Tag: Cooking with Beer

I love meals I can make once and eat all week long. Soup is one of those meals. However, not any old soup will do. I like soups that eat like a meal and stealing a line from the Campbell’s Soup debate- I like soups you can either eat with a spoon or a fork.

Unfortunately most pre-packaged and processed soups lack flavor and are loaded with salt and preservatives to make up for it. Solution- we’re going to make a kick-ass homemade soup from scratch that is heart healthy, gut slimming, filling, tastes amazing and doesn’t take much time to do.

In today’s Cooking with Beer we’re going to throw together a hearty Chicken and Vegetable Soup using Kilkenny Irish Cream Ale.

Mmmm… Let’s get started.
 

Irish Cream Ale Chicken and Vegetable Soup

Kilkenny Chicken, Lentil and Vegetable Soup

 
Here’s what you need:

• 1 can of Kilkenny Irish Cream Ale
• 1 qt or 900 ml of Chicken Broth (preferably organic or at least reduced sodium)
• 1 Chicken Breast
• 1/2 cup of Dry Quinoa
• 1 small Zucchini, 2 Carrots, 2 Celery Stalks, 2 Medium Onions, 2 Cloves of Garlic
• 1 can (15 oz) of Lentils
• 1 can (24 oz) of Diced Tomatoes
• 2 cups of Cauliflower
• 2 cups of Broccoli
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried Basil
• Sea Salt and Black Pepper

 
What to do:

Wash, peel and chop the zucchini, carrots, celery, onions and garlic. Add 2 tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil to a saucepan at medium heat then add the chopped vegetables. Cook for 10 minutes stirring every 30 seconds or so. Meanwhile in another saucepan bring to a boil the Chicken Broth, Can of Tomatoes, Can of Kilkenny and half cup of Quinoa. Once the vegetables have cooked for 10 to 12 minutes transfer the boiling beer broth to the pot. Rinse and drain your lentils, chop the cauliflower and broccoli into small florets and chicken into small pieces. Add everything to the soup. Stir, reduce heat and let simmer for 15 minutes with the lid on. Season with a little sea salt and pepper and enjoy.

Yours in health,

Sean

PS. Follow the link for more Cooking With Beer Recipes.

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This week on Cooking with Beer we’ll be making Beer Mussels.

These Beer Mussels are fresh from Prince Edward Island and not the kind you get after a few too many pints at the bar. Those are Beer Muscles, not to be confused with Beer Mussels and unlike the latter should be kept away for no one to see.

Sticking with the Maritime theme (region of Canada) we will use Alexander Keith’s Red Amber Ale to steam our Mussels. We are also going to spice up today’s dish by adding spicy Italian sausage to the mix.

Mussels are quick and easy to prepare, fun to eat and a very popular dish here in Quebec. Head to any local pub and order the classic “Moules Frits” and you won’t be disappointed.

Cooking with beer’s take on this classic dish will be served accompanied by a spinach salad drizzled with homemade Balsamic and Hummus dressing. Let’s get started…

Watch below to see how it’s done:
 

Beer Mussels

Keith’s Red Amber Ale Mussels

 
Here’s what you need:

• 4 lbs of Fresh Mussels (we’re using Mussels from PEI, best in the world)
• 1 bottle of your favorite Beer (we’re using Alexander Keith’s Red Amber Ale)
• 2 Cloves of garlic
• Juice of ½ a lime
• ½ a sweet onion
• ½ a Red Bell Pepper
• 2 Spicy Italian Sausages
• 2 tablespoons of butter (yep butter)
• Fresh Parsley
• Sea salt and pepper

 
How to put it all together:

Dice up the red bell pepper, onion and garlic and place in a large pot on medium high with the 2 tablespoons of butter. Cook until the onion is translucent (approximately 3 minutes). Slice your Italian sausages into small pieces and add to the pot cooking for 5 more minutes or until lightly browned.

