Cooking With Suds: Great Beer Makes Good Food Better

If you’re anything like me you’re always on the lookout for new and interesting ways to incorporate more beer into your diet. If you remember my “Beer is Good Food” post, you know it has its far share of health benefits. So why not cook with it?

And while we’re on the subject of beer, just because you’re cooking with it doesn’t mean you should skimp. The Boston Beer Company, proud parents of the Samual Adam’s brand of beer, knows a thing or two about good beer and good food. Their chef partner, David Burke, has once again managed to conjure up some dishes designed for the foodie in every beer lover. Just remember to have some ice cold on standby, while you cook, and to enjoy with your beertastic culinary creations.

Artichoke & Cheese Dip
Yield: 4 cups—serves 12
1 cup Samuel Adams Boston Lager
1 3/4 pounds artichoke hearts (two 14-ounce cans, drained, or equal quantity frozen and thawed)
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon minced lemon zest
1 tablespoon cracked black pepper
Several drops hot pepper sauce
8 ounces light cream cheese
1 egg white
1/2 cup plain bread crumbs

Preheat oven to 350F. Mix all the ingredients in a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Scrape the entire mixture into a 2 quart baking dish and bake for 30 minutes, or until browned and bubbly at the edges. Serve with carrot and celery sticks, slices of bell pepper, bread, or chips.

Fresh Mozzarella and Zucchini Pesto Panini
Filling:
2 tbsp Samuel Adams Noble Pils
1 cup zucchini, shredded
3 tbsp marcona almonds
1 clove garlic
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
12 basil leaves
1/2 tsp lemon zest
Black pepper and salt to taste

Sandwich:
1 loaf rustic ciabatta bread
6 balls fresh mozzarella sliced
Olive oil

Mix filling ingredients in food processor and pulse to rough puree. Slice bread lengthwise in half. Fill with zucchini pesto and mozzarella. Coat with olive oil and press in Panini maker until cheese is bubbly and melted. Cut into appetizer-sized pieces and serve.