) or any of its teams. All opinions and views expressed on our blogs are our own, not that of the NFL and/or any of its 32 teams. Any team names, logos or other symbols referenced are properties of their respective organizations. We are just big fans — and we want to share our love for our teams, the game and the food that brings us all together on game day.

Football season is here! In celebration, I’ve joined a group of bloggers from all over the country — all of whom are big football fans! — to bring you football-inspired recipes this season. Last month we shared our favorite tailgating recipes, and now we are sharing more than 60 recipes ideas for celebrating on game day. Click on their links below to join in!

Are you ready for some football?!?!?!?!

Easy Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe

Ingredients

3 boneless chicken breasts
1 cup chicken stock or water
salt and pepper
1 bottle of prepared Buffalo sauce
1/4 head of purple cabbage shredded or thinly chopped
2 - 3 jalapeno peppers sliced
4 ounces blue cheese crumbles
Slider rolls

Instructions

Add chicken and stock or water to a slow cooker and cook on low 5 - 6 hours or until the fat part has an internal temperature of 160
Remove chicken from slow cooker, drain most of the liquid but leaving a little in the pot
Shred chick with two forks
Return chicken to slow cooker
Add prepared Buffalo sauce, reduce temperature to warm or keep on low until warmed through
Keep warm
Serve on slider rolls and top with cabbage, jalapenos, and blue cheese crumbles

NOTES

I recommend making a slider bar near the slow cooker to avoid soggy buns. Just keep warm and set out the toppings for guests to make their own
There was plenty here to make 12 – 15 sliders
Serve with carrot and celery sticks and some ranch and/or blue cheese dressing

Red Sea Party Punch by Celebrating Family
Bird Gang Sonoran Nachos by Love Bakes Good Cakes
GameDay Cheesecake Bars by Body Rebooted
Healthy Dirty Bird Dip by Dash of Herbs
Purple Potato Salad by The Culinary Compass
Chocolate Blackberry Cheesecake Parfait by Mom’s Messy Miracles
Easy Buffalo Chicken Sliders by Beer Girl Cooks
Quick and Easy Baked Buffalo Chicken Sliders by The Life Jolie
Blackened Steak + Blue Cheese Nachos by Feast + West
Easy Pimiento Cheese Crackers by Family Food on the Table
Chicago-Style Deep Dish Breadsticks by Honey & Birch
Italian Beef by Bread Booze Bacon
Welcome to the Jungle Cocktail by Love & Flour
Bengal Striped Bundt Cake by Foodtastic Mom
Polish Boy Potato Skins by A Mind Full Mom
Sweet and Salty Brownies by The Secret Ingredient Is
Cowboy Cookies by The BakerMama
Cowboy Chili by See Aimee Cook
Green Chili Pulled Pork Poutine by Cake ‘n Knife
Blue and Orange Jello Shot Gummies by Sustaining the Powers
Greek Town Loaded Potato Skins by The Mexitalian
Marbled Scotcharoos by Club Narwhal
Beer Cheese Fondue by Off the Eaten Path
Easy Beer Cheese Soup by Hello Little Home
Chicken Stack Sandwich by Around My Family Table
Bratwurst Sandwiches with Pub Mustard by What A Girl Eats
Game Day Cupcakes by Polka Dotted Blue Jay
Brownie Batter Dip by The Crumby Cupcake
Chocolate Coconut Cupcakes by Two Places at Once
Tomahawk Cooler by Mixplorology
Spicy Jalapeno Popper Cheese Dip with Real Cheese by Simplify, Live, Love
Game Day Snack Tray by Coffee Love Travel
Bacon Mac Cups by West via Midwest
South Beach Punch by 2 Cookin Mamas
Miami Mahi Mahi Sandwich by foodbyjonister
Swedish Meatball Dip with Tater Tot Dunkers by Peanut Blossom
Fruity Dessert Pizza with Peanut Butter Chocolate Glaze by Bucket List Tummy
New England Rum Punch by Order in the Kitchen
Crawfish Etouffee by The Speckled Palate
Cajun Crawfish Fritters with Remoulade Dipping Sauce by For the Love of Food
Reuben Sliders with Homemade Russian Dressing by A Dish of Daily Life
Big Blue Cheese Steak Stromboli by Simple and Savory
Spinach & Artichoke Bites by Lauren’s Kitchen
Herb Pesto Arancini by A Little Gathering
Beluga Lentil Hummus by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
Philly Cheesesteak Nachos by And She Cooks
Philly Cheesesteak Cheesecake by Nik Snacks
Game Day Cookie Cups by Me and My Pink Mixer
Primanti Style Sliders by Macheesmo
Pineapple Salsa by Living Well Kitchen
Tex Mex Cream Cheese Wontons with Bacon by Shaws Simple Swaps
Blue Cheese Blitz Dip by Cafe Terra
Chicken Adobo Fries by Brunch-n-Bites
Game Day Candy Bark by Life’s Ambrosia
Chicken Teriyaki Pizza by Loves Food, Loves to Eat
High Seas Sour Cherry Slush by Lizzy is Dizzy
Buffalo Chicken Deviled Eggs by Casa de Crews
Avery Williamson American Cake by Loaves & Dishes
Game Day Sriracha-Honey Nut Mix by An Oregon Cottage
Double-Stuffed Potato Skins by A Simpler Grace
Red Skin Potato Chili Nachos by A Joyfully Mad Kitchen

