05/13/13

Brownie Pan Giveaway!

A few weeks ago, Huck asked me to make Brownies. WHAT? My sweets hating husband wants Brownies? After the shock of his request wore off, I told him I’d found a recipe for Chocolate and Peanut Butter Brownies recently that I wanted to try making with Beer. He thought that sounded like a great idea (Who is this man?)

Then, he told me the catch. He only wanted brownies if they were all corner pieces. I do not have a brownie pan, so unless he considered the whole pan a “Corner Piece” he wasn’t getting his wish. And I wouldn’t have anyone to help me eat a whole pan of Brownies.

The same day we had this conversation, Laura, a Pampered Chef Consultant, emailed me about using my Margarita Beer Cake recipe. I decided to ask her a few questions about the Pampered Chef Brownie Pan. I’ve seen so many neat recipes on Pinterest using the pan and thought it could come in handy.

Laura was kind enough to sponsor a Giveaway for a Pampered Chef Brownie Pan and one E-Cook Book for one Life Food and Beer reader. I used mine today and it’s awesome. My Chocolate and Peanut Butter Brownies with Brown Ale came out perfect, and Huck got his corner pieces.

I used Cigar City’s Maduro Brown Ale for this recipe. Any Stout, Porter, or Brown would work. This recipe uses Greek Yogurt instead of Butter, so it’s a little better for you than traditional Brownies.

Pinterest has other great recipes for the Brownie Pan like Omelets, Pancakes, and pizza. And it helps control proportion size, too.

To enter this giveaway, all you have to do is like Life Food and Beer and The Pampered Chef- Granny Laura’s Kitchen on Facebook. Then, leave a comment telling me what recipe you would like to make using the Brownie Pan. Be sure to leave your email address.

I will randomly select one winner on Saturday, May 18, 2013.

*Prize will be ship once winner is announced. Shipping to Continental US only.

Chocolate and Peanut Butter Brownies with Brown Ale

Print recipe

Website

Adapted From Sallys Baking Addiction

Ingredients

6oz Vanilla or Plain Greek Yogurt
1/4 cup Beer (Stout, Porter, or Brown Ale)
1 large Egg
1/2 cup Flour
1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
1 cup Sugar
1/4 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
1/4 cup Peanut Butter (Creamy or Chucky)

Directions


Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray Brownie Pan with Cooking Spray.

Combined Yogurt, Beer, and Egg in a bowl. Stir well to remove lumps from yogurt.

Combined Flour, Cocoa, Sugar, Baking Powder, and Salt in a large bowl. Add wet ingredients to dry and fully combined. Add batter to Brownie Pan, about 2 Tablespoons each.

Microwave Peanut Butter for 20-30 seconds. Spoon 1 teaspoon of peanut butter onto each brownie. Using a knife or chopstick, swirl brownie mixture and peanut butter together. Do not over mix.

Bake Brownies for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clear when inserted into center.

Allow to completely cool before removing from pan.

05/10/13

Chicken Gyro and Date night

I made this the other day and it was amazing! I’ve made my version of Chicken Gyros a few times in the past and realized it hasn’t made it on the blog yet.

The first time I made this, I found a recipe in a magazine. I used chicken cutlets and layered it with different ingredients. Then, I baked it in the oven. I’m not sure where that recipe is now. In a box somewhere in the garage probably.

For this recipe, I added some of the beer I used in the Lemon Bars. I had all my ingredients mixed in a bowl and the beer was just sitting there. I was going to drink it but realized it was only 9:30. That’s a little to early for anything but coffee.

Huck told me he really like the Chick-a-Pea Salad. I laughed and told him they were called Chickpeas! But I’m calling them Chick-a-Peas from now on.

Date Night

Huck pulled a stick from our Date Night Jar Wednesday.

This is one of the dates Huck added to the jar.

We decided to find a Burger place we’ve never been to. I pulled up Google and found Chuck Burger Joint on PGA in Palm Beach Gardens.

After we went to the gym, we headed over for dinner. I’ve past this place a hundred times and never noticed it.

The first thing I did noticed was the small menu. Nothing annoys me more than a big menu. I get overwhelmed with too many options. One page menus make me happy. I can’t second guess myself to many times.

Huck ordered the ChuckBurger with Bacon, and I ordered the BellaBurger. My “burger” was a grilled portabella mushroom with avocado, lettuce, tomato, and chuck sauce (like a flavored mayo). And we split an order of fries.

