Cooking with Beer!

For those of you who love to cook, here is a very simple recipe that can do wonders for your poultry!

Brandon's Hoppy Beer Brine
64oz. of a pale ale or an IPA (growlers work great)
An equal amount of ice cubes (about 50 or so)
1 red onion (rustic dicing)
1 cup garlic salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 Lemon (quartered)

•  In a 2+ gallon pot, add all the ingredients (except for the ice, that comes later)
• Bring the ingredients to a fair boil and reduce heat, allowing it to simmer for 10-15 minutes, occasionally stirring.
• Remove from heat and add the ice cubes.
• Let the brine cool down for at least an hour.
• Insert your choice of poultry into the pot full of brine (will be enough for 4 Cornish hens or one whole chicken)
• Refrigerate for up to 24 hours, 12 hours at the least
• Remove bird(s) from the brine and lightly rinse inside/outside with water
• Place bird(s) in a glass cooking pan and sprinkle the top with smoked paprika
• Add a half cup of water to the pan (will use later for basting)
• Bake @350 for one hour, occasional basting the bird(s)
• Pair with a favorite Belgian Style Ale and sides!

This simple recipe and method of brining will impart subtle flavors of onion, garlic, and lemon and most importantly allowing the meat to become incredibly tender and juicy. Enjoy!

Beer Brine Cornish Hen, Sweet Potato Salad, Waldorf green salad, Three Philosophers.