Homemade Beer Pretzel Bites Recipe

September 20, 2016 by rachelle 7 Comments

Homemade Beer Pretzel Bites Recipe

I think it’s safe to say that regardless of how warm the weather is wherever you are, we are totally rolling into fall. There are apples and apple recipes everywhere, I’m seeing pumpkins at the Publix and the Teeter, Halloween costumes at Costco and Halloween candy all over the dang Walgreens.

I get it. Everyone is excited to bust out the boots and sweaters, but let’s not get our cart in front of our horse. It’s still September and you know what that means? Besides apples, of course. Oktoberfest officially kicked off over the weekend and that, my friends, is cause for celebration!

I got the party started by kicking off the weekend with some Smoked Gouda Beer Cheese last week, and today I’ve made you some Homemade Beer Pretzel Bites to drown in it. Of course, you could always put the pretzels on a string and wear them around your neck at the next beer festival. That would be ok too, and who am I to judge? They’re the perfect bite size snack and they’re made out of beer!! That’s a win in my book!

You know what else these little nuggets would be good for? Well, all the football games this weekend! Take them to the tailgate or have a few friends over to root on your favorite college or NFL teams and serve them up with some of that beer cheese we talked about or some spicy mustard and your friends will be smitten.

Whether y’all are cheering on your favorite team (or teams!) or feel like throwing on your lederhosen this weekend, you should absolutely be swinging around a beer and noshing on some tasty homemade beer pretzel bites.

P. S. They’re small enough to throw at the TV without hurting anything when the refs make those ridiculous calls or the wrong guy catches the ball.

Because you know they will.

Homemade Beer Pretzel Bites Recipe

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups brown ale
2 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1 package dry active yeast
3 tablespoons butter
5 cups flour
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2/3 cup baking soda
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
1 - 2 tablespoons coarse sea salt or pretzel salt

Instructions

Combine beer, sugar, salt and heat to just warm - not hot or it will kill your yeast - remove from heat
Stir in yeast and let sit 5-7 minutes - until foamy
Add butter and beer mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook
Turn mixer on low and gradually add flour one cup at a time until combined
Add vegetable oil to a bowl and turn to coat
Transfer the dough to the bowl and turn to coat all sides
Cover with plastic wrap and set in a warm place to rise for 1 hour
Separate dough into 8 equal pieces
Working with one piece at a time, roll out into about 18 inch pieces with your hands and cut into 1 inch pieces
Transfer all pieces to a large parchment lined baking sheet
In a large pot, combine 9 cups of water and 2/3 cup baking soda and bring to a boil
Working in batches, drop the pieces of dough into the boiling water for 30 to 45 seconds, remove from water, and return to baking sheet
Preheat oven to 450
Combine egg and 1 tablespoon water in a bowl and beat lightly
Using a pastry brush, coat the top of each piece of dough with the egg wash
Sprinkle salt on top of each piece
Bake 12 - 14 minutes or until golden brown

NOTES:

I made this dough, divided it in half, and froze the other half. I thawed the frozen half in the refrigerator and they turned out just fine.
Each half batch made about 3 dozen depending how big you make the pieces.

30 Cookout, Grilling, and Party Recipes for Labor Day Weekend

September 2, 2016 by rachelle 10 Comments

30 Cookout, Grilling, and Party Recipes for Labor Day Weekend

We are headed to Hilton Head this weekend for one last beach trip before summer ends – not to worry – the house won’t be vacant. We have a pet sitter coming so the dogs won’t be running amuck and doing water ballet in our living room like in those Farmers Insurance commercials. Hilarious if not in your own house. I thought I’d leave you with a recipe roundup to cover all your cookout, grilling, and party needs for the long weekend. Party on!

