Articles by Katherine Tomlinson
I'm an Army brat and spent six years in Germany, so I knew from an early age what good beer tasted like. I grew up with two grandmothers who were blue ribbon-winning cooks and bakers, so I know good food too. I like it simple and delicious and that's a combo that never fails.
So this year it’s your turn to host the Super Bowl Party. And your team is the favorite. Awesome. Let other people bring the chips and salsa, the soda and the pizza.
You’ll score big with these old school appetizers.
It’s cold. It’s gray. It’s winter. This is not a time for nouvelle cuisine. What you need is meat and potatoes served up fast, a meal that doubles as comfort food. This shepherd’s pie is just what you need to chase the chill away.
Elvis was known to eat as many as a dozen of these sandwiches at a time. Amateurs should probably start with just one. You want to pace yourself.
Avatar is a game-changer. People were skeptical, particularly when that first trailer hit and it looked like James Cameron had spent a quarter of a billion dollars to make Final Fantasy. But by the time footage screened at the San Diego Comic-Con last summer, the buzz was rising and it was not just positive, it was giddy. Then the second trailer arrived and served notice that Cameron’s multi-multi-million dollar movie was going to be … amazing.
For a really festive feel to the meal, break out some bottles of champagne-style beer. These Bière de Champagne brews are highly carbonated, with delicate flavor and a potent alcohol punch. Try Kasteel Cru, a pale pour with notes of apple and citrus and a crisp champagne taste with a touch of sweetness. An even more complex version of a Bière Brut is Malheur Cuvee Royale which has even more fruitiness (apricots, apples, citrus) and a nice dry finish.
At a big holiday bash you’ll want to have a supply of soft drinks and sparkling water to serve alongside the alcohol, but be sure not to stint on the beer. Bring out a selection of “winter-warmers” and seasonal brews to make a festive occasion a celebration of cheer. Samuel Smith’s Winter Welcome Ale, a malty, honey-amber colored brew, pairs as well with salty ham as it does with cake. Another excellent choice is the spicy, fruity, malty Jubelale from Deschutes Brewery in Oregon.
With dessert, especially if it’s chocolate, try He’brew Jewbelation Bar Mitzvah (aka Jewbelation 13) from 13-year-old Schmaltz Brewing Company. This limited edition kosher quaff is a richly complex Imperial Stout (13 kinds of malt and 13 different kind) with an ABV of 13 %.
Toast your Christmas generosity with one of the lovely spicy brews of the season, like Samuel Smith’s Winter Welcome Ale (which would go nicely with one of those spice cupcakes) or the clove and orange-infused Schlafly Christmas Ale, which is the perfect accompaniment to gingerbread.