When we got our order, we both agreed, the burgers were pretty small. About the size of a regular cheese burger at McDonalds.

Huck said his burger was OK, but I really enjoyed mine. I’ve seen portabellas burgers before but never ordered one. I’m definitely a fan! And we both agreed the fries were good.

I’m not sure if Huck would return, but I would order the BellaBurger again.

Weekend Plans

We do not have much planned for this weekend. We are going to the Food Truck Invasion in Downtown Abacoa tonight and hoping to go back to the beach.

Oopie loved the beach last weekend.

Let me rephrase. He loved the beach… Hated the water! A wave attached him. He wasn’t happy with us after that!

This is the “I’m wet and hate you” face!

We made him a little shade to keep cool. He was happy here. He could people watch without fear of another wave attack!

Well, that’s all for now. I hope everyone has a great weekend.

Chicken Gyro with Summer Ale Beer

Print recipe

Serves

8 Gyros

Ingredients

1lb Chicken Breast (Cut into Strips)
1/2 cup Plain Greek Yogurt
1/2 cup Beer
2 tablespoons Mint (Chopped)
1 clove Garlic (Chopped)
1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
Salt and Pepper To Taste
2 teaspoons Dry Oregano
8 Pitas
Cumcumbers, Tomatoes, and Onions (Toppings)
Tzatziki Sauce (Cucumber Yogurt Sauce)

Directions


Combine all ingredients into a large bowl (Not the pita, toppings, or tzatziki sauce) Stir to fully coat chicken in sauce. Cover and place in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours.

Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Spray pan with cooking spray and add chicken. When adding the chicken remove any excess marinate. Otherwise the chicken will boil in the sauce. This isn't bad, but it will not brown.

Cook 2-3 minutes and flip. Cooking times will depend on the size of your chicken strips. Continue cooking until chicken is cooked through.

Serve in a warm pita topped with cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions, and my homemade tzatziki sauce.

Chickpea and Cucumber Salad

Print recipe

Serves

Ingredients

1 can Chickpeas (Drained and Rised)
1/2 English Cucumber (Diced)
1/2 Bell Pepper (Diced)
1/2 pint Cherry Tomatoes (Cut in Half)
1/8 cup Red Onion (Chopped- Optional)
1 clove Garlic (Finely Chopped or Grated)
2 tablespoons Fresh Mint (Chopped)
1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
1 tablespoon Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper To Taste

Directions


Combine all ingredients. Cover and place in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Tzatziki Sauce (Cucumber Yogurt Sauce)

Print recipe

Ingredients

1/2 English Cucumber (Peeled and Grated.)
1 cup Plain Greek Yogurt
2 tablespoons Fresh Mint (Chopped)
1 clove Garlic (Very fine chop or mashed)
1/2 tablespoon Lemon Juice
1/2 teaspoon Red Wine Vinegar

Directions


Grate cucumber and squeeze to remove excess liquid. Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

05/8/13

Lemon Bars

It’s another WIAW (What I Ate Wednesday)! WOW! Well, it’s WIAT technical. Huck and I had “date night” tonight, and I’ll share that with you tomorrow.

Of course yesterday, I had Coffee for breakfast.

My coffee was happy! Or laughing at me? I’m not sure.

Huck’s supervisor was coming to our house, for a ride along, and Huck asked me to cook lunch. No problem! I love to cook.

I decided to make Chicken Gyros with “Chickapea” Salad, and Lemon Bars.

{I’ll be back with this yummy/easy recipe tomorrow}

I used Samuel Adams Summer Ale in the Lemon Bars and Gyros.

I went back for seconds of everything. I think I impressed his boss

Once they arrived back, we showed her around the area.

We stopped at Bubba Gump for an early dinner. Huck and I split the Run Across America Sampler. It came with Bubba’s Far Out Dip and Chips, Chilly Shrimp, Spicy Chicken, Seafood Hush Pups (SO GOOD), and Fried Shrimp. It was the perfect amount of food for the two of us.

And it came with the perfect view!

After eating, we walked next door to Square Grouper for another beer and enjoy the beautiful day.

I enjoyed another Lemon Bar when we got home, too. I took the rest to our neighbors. Huck doesn’t eat sweets, and I knew I would’ve ate all of them if they were left in the house.

