Beer Tasting Party

This past year my husband and his friend started brewing their own beer.  They have hopes of some day opening a tap room attached to a small brewery.  In the meantime, they have lots and lots of friends eager to taste the latest that Top Rung Brewing has to offer.

The turnout was great with about 40 friends and family stopping by to give their feedback.

Since this was an open house style, we wanted the flow to be casual but informative.  When guests entered, they were given a beer tasting glass (aka 8oz mason jar) with six feedback forms to be turned in.

Because Casey and Jason had been brewing up a storm, we had a lot of beer for everyone to try.  Six types of beer to be exact:  Hosechaser Blonde, Irons IPA, Smashed Pumpkin', "no name" vanilla porter, Box Alarm Amber and Good Jake CDA.  The fun started in the diningroom with three stations set up.

The buckets were from our local party store, in red of course.  Each station was labeled with the name of the beer and a short description as well as the alcohol by volume, IBUs and OGs info.

Burlap under the buckets turned out to be a great idea. They absorbs the moisture/sweat from the buckets.

Jason's girlfriend, Morgan was able to re-furbish these old six-pack boxes to use at each station.  She used a little spray paint and stickers from local craft store. We asked guests to return their feedback forms in these boxes.  They worked perfectly!

Next on the list was a little food. 

The most popular food was by far the Stoltz family rice casserole.  Unfortunately, since I didn't know it was going to be such a big hit, I didn't take any pictures.  But I will add the recipe at the very end of the post.


Good food, family and friends....what could be better? 

We really got lucky on the weather.  The day of the beer tasting it was literally, the nicest day of the week.  We were able to have a few more beers outside and a fire going.

The "no name" vanilla porter is on the sweeter side, we suggested folks eat a piece of Snickers or Brownies while sipping.  It definitely changes the taste of the beer and is a different idea for some people.  We were excited to see people try it and like the combination!

We also added a few bowls of jelly beans.  We don't have any scientific facts regarding this, but we've heard it is considered a palette cleanser for beer tasting.  Not sure if it's true or not, but a few jelly beans never hurt anyone.

Having such supportive friends and family is so important to Casey and Jason.  They were overwhelmed by the positive feedback they received and were inspired to keep on brewing.  Stay tuned for future beer tasting events.

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As promised, here is the "S" Family recipe:


Rice Casserole1 large onion, chopped fine
1 cup rice
2 cups chicken broth
1tsp salt
2 Tbsp sugar
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup butter or margarine

Melt butter and add onion, cook until onion is clear and soft. Add rice, salt, sugar, and raisins. Pour into baking dish and add chicken broth. Cover and bake at 350. Usually done after 1 hour.

Cool Corn Salad

Casey told me one year that he knows it's summer when the corn salad makes it's appearance.  Since this salad is served cold, I need the warmer temps and sunshine to bring out this salad.  I've made this so many times, I usually just guesstimate the amounts. 

This corn salad is a great accompaniment to any barbecue.  Goes great with steaks, salmon or hot dogs.  Enjoy!

Here's your ingredients:

Corn Salad

3 Cans White Shoepeg Corn

1 Cup Diced tomatoes

1/2 Cup Chopped green onions

1/2 Cup Mayo (I use light)

1 teaspoon seasoning salt

Serves 8 (with some leftover)

Drain the cans of corn and add to a bowl.  Add the chopped green onions and diced tomatoes to the corn.  I used grape tomatoes since I had them on hand, but any kind will do.  Add the seasoning salt and mayo.  Combine all the ingredients until the mayo is distributed.  Once combined, refrigerate for at least 2 hours until it's totally chilled.  I often put my cans of corn in the fridge so I start with chilled corn.  But keep in mind this still needs to sit for a little while so the ingredients can marinate.

We Have a Winner

I love trying new recipes.  As you know some are winners and some are not to been seen again.  Today I was asked to make "the macaroni and cheese with the broccoli".  Really? She's asking for it specifically?  Hip hip hooray I have a winner. 

A few weeks ago I came across Too-ez Mac 'n Cheese in a recipe book I have.  It looked easy, healthy and kid-friendly so I took a chance.  Unfortunately, on my hunt to buy all the ingredients, I was unable to find the cauliflower and cheese at my local grocery store.  I ended up buying the broccoli and cheese and thought it shouldn't change the recipe too much, and it didn't.  Brooke is still acquiring her taste to broccoli but Morgan ate every last bite and asked for more.

P.S. It makes good leftovers too


There are only THREE ingredients.

And the prep time was great. 

I cooked the broccoli in the microwave according to the package directions.  While that cooked I put my water on to boil and then cooked my noodles.  Both finished at about the same time. 

Poor all contents of the broccoli into a large bowl.  Add the drained pasta noodles.

 Open three wedges of Laughing Cow Cheese and microwave for 30 seconds.

While the cheese is in the microwave, mix the pasta together with the broccoli and cheese.



Then add the Laughing Cow cheese wedges and mix until creamy.

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Look how creamy

In our house macaroni and cheese always calls for a hot dog.  Here I used a lower fat hot dog.  Don't mind the slice of toasted bread used for a bun, you do what you gotta do sometimes. 

On the side is some applesauce.

Mommy's plate looks a little more grown-up.  I opted for no hot dog and got a diet coke instead.



HG too-ez mac 'n cheese

2 cups uncooked whole-wheat blend rotini pasta

6 cups (about 24 ounces) frozen Green Giant Cauliflower & Cheese Sauce

3 wedges The Laughing Cow Light Original Swiss cheese

Optional: salt and black pepper

Directions:

Prepare pasta according to the instructions on the box, and then drain well and set aside. While pasta is cooking, cook the cauliflower & sauce package in the microwave for 12 - 16 minutes, until sauce has melted and cauliflower is hot.  Carefully, remove it from the microwave and combine with the cooked pasta. Set aside. Unwrap cheese wedges and place in a small microwave-safe dish. Microwave for 30 seconds. Stir until smooth, and then add to the bowl.

Mix thoroughly, ensuring that the Laughing Cow cheese is evenly distributed and the pasta and cauliflower are coated in cheese sauce. If you like, season to taste with salt and pepper. Enjoy!