Add the bottle of beer, juice of ½ a lime and Mussels to the pot, cover and steam for approximately 7-8 minutes. Mussels are ready when they open (do not eat any Mussels which have not fully opened). Season with sea salt, pepper, fresh parsley and serve with the beer broth. Enjoy.
 

Spinach Salad

 
You need:

• 4-6 cups of Fresh Spinach
• ½ Red Bell Pepper
• 2/3 of a Long English Cucumber
• 10 Cherry tomatoes

 
What to do:

Wash your vegetables. Chop your spinach if the leaves are too big and place in a bowl. Roughly chop your Red Bell Pepper and tomatoes. Peel and roughly chop your cucumber. Add everything to the bowl. Drizzle with homemade Balsamic and Hummus dressing, toss and enjoy.
 

Balsamic and Hummus Salad Dressing

 
You need:

• 6 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 2 tbsp of Balsamic Vinegar
• ½ tsp of sea salt
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste
• 1 big spoonful of traditional Hummus

 
What to do:

Put everything into a Mason jar, cover and shake until everything is mixed thoroughly. Makes enough for a few salads. Drizzle a bit over the spinach salad, toss and enjoy.

Mmmmm so good.

Yours in health,

Sean

PS. Follow the link for more Cooking With Beer Recipes.

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Most who know me have seen me go to town when it comes to Mexican food at one time or another. Known for my fresh made Guac, I can also put back my fare share of nachos. The problem with nachos is the calories add up very quickly.

To get my Mexican fix I stick to healthy recipes like this one. This tasty recipe is a regular I cook up and one to keep in your bag of tricks when guests unexpectedly show up.

The Corona Lime Fajita recipe is quick and easy, tastes incredible and is made fresh from scratch (no fajita kits in my kitchen). You’re going to love em… I do.

Watch below to see how I whip them up:
 

Corona Lime Fajitas

Here’s what you need for the Corona Lime Fajitas:

• 2 Chicken Breasts
• 2 Red Bell Peppers
• 1 bottle of Corona
• 2 Medium Red Onions or 1 large Red Onion
• 2 Limes
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 teaspoon of chili powder
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• ½ teaspoon of ground cumin
• ½ cup of Greek Yogurt
• 4-6 8-inch Whole-Wheat tortillas
• 2-4 Ounces of Cheddar Cheese
• ½ Cup of fresh spinach (chopped)
• Guac (homemade)
• Fresh Salsa (homemade)

 
Here’s what you need for the Guacamole:

• 2 Ripe Avocados
• 1 clove of garlic
• 5 Cherry tomatoes
• 2 table spoons of diced onion
• Sea Salt and Black Pepper
• Small pinch of cayenne pepper

 
Here’s what you need for the Fresh Salsa:

• 1 small red chili pepper
• 20-25 Cherry Tomatoes
• Small bunch of Cilantro
• 2 table spoons of diced onion
• Sea Salt and Black Pepper

 
Here’s how to put it all together:
 

Fajitas

 
Halve and seed your red peppers, then slice lengthwise into thin strips. Peel, halve and finely slice your red onions as well. Slice your chicken breasts into thin strips and place everything into a bowl.

Pour a half-cup of Corona, squeeze the juice of 1 lime and add 1 tablespoon of Extra Virgin Olive Oil to the bowl. Dump in your cumin, paprika, chili powder and season with a little sea salt and black pepper. Mix well and lit sit, tenderizing while you prepare your Guac and Salsa.
 

Salsa

 
Roughly chop your cherry tomatoes and cilantro. Finely chop your chili pepper and dice up 2 tablespoons of onion. Add everything to a bowl then drizzle in 1 tablespoon of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, squeeze in the juice of 1 lime and stir everything together.
 

Guacamole

 
Halve, seed and score the insides of your 2 ripe avocados. Use a spoon to scoop out the fleshy inside and place in a bowl. Finely chop the garlic, dice up another 2 tablespoons of onion, roughly chop your 5 cherry tomatoes and add everything to the bowl. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, squeeze in the juice of 1 lime and season with a little sea salt and pepper. Mix and mash with a fork.
 

