01/7/14

Brussels Sprouts Gratin and Sailfish Brewery

Honestly, I can’t remember eating Brussels Sprouts growing up. The first time, I remember trying them, was a few years ago. I’ve been a lover every since, but the only way I ever make them is roasted or sautéed in a pan with Crumbed Bacon, Garlic, and Crushed Red Pepper.

A few weeks ago, Huck wanted Potatoes Gratin. I decided to change it up some. While searching through the freezer, I found a bag of Brussels Sprouts, and came up with a plan.

Brussels Sprouts Gratin with Beer, Bacon, and Cheese. Yummy!! I actually made this for Christmas dinner and everyone loved it. We’ll, I think everyone loved it. There wasn’t any left, and I got lots of compliments.

For this recipe, I used Cigar City’s Hotter Than Helles Lager. It’s not actually hot but a nice refreshing lager. Munich Helles Lagers are a style of beer. Helles is actually German for Bright. It’s a bright yellow, light refreshing beer. I ordered this beer a few weeks ago on a trip to Fort Peirce.

Fort Pierce and Sailfish Brewery

A few weeks ago, Huck and I were sitting around bored. We both wanted out of the house but couldn’t decided what to do. We finally decided to venture north to Sailfish Brewery. We’ve talked about going for a while and figured it was the perfect excuse to get out of the house. It’s a new Brewery in Fort Pierce, about and hour north of our house. Once we arrived, he had an early dinner at the Original Tiki Bar.

It was an open bar style restaurant right on the water.

I thought I took pictures of our food, but can’t find them. I ordered a Beer Battered Fish sandwich, that was amazing, and Huck ordered Chicken nachos that he really enjoyed as well. We were really surprised with how good the food was. Bars can be hit or miss when it comes to food.

After dinner, we stopped at P.P. Cobb General Store. Karl told Huck about their impressive craft beer selection. The owner told us he had over 500 different beers.

You can build your own six pack from any beers in the store, even if they’re in a case. Huck started pulling beers out of 6 pack boxes, and I told him you can’t just start pulling any beer out you want. He quickly informed me he could. He’d talked to the owner while I was gawking at the beer.

They also have craft or specialty sodas. They reminded me of the old fashion Coca Cola bottles. Everyone, in town we talked to, raved about the food there, too. They served lunch everyday. I’d like to plan a trip back just for lunch. The city of Fort Pierce is spending a bunch of money to revamp the Downtown area. It was a neat area with cute shops. I wish we had more time to wonder around. It was getting dark by the time we left P.P. Cobb.

Once we bought our beer and random general store stuff, we headed to Sailfish. Sailfish is location in a historical building in downtown Fort Pierce. Another fun fact, one of the girls in the Barley Doll’s, husband, is part owner of the brewery. I spoke with the head brewer a few months ago about possibly doing a brew class with a couple of BD’s and Sailfish. Which reminds me, I should work on that for an upcoming BD event.

They’re currently expanding the brewery, and were installing new equipment when we were there. The building to the right will be their new brew house. They had a nice outdoor patio, too.

I can’t remember exactly what beers we tried. I ordered a light beer, a wheat maybe. It was a good beer for what it was. I’ve noticed I don’t like wheat beers that much anymore. I like hops! Huck ordered a Brown that was really good.

We got a growler of the brown to go, so I could enjoy one when we got home.

It was a fun day. We explored a new area close to home and added another brewery to our list. If you’re ever near the Treasure Coast, I recommend a trip to Fort Pierce and Sailfish.

Brussels Sprouts Gratin

Serves 4
This recipe is great for a cold day. I recommend using a Lager or American Wheat Beer. Strong flavors or bitter beers can over powered the dish. Serve with Roasted Poultry or Beef for a complete meal.

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup Milk
  • 1/3 cup Beer (Lager, Pale Ale, Wheat)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • Pepper to Taste
  • 1/2 cup Shredded Cheese (I used Vermont Sharp by Cabot)
  • 3-4 pieces Bacon (Cooked and Crumbed)
  • 1lb Brussels Sprouts (Thawed and Drained)
  • 1/2 cup Panko Bread Crumbs (Regular Bread Crumbs will work too)
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (Fresh Grated is best)
  • 2 tablespoons Melted Butter
  • Cooking Spray

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Combined the Milk, Beer, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, and Pepper in a large bowl. Once fully combined add the Brussels Sprouts, Cheese, and Bacon.
In another bowl combined Bread Crumbs, Parmesan Cheese, and Melted Butter.
Spray a baking dish with Cooking Spray and add the Brussels Sprout mixture. Evenly cover the top with the Bread Crumbs and Cheese mixture.
Place baking dish in the preheated oven and cook for 25-30 minutes or until Brussels Sprouts are desired tenderness and top is golden brown.
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