Friday, December 14, 2012

Red Hot Red Ale Chili

The temperature has fallen and I find myself longing for a meal that can really warm you up.  What's better than a chili?! 


Red Hot Red Ale Chili (yields 4-6 servings):
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 pork chop, cut into 1" pieces
1 chicken breast, cut into 1" pieces
1 c. beer (I used a cinnamon red ale)
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 celery, chopped
1/2 onion, chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
3 tomatoes, chopped and seeded
1 chili pepper, chopped (if you want less heat, remove ribs and seeds)
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp. ground cayenne red pepper
1 tbsp. hot sauce (I currently have 3 different ones and used about a tsp of each)
1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 c. chicken broth
1 can of beans (I used pinto)
1 carton (18.3 oz) sweet potato tomatillo bisque (you could use a can of regular tomato soup)

Garnish:
-shredded cheese
-sour cream
-ground cayenne red pepper
-cilantro

I used a crockpot for this chili, but you could do it in a stockpot.  I like to brown the meat first even when using a crock pot.  In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium to medium-high heat.  Brown the chunks of chicken and pork. Drain.  Add to crockpot.

To the crockpot, add everything but the bisque and pinto beans.  Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 or until veggies are tender.

Add the bisque and beans, stir to combine.  Continue to heat till everything is warmed through  - about 30 minutes in a crockpot or just 5-10 minutes on the stove top.

Top with shredded cheese and sour cream, sprinkle some ground cayenne red pepper, and garnish with some cilantro.

Enjoy. 

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Spent Grain Dog Treats



I'm transitioning this blog over to my new website.  To find the details of this recipe, visit http://foodbeerlove.com/Spent_Grain_Recipes.html#Dog_Treats




Thursday, December 6, 2012

Super Simple Fudge Brownies


I promised my daughter something chocolate-y and these brownies definitely hit the spot with her. They are super easy and relatively quick to make. I adapted my recipe from my trusty BHG 11th edition cookbook.

Super Simple Fudge Brownies (yields:  24 brownies)
10 tbsp. butter
6 tbsp. cocoa powder
2 eggs
1 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1/8 c. spent grain flour
5/8 c. all-purpose flour
powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350F.  Line an 8x8x2 baking dish with foil and spray with non-stick spray and set aside (I like using the foil because I find it easier to get the brownies out of the pan). 

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.  Once butter is melted, add the cocoa powder.  Stir to combine.  Remove from heat.

Add the eggs, sugar and vanilla.  Stir till just combined.  Stir in flour.  If you like nuts in your brownies, fold in about 1/2 cup.

Pour/spread batter into prepared pan.  Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes.  Cool on wire rack.  Cut into bars and dust the tops with powdered sugar.


Enjoy!