Oktoberfest and Cooking with Beer

With Oktoberfest celebrations scheduled across the U.S. and the world, I thought I'd mention that besides drinking all that beer, you CAN cook with it, as well.

Beer is a pretty versatile ingredient, and can be used in a variety of dishes. Stew is a good example. Also, many chefs steam their shellfish or weenies with beer. It also has tenderizing properties that makes it an excellent meat marinade.

You can use beer in a glaze or baste, adding flavor to poultry and ham recipes. How about a beer-based batter for fried foods? You Betcha!

Keep in mind, Dark beers, Stout and Porter, for example have a stronger flavor than light beer. As with wine, when cooking with beer, cook with something you'd actually drink.

For Oktoberfest meals, I like to grill Bratwurst. Before I do so, I'll saute garlic and onions with butter (and a touch of olive oil) in a pot, add a few dark beers, and simmer for several minutes before placing the Brats on the grill.

Posted: Wednesday 29th September 2004, 11:18 AM

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