Welcome to the first Virtual Cookout of the Summer! I've assembled a round-up of links to recipes from Food and Drink Examiners all over the US, and it's going to be a delicious Fourth of July feast! They've got tasty entrees, side dishes, and desserts, and I've got the all-American beer pairings, of course. Let's get the patriotic party started!
Virginia Messina, the Seattle Vegan Examiner has chili dogs and vegan grilling tips, and they're having a great time with beers from Sierra Nevada, Sixpoint Craft Ales from Brooklyn and even Dos Equis.
The carnivores have their grill fired up, with Recipes for Ultimate Grilling from Steven Raichlen, courtesy of Sarah Parkin, the Phoenix Farmer's Market Examiner. Try a rich porter, maybe even a smoked porter, to complement and cool off after Steven's Hellfire Steaks. And for the unique flavors of grilled mussels, a pilsner or an IPA might do the trick. Try Dogfish 120 Minute IPA for a really fierce hop, or maybe a milder white beer. Brooklyn Brewery's East India Pale Ale would be great, as would Six Point's Righteous Rye, or their Sweet Action.
Coney Island Albino Python, by the Shmaltz Brewery, has fun spices that would riff off the mussels, and also pair nicely with the delicious crab and corn cake Dawn Viola, Orlando Food Examiner is bringing to the table.
Lori Florio, the NY Italian Foods Examiner has a zippy Italian Burger planned, perfect for the same Brooklyn Pennant Ale I paired with my meatball and veggie pizza earlier this week. Midland Food Examiner Mary Ann Lien has a great guide to ribs. Amber ales would be refreshing, and a brown ale, like Brooklyn Brown would pair nicely with a tangy barbecue sauce. I hear great things about Rogue Independence Ale paired with bbq, but haven't tried it yet.
Two kinds of potato salad come from Susan Slade, the Pasco County Food Examiner. You could stick with the beers we've already got for the meaty dishes, or a fun contrast, try Six Points Righteous Rye, Victory Hop Devil, or maybe even a milder smoked porter.
And then we get to desserts... a succulent selection of cherry recipes from Donna Diegel, Providence Food Examiner. Try Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout and wallow in the chocolatey goodness of her brownies or cherry kisses, the creaminess of her cheesecake or clafouti, the rich cherry almond scones, or the granola cookies featuring white chocolate chips. For the tarter cobblers, it depends on the effect you want to create. Rogue Mocha Porter's coffee tones might work here. While Rogue Hazelnut brown is both delicious enough to stand alone and forthright enough to overpower these fantastic desserts, it might make for an inventive pairing. Rogue Somer Ale might also be fun with the more acidic fruit flavors of the cobbler.
I know there are recipes, and beer pairings, I've missed. What's cooking at your Fourth of July Celebration? And what's on tap? Leave a comment!
Comments
an excellent idea, and well handled, Elizabeth. when you figure out how to pair beer with vodka (see Boilermaker) do let's take advantage of that
Elizabeth, any ideas on what to pair with Anderson Valley Summer Solstice Cerveza Crema?
Great article!
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