And that was another WIAT. Go check out Peas and Crayons for more great recipes.

In other news, I FINALLY received my new logo. It only took 3 graphic designers and 2 months, but it is complete.

I wanted a cartoon girl holding a wooden spoon and dark beer. And her shirt to be black with GEORGIA across the chest. When I opened the file, it kind of scared me. I didn’t expect it to look so much like me. The mouth looks weird but it’s a cartoon. That’s what I keep telling myself.

I was able to order my business cards this afternoon, and they will be here just in time for the Bloggers Conference next weekend.

I can’t wait!!

Now, I’m off to bed.

Lemon Bars with Summer Ale Beer

Print recipe

Website

Adapted Slightly from The Beeroness

Ingredients

1 cup Flour
1/3 cup Powdered Sugar
3 tablespoons Butter
3 tablespoons Plain Greek Yogurt (I used Chobani)
3 large Eggs
1 1/2 cup Sugar
1/4 cup Flour
2 tablespoons Corn Starch
1/3 cup Lemon Juice (Fresh)
1/4 cup Beer (I used a Summer Ale)

Directions


Crust: Combine flour, powdered sugar, butter, yogurt, and salt in a food processor. Pulse until fully combined. Spray a backing dish with cooking spray, and press mixture into bottom of pan. Chili for 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 350. Bake crust for 25 minutes or until brown. Allow to cool.

Filing: Combined eggs, sugar, flour, and corn starch in a large bowl. Add lemon and beer. Pour filing over crust and bake for 25 minutes. The center will be firm. Once cooked, cool for 2-3 hours. Cut and serve.

Dust with additional powdered sugar if desired.

04/29/13

My Weekend in Pictures

This weekend was busy and fun! Just the way I like it.

These two are not fans of us having fun without them. They get a look in their eyes when they know we’re leaving.

Reminds me of the Sarah McLachlan videos.

Saturday Morning

Wake Boarding and Day Drinking!

6% Alcohol + no breakfast or lunch = Free entertainment for Huck!

Huck brought our wakeboards, and I didn’t think we get a chance to use them. I told him to just leave mine in the car. Never again!! We did get to wakeboard, and his board was way to big. I only got up once and fell a few seconds later. It was awesome wakeboarding though! I miss it so much.

Saturday Night

The problem with day drinking… Unless you keep drinking, your whole day is done. We spent Saturday afternoon/night watching TV and eating Chinese.

Sunday

Sunday, after watching the guys brew beer, we went to Deck 84 in Delray Beach. Not a bad way to end a beautiful weekend!

04/28/13

My first youTube video!

Yep. I made a YouTube video. Just in case you needed more Life Food and Beer.

This first video is… rough. I say um way to many times, it’s cheesy, and the lighting makes me look older. But I’m posting it anyways. While editing, I learned a lot about Windows Movie Maker and know the next one will be a million times better.

For now, you are stuck with this one… ENJOY!

I can not upload my video, but you can click the link below.

How To Reduce Beer

My Recipe- Stout Oatmeal Cookies

This is my favorite cookie recipe.

Stout Oatmeal Cookies

Print recipe

Ingredients

6oz Stout Beer
3/4 cups Butter
1 cup Brown Sugar
1/2 cup Sugar
1 large Egg
1 teaspoon Vanilla
1 cup All Purpose Flour
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
1/4 teaspoon Salt
3 cups Old Fashion Oats
Beer Glaze (See Recipe Below)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In sauce pan, reduce beer over low heat by half. You will have 3 oz beer when finished. Cool to room temperature before adding to mixture. Stir often because it can burn. See video for detailed instructions on how to reduce the beer.

Mix together butter, sugars, eggs, vanilla, and beer.

In a different bowl combined flour, salt, and baking soda. Add dry ingredients, in small batches, to wet ingredients.

Mix in oats and fully combined.

Measure out 1-2 tablespoon of batter and place on lined cookie sheet.

Bake at 350 for 10-15 minutes. (I like my cookies gooey so I cooked them for 10-12 minutes. Huck likes his crispy 12-15 minutes.)

Beer Glaze

Print recipe

Ingredients

1/2 cup Reduced Beer (12 oz of beer reduced)
Powdered Sugar

Directions


Mix cooled beer into powdered sugar a teaspoon at a time until you get the consistency and flavor desired.