APPETIZERS

Stuffed Mushrooms – Beer Girl Cooks (pictured above)

Texas Caviar – The Beach House Kitchen

Smoked Jalapeno Poppers with Bacon, Apple, and Brie – Tasty Ever After (pictured above & photo credit)

Baba Ganoush – Cook With Manali

Fig, Goat Cheese, Bacon + Honey Crostini – Feast and West

Bacon-Wrapped Brats – Spiced Blog (pictured above & photo credit)

SIDES AND SALADS

Bourbon & Brown Sugar Baked Beans with Candied Bacon – No Spoon Necessary (pictured above & photo credit)

Grilled Corn on the Cob with Spicy Lime Seasoned Salt -Ciao Chow Bambina

Peach & Chickpea Salad – Girl Heart Food

Quinoa Spinach Salad with Pesto – Family Food on the Table

Smoked Gouda Mac ‘n Cheese – Beer Girl Cooks (pictured above)

Parmesan and Pea Pasta Salad – Tasty Ever After (pictured above & photo credit)

Grilled Potato Salad with Everything Bagel Seasoning and 7 Minute Eggs – No Spoon Necessary (pictured above & photo credit)

Easy Grilled Watermelon and Feta Salad with Mint and Balsamic Reduction – Beer Girl Cooks (pictured above)

Easy 7 Layer Salad – Tasty Ever After (pictured above & photo credit)

MEAT DISHES

Sundried Tomato and Gorgonzola Burgers – Spiced Blog (pictured above & photo credit)

Grilled Country Style Pork Shoulder Ribs with Blueberry Peach Salsa – Cooking LSL

Honey Mustard Grilled Salmon – Kevin is Cooking

Roasted Vegetable Grilled Pizza with Garlic Herb Oil – Ciao Chow Bambina

Honey Balsamic Chicken Skewers with Strawberry Kiwi Salsa – No Spoon Necessary (pictured above & photo credit)

Bacon and Feta Stuffed Lamb Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce – Beer Girl Cooks (pictured above)

DESSERTS

Banana Pudding in Jars – Beer Girl Cooks (pictured above)

S’mores in Jars – Beer Girl Cooks (pictured above)

Butterscotch Blondies – Just About Baked

Grilled Pound Cake with Mascarpone Cream and Blueberries – Pumpkin ‘n Spice

Marshmallow Fruity Pebble Bars – Baked by an Introvert

Gluten Free Vegan Peanut Butter Cup Brownies – Beaming Baker

Blueberry Coconut Milk Popsicles – Beer Girl Cooks (pictured above)

Honeydew Kiwi Coconut Popsicles – Beer Girl Cooks (pictured above)

Strawberry Kiwi Coconut Popsicles – Beer Girl Cooks (pictured above)

Boozy Root Beer Float Popsicles – Beer Girl Cooks (pictured above)

Ok. Yes, I know that lawyers can’t do math, but I’m well aware that there are actually 31 recipes in this post of 30 recipes for Labor Day. I just felt like the booze wasn’t well represented, so I had to add that last popsicle.

Y’all have a safe and fantastic Labor Day Weekend! Fingers crossed that we all stay dry on the east coast and this hurricane spins back out to sea!

Smoked Gouda, Fontina, American Grilled Cheese with Bacon and Coco Loco Caramelized Onions

January 28, 2016 by rachelle 16 Comments

Hi friends! How is your week going so far? Are you still digging your way out of the snow? Are you over snow and cold weather and ready for some comfort food?

I know I am. And I’ve got the cure for what ails ya. I’m not sure that there is a better comfort food than a big, melty, bacon-y, buter-y, grilled cheese. This one is a bit over the top with a combination of smoked gouda, fontina, and american cheeses. We also felt the need to throw in some bacon.

BTW – I have zero idea why in tarnation I have decided that I am a we. Just roll with it. And don’t judge me.

Oh. And remember Crostini? The Coco Loco Caramelized Onions make the perfect finishing touch to this over the top grilled cheese.

I joke you not. I think we had these grilled cheese sammies at least 3 times in one week. And now that the Super Bowl is right around the corner, we’re all thinking about some football appetizers and finger food. #KeepPounding #PanthersNation

You could totally quarter these into triangles or smaller square pieces and your friends can grab one with one hand to keep the other free to Dab with Cam, Luke, Greg, and the boys with all the touchdowns we hope to make!

Until next time friends!

And just because we are super excited here in the Sweet Carolinas

[amd-zlrecipe-recipe:135]

P.S. Make some tomato soup the way your mama taught ya. If you need some ideas here is one and another one

appetizers

Easy Beer Cheese – Two Ways

Ingredients

Instructions

For a Pimento Cheese Version

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

Ingredients

Instructions

Blood Orange Ale and Cranberry Baked Brie

Ingredients

Instructions

Easy Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe

Ingredients

Instructions

Homemade Beer Pretzel Bites Recipe

Ingredients

Instructions

Footer