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5 Recipes Where Beer Makes It Better

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Did you know that humans have been drinking beer for nearly 7,000 years? And that nearly every ancient culture in the world, from ancient Mesopotamia to the Incas had some kind of fermented grain concoction as part of their diet?

Is it any wonder then that modern day beer-aficionados have finally given this glorious brew a day to call its own?

The first Friday in August is International Beer Day. So take a moment to pop the top and savor a glass, can or bottle of your favorite brew.

Maybe a pilsner is your go-to.

Maybe a hefeweizen or a stout is more your style.

Better yet, with Oktoberfest, football season, and the holidays fast approaching, I challenge you to embrace all the flavors beer has to offer by not only drinking it, but cooking with it too.

Here are a few of MilitaryShopper’s favorite beer-licious recipes and some tips for finding just the right brew to go with whatever happens to land on your plate.

Do you cook with beer? Here are our 5 favorite recipes that use beer.

Do you have a favorite recipe that uses beer as an ingredient?

5 Recipes Where Beer Makes It Better

OKTOBERFEST INSPIRED GRILLED BRATWURST

If there was ever 2 things that absolutely belong together it’s sausage and beer.  This recipe takes bratwurst to the next level. I can practically smell the sauerkraut and thyme from here.

Pairings: Just like the recipe, bratwurst, grilled pork, grilled chicken, seafood, and spicy foods pair well with a good lager. Just make sure you’ve chilled it perfectly. According to the experts over at Epicurious, for the best flavor, it should be served between 40°F and 50°F.

EASY BEER BREAD

Easy and bread don’t usually belong in the same sentence, but this recipe has just 3 simple ingredients. Is there anything better than the smell of freshly baked bread? Scratch that. Freshly baked BEER bread? I think not.

Pairings: Let it never be said that beer isn’t sophisticated enough for a cocktail party. Wine tends to be the go-to accompaniment to those fancy cheese trays, but it’s not your only option. Try a pale ale with sharp cheddar or a fruit beer with soft cheeses like mascarpone.

Need more ideas for great beer and cheese pairings? The folks over at BeerAdvocate have everything you need.

BELGIAN BEEF ROAST

The crockpot might be the working man’s (and woman’s) best friend. Let’s see, there’s beef, onions, garlic, butter, and yes….BEER! And did I mention, it practically makes its own gravy right there in the pot? Follow this easy recipe and your mouth will start watering the minute you walk in the door.

Pairings: Though the recipe isn’t specific, hearty roasted meats like a beef demand a full-bodied brew. Try a porter or a stout in the recipe, and then pour some in your glass to go with it.

Wondering what goes best with sushi or chicken wings? Check out this great article over on Men’s Fitness.

AMERICAN BEER BATTER FRIED VEGETABLES

Cooking with beer isn’t just reserved for meat-eaters. If you prefer a lighter fare, or just like a little veggie with your meat, try this smorgasbord of beer battered veggies. Even the kids will love these!

Pairings: For strong, earthy vegetables like mushrooms and potatoes, try an earthy brew with lots of good hoppy flavor. For sweeter root vegetables, try a caramel porter.

Craving onion rings? Nothing goes better with them than a spicy aioli and a nice, cold pale ale.  Get even more great vegetable and beer pairings from Food and Wine (who knew they knew beer too?)

 CHOCOLATE GUINNESS CHEESECAKE

Who said you can’t have beer for dessert? Ready to absolutely knock the socks off your dinner guests? This recipe takes a little bit of work, but the payoff is so worth it. Chocolate and beer? Yes, you really can have it all.

Pairings: Picking the right brew to have in or with your dessert can be a bit tricky. Strong flavors like dark chocolate pair well with stronger flavored beers. Sweeter dessert can make your favorite brew taste more bitter than usual, so try something fruit-based or look for beers that tout fruity undertones.  Get more dessert and beer pairing from Serious Eats.

Do you have a favorite recipe that uses beer as an ingredient? Share it with MilitaryShoppers for a chance to win a $50 commissary shopping spree.

 

Stateside for Oktoberfest? Create Your Own German Festival

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Best German food recipes for Oktoberfest

Try making homemade German pretzels.

Oh Oktoberfest! If you have ever been stationed in Germany you know how much fun Oktoberfest can be. Germans love their festivals, especially this 16-day food and beer funfair held in Munich.

So you move back to the States and are feeling a little disappointed this month? Why not create your own Oktoberfest with some foods you can find at your own commissary here in the United States?

You could make a meal for your own family or invite your friends over for a fun night of German food.

Let’s start with dessert. How about baking some German Chocolate Cookies? These cookies might be a little different than what you have had before but they are very tasty. If you love chocolate you should try: Death By Chocolate.  And if you like something a little different you can go with the Lebkuchen German Oldspice Cookies.

Now for the main meal. When you are making German food, it might be good to stick to traditional foods so that everyone who comes over for your stateside Oktoberfest can experience the traditional cuisine. Try making German Schnitzel. You can’t have an authentic Oktoberfest without it.  You can serve it with Hot German Potato Salad and Old Fashioned German Bean Soup.

You also want to have some German snacks on hand. You can make German Pretzels or a Crab Meat Cocktail.

In addition to food you would want to create a festive Bavarian atmosphere. You can add German flags, wear German clothing such as a Dirndl and make it look like an authentic Oktoberfest, even while living in California, Texas or Kentucky. You should also make sure you find some German music (like polka) to play in the background and most importantly don’t forget the beer!

 

Best German food recipes for Oktoberfest.

Schnitzel is a favorite German dish.

You can also check around and see if there will be any local events near you. I know here near Fort Campbell they put on a small Oktoberfest each year. It is not exactly the same as you would find in Germany but it is a nice way to get together and experience some of the traditions.

What’s your favorite German recipe? Share your recipes and you will be entered in the MilitaryShoppers recipe contest. You could win a $50 commissary shopping spree. One winner each month!