Serve it up

 
Turn a grill pan to medium high, add the chicken mixture using tongs and cook until chicken is golden brown (roughly 7-9 minutes). Keep an eye of the chicken, turning the pieces so they cook evenly and don’t burn.

Heat your tortillas in the microwave for 15 seconds, spread some guacamole in them, and add your chicken and veggies, a little chopped spinach, a spoonful of Greek yogurt, fresh salsa and a little cheddar cheese. Squeeze over a little lime, sprinkle on some fresh cilantro and go to town.

Sooooo delicious.

Yours in health,

Sean

PS. Follow the link for more Cooking With Beer Recipes.

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As opposed to last weeks Beef and Guinness Stew today’s cooking with beer recipe (Beer Can Chicken) is a summer classic. I usually prefer to make this baby on the grill but due to the 25 cm (12 inches) of snow we had over the weekend the barbecue is covered and out of commission.

Not to worry, my version of Beer Can Chicken tastes just as good roasted in the oven.

The beer of choice for today’s Beer Can Chicken is a lager but any variety or your favorite kind will do. I’ve even seen people get creative, add sangria to an empty beer can, shove it up the chicken and fire it on the BBQ.

Like Beer Chili Con Carne this recipe takes a half can of beer so make sure to take a few gulps while prepping. (Little gulps… Leave half for the Chicken)

Watch below to see how it’s done:
 

Beer Can Chicken

Here’s what you need for the Beer Can Chicken:

• 1 – 3-4 pound Chicken (innards removed, washed inside/out and patted dry)
• 1 can of Beer (Lager)
• 2 cloves of garlic (finely chopped)
• Half a lemon
• Dried Rosemary and Thyme
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Sea Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper

How to put it all together:

Remove the innards (if any) from your chicken. Wash inside and out and pat dry.

Preheat your oven to 450°F but before you do make sure to place the bottom rack at its lowest position and remove the middle rack so the chicken can stand stall.

Finely Chop your fresh garlic, place in a bowl and mix together with a few pinches of rosemary and thyme.

Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and season with sea salt and pepper, rubbing it in all over.

Pat down the bird with the garlic, rosemary and thyme and squeeze the juice of half the lemon all over.

Place the (half full) beer can into a roasting pan (on a solid surface) and stand the bird (cavity down) onto the can using the legs to balance like a tripod.

Turn the oven down to 400°F and carefully place the bird in the oven. Cook for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes checking mid way through to make sure it isn’t drying out. Once done, remove and let stand covered with a clean towel for 10 minutes.

Carve it up; serve with a side of roasted brussel sprouts, asparagus and sweet potato and enjoy.

How to make your roasted brussel sprouts, asparagus and sweet potato:

Chop the ends off the brussel sprouts and remove the outer leaves. Chop the sweet potato into small cubes. Wash and dry the brussel sprouts, asparagus and sweet potato. Place everything into a bowl and season with sea salt and black pepper. Add approximately half a tablespoon of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and a teaspoon of Red Chili flakes. Mix well.

When there are 40 minutes left on the timer for the Beer Can Chicken put the brussel sprouts and sweet potato into a roasting dish and then into the oven. Add the asparagus for the last 10 minutes.

Soooooooooo good.

Yours in health,

Sean

PS. Follow the link for more Cooking With Beer Recipes.

Click Here and Start Earning Your Beer

Up next in our cooking with beer series is another one of my favorites. Perfect for cold dark winter nights this Beef and Guinness Stew is sure to delight.

Unlike the Beer Chili Con Carne this recipe takes a full can of Guinness so make sure to have another on hand to enjoy while prepping.