04/26/13

Els for autism

A few weeks ago, Fran from TBC called Huck and asked if we would like to help with an upcoming event. Considering most of our days are spent just the two of us in our home working, we jumped at the opportunity.

The event was hosted by TBC and Els for Autism. I learned that Ernie Els is a famous golfer and started Els for Autism after his son was diagnosed with Autism. The Ernie Els Foundation raises money for research to better understand and treat autism. They are also raising money to open a facility, The Els Center of Excellence (you can read more about the center on the website. It’s very interesting.) The Els’ have donated $6 million of their own money to the project.

Last night’s event was held at the Old Palm Golf Club.

(Source)

This was my location for the night. We had a great view of the sunset!

Huck had a great view of the waterfall.

The event was a Craft Beer and Food pairing. Local restaurants prepared a dish to complement one of TBC’s beers. Each restaurant was given a different beer.

Huck arrived early to help setup. All the guys were running around none stop when I arrived. I felt so bad just standing around while they were working so hard. I did help hang the signs It also gave me a change to check out what was on the menu and take pictures before the guest arrived.

I failed as a Food Blogger when it came to the pictures. It is so hard holding a plate of food, a glass of beer, and trying to take a picture.

I was really excited to see Coolinary Cafe was one of the restaurants at the event. It’s on my list of restaurants to try.

Evo was out of food when I made my rounds. I heard a few people say it was good, though. They are another restaurant on my need to try list.

I literally got the last scoop of Paella from Red Tapas. I know the picture doesn’t look great, but it was pretty good. I’m a huge fan of Paella anyways. Rice with meat and seafood… Yes please!

Huck handed out the Hop Scotch beer with Leftovers. (Leftovers is my favorite restaurant in South Florida… Maybe my favorite restaurant of all time!)

The Pork Slider from Cafe Chardonnay was tasty. I love slaw on a pork sandwich.

Rockstar was setup in the very front, and I completely forgot to check them out when I was making my rounds. Foodie Fail!

I also forgot to try the Milk Stout! My glass was full, and I said I would go back and never did. I made sure to take a picture of the cow, though. I know it’s hard to tell but the beer was served from the udder. So creative!!

I was serving the Irish Red Ale. Matt told me they picked me because I looked Irish. I have pale skin; I get it

I was paired with Chef Carlino from ChefCorp. They are not a restaurant but prepare food for local private schools and healthcare faculties. They also have cooking camps during the summer for kids. I’ve tried Chefcorp’s food before at The Field of Beer event in January. A lady walked up and started talking about his donuts at the WPB Green Market. I wanted to hug him when I realized he was the guy that makes the Cider Donuts! If you remember my post from Field of Beer, you will remember that was my favorite dish from the whole night. The only one I actually took the time to talk about. Best Donut ever!!

He prepared an Irish Pizza to go with the Irish Red. Lots of people stopped by for 2 or 3 servings. The three of us decided we won for best food and beer. I tried almost everything and the pizza was my favorite from the night. TBC’s Irish Red was my favorite beer (I’m sure that would of changed it I’d tried the Milk Stout). And how can you go wrong with Pizza and Beer.

The pizza was served with a White Balsamic sauce. I want to recreate it at home and drizzle it over everything!

The event was over at 9 and the guys had everything cleaned up and ready to go by 930. It was a great event for a great cause. Thanks again, TBC, for letting us help out.

Tomorrow is a big day for LF&B. I’ll post a link for my first YouTube video, How To Reduce Beer. Super exciting!

04/14/13

Spring Break Bitches!

We survived!

This was the best group of people to spend the weekend with. There were 9 people that wanted to have fun. There was no drama, no one got lost, no one got arrested, and we all had a great time.

Our Group

Deena- The Birthday Girl

Alex- The Director

Huck- The Beer Guru

Matty- The Dancing Machine

Jenna- The Beer Pong Champ

Kaitrin- The Key West Virgin

Morgan- The Social Media Coordinator

Ty- The Party Girl

And Me- The Photographer

We arrived at our condo, The Pelican Landing, around 2PM and started unloaded the cars. 9 people= a lot of luggage.

Our Condo over looked the docks.

We started our time in Key West by the pool with Alex’s famous burgers.

The rest of the day was spent the usually way…

Alcohol

Beer Pong

The moment Huck lost his man card! (Thanks Deena;)!)