Watch below to see how it’s done:
 

Guinness and Beef Stew

Here’s what you need:

• 1 pound of stewing beef, diced into cubes
• 1 can of Guinness Draught
• 1 – 14 oz can of diced tomatoes
• 2 Celery Stalks, washed and chopped
• 2 Large Carrot Sticks, washed and chopped
• 2 Medium Onions, roughly chopped
• 1 Handful of Mushrooms, chopped
• 2 tbsp of spelt flour ground flax seed to thicken the stew (whole-wheat flour or all-purpose
• flour can also be used)
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 3-4 dried bay leaves
• Sea Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper

 
How to put it all together:

Roughly Chop all vegetables. Place the veges, olive oil and bay leaves into the pan over high heat and cook for 8-10 minutes stirring occasionally.

Then add your flour (or ground flax seed), meat, Guinness and diced tomatoes. Stir and season with sea salt and black pepper.

Bring to a boil and then reduce heat. Cover and let simmer for up to 3 hours or until beef is tender all the way through.

If the stew is still too runny, remove lid for the last half hour. If stew becomes too dry, add a splash of water. Remove bay leaves before serving.

Serve over a bed of Quinoa and a side salad. Enjoy.

Yours in health,

Sean

Click Here and Start Earning Your Beer

With the Super Bowl this Sunday what better time to not only introduce the new series (Cooking with Beer) but also share my all-time favorite recipe- Beer Chili Con Carne.

This easy to make recipe is packed so full of flavor you won’t even realize it is one of the healthiest Chili recipes on the planet.

When you combine the fiber from the veges and legumes (black and kidney beans) with the mouth watering spice concoction… you get a heart healthy, beer belly reducing bowl of glorious-ness.

Watch below as I show you how it’s done:
 

Chili Con Carne and Beer

Here’s what you need:

• 2 Medium Yellow Onions
• 2 Cloves of Garlic
• 2 Carrots
• 2 Celery Stalks
• 2 Red (Green, Yellow or Orange) Bell Peppers
• Big Handful of Mushrooms
• 1 Small Zucchini
• 1 – 24 oz Can of Diced Tomatoes
• 1 – 12 oz Can of Chick Peas (Garbanzo Beans)
• 1 – 12 oz Can of Black Beans
• 1 – 12 oz Can of Kidney Beans
• 1 pound of Extra Lean Ground Carne/Beef (Turkey or Chicken)
• 1 Can of your favorite Beer
• 2 table spoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 2 heaping tablespoons of Chili Powder
• 2 table spoons of Balsamic Vinegar
• 1 heaping teaspoon of Ground Cumin
• 1 heaping teaspoon of Cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon of Red Chili Flakes (more or less depending how spicy you like it)
• Sea Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper

 
How to put it all together:

Crack open the can of Beer and sip slowly making sure to save half of it for later.

Chop up all the veggies. Pour 2 tablespoons of olive or coconut oil into a large pot and turn to medium/high heat.

Toss in all the chopped veggies and add in the following spices: 2 heaping table spoons of Chili Powder, 1 heaping tea spoon of Ground Cumin (or Coriander), 1 heaping tea spoon of Cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of Red Chili Flakes (more or less depending how spicy you like it) and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Stir every 30-45 seconds for about 8-10 minutes.

Add the entire can of Diced Tomatoes. Drain and Rinse the Chick Peas, Black and Kidney Beans and stir them into the pot.

Pour in the 1/2 Can of your favorite Beer. With your wooden spoon slowly stir in and break apart the Ground Carne (allowing it to cook in the chili).

Stir in the 2 tablespoons of Balsamic Vinegar, and add another pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Reduce heat, cover and allow to simmer for about an hour or more, stirring occasionally.

Serve garnished with a scoop of plain Greek yogurt, some grated cheddar cheese and freshly chopped cilantro. Sooooo Good. Makes about 6 – 8 servings.

Enjoy.

Yours in health,

Sean

PS. Stay tuned for another one of my favourites – Beef and Guinness Stew.

Click Here and Start Earning Your Beer