A Naughty Piñata named Ramona

and more alcohol…

Alex is a genius by the way (don’t let that go to your head!!) He handed out the address to our condo before we went out for the night. This came in handy when we were leaving the bar.

Saturday, we did a Reef and Rita Snorkeling trip with Fury.

The water was rough and made snorkeling really hard. I would try to put my mask on and water would hit me in the face and go up my nose. It didn’t help my life vest was getting way to personal with me.

After snorkeling and lunch we went to the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square. Sombreros were mandatory.

It was a great weekend with great people. I hope we can do it again.

Now back to the real world!!

*UPDATE*

Alex make a video from our trip. Check it out.

Key West Video

04/11/13

There’s beer in my cake… Again!

My new favorite thing… making cake with beer. It’s so easy!

As you may remember, we are going to Key West tomorrow for Deena’s birthday celebration. The theme is “Mi Quince Double!” My Double 15 I thought the theme was awesome. This weekend will include mustaches, sombreros, Mexican Beer, and Tequila. I was so excited until I heard the word Tequila. I’m not going to lie… I’m a little scared!

To continue the Mexican theme, I decided to make Deena a cake. You can’t have a birthday without cake, and I can’t make a cake without beer!

(Please excuse the ugly pan. I didn’t want to misplace one of my good ones.)

I got the idea for my cake from this picture.

(Source)

My original plan was to make the cake with Margarita Mix. As I was making dinner last night, I found this in our refrigerator.

Huck found this in our cooler after the Easter Beach Party. I’m not really sure how it ended up in our cooler. Huck thought it was a joke.

I’m not going to lie, the Bud Light Lime Lime-A-Rita is HORRIBLE! It’s way to sweet for my liking. I couldn’t imagine drinking a glass of this stuff. I almost didn’t add it to my cake mix but remembered Margarita mix is really sweet too. Honestly, it taste like Margarita mix without the alcohol. The bottle said it was “Flavored Ale”.

I went for it, and I’m really glad I did. The lime flavor really comes through. I made myself a small sample to make sure it tasted OK. I don’t want to serve bad cake. SO GOOD!

Well that’s it for today. I have a few things to do before bed. My plan is to be in bed early. Not sure if it will happen.

You can follow me on Instagram to see how our trip is going… If I can remember ~~how~~ to post pictures. Today, I posted a picture of my photography setup. It looks much different than the view you see in this pictures.

I’ll see you guys in a few days.

Margarita Cake with Lime-A-Rita

Print recipe

Ingredients

1 Box White Cake Mix
3 Eggs
1/4 cup Unsweetened Applesauce
1 cup Lime Flavor Beer (I used Bud Light Lime Lime-A-Rita)
2 Limes (Juiced and Zested)
1/2 Container Cream Cheese Icing

Directions


Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease desired baking dish.

Combined cake mix, eggs, applesauce, and beer in a large bowl. Add zest from 1 lime to cake mix and pour into baking dish.

Bake according to box directions. Once cake is done, remove from oven, and poke the top with a fork. Pour juice from lime over top of cake. Allow to fully cool.

Once cake is cooled, combined juice and 1/2 zest from other lime with icing. Top cake with icing and sprinkle with extra lime zest.

ENJOY!

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Chocolate and Peanut Butter Brownies with Brown Ale

Ingredients

Directions

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Date Night

Weekend Plans

Chicken Gyro with Summer Ale Beer

Ingredients

Directions

Chickpea and Cucumber Salad

Ingredients

Directions

Tzatziki Sauce (Cucumber Yogurt Sauce)

Ingredients

Directions

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Lemon Bars with Summer Ale Beer

Ingredients

Directions

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Saturday Morning

Saturday Night

Sunday

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My Recipe- Stout Oatmeal Cookies

Stout Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients

Directions

Beer Glaze

Ingredients

Directions

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Our Group

Deena- The Birthday Girl

Alex- The Director

Huck- The Beer Guru

Matty- The Dancing Machine

Jenna- The Beer Pong Champ

Kaitrin- The Key West Virgin

Morgan- The Social Media Coordinator

Ty- The Party Girl

And Me- The Photographer

Alcohol

Beer Pong

A Naughty Piñata named Ramona

and more alcohol…

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Margarita Cake with Lime-A-Rita

Ingredients

Directions

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