Variations on a Theme
After yesterday’s beer soup and beer bread, I decided maybe I should continue using beer in my cooking. It seems rather fall-ish to do so; plus, David only buys the non-light kind, which has entirely too many calories to just drink. (As you can tell from my cooking, I like to spend my calories on what counts: food). When I started planning this menu, I thought it would be perfect because Abita, a Louisiana brewery, has just put out a beer called Fleur-de-lis Restoration Ale. One dollar from every six-pack purchase will go to the Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation, so why not support the cause by using the beer to cook with? Well, I am a little early; the beer isn’t on shelves yet. But it will be! And when it is, if you are so inclined, here’s almost a week’s worth of meals based around the brewed liquid. The Fleur-de-lis is a golden ale, and I used Abita Golden for all of these recipes; the substitution should work just fine. If you can’t get your hands on Abita, any medium-bodied golden beer will do.
These sandwiches are a cinch to throw together, and I love the combination of buttery avocado and salty, crunchy bacon. The onion rings take a little more time, and do NOT omit the rising step for the batter; it won’t puff properly in the oil if you do. I don’t make too many–they don’t keep well, and I am inclined to eat as many as I make, all in one sitting. Beware–they are addictive!
Spicy Beer-Battered Onion Rings
3 medium onions, sliced thickly
Milk
1 cup flour
1 cup beer
1/4 t. cayenne pepper
1 t. chili powder
1/2 t. cumin
Canola or vegetable oil
Seasoned salt
Mix the flour, beer, and spices; let sit for at least an hour. Soak the onions in milk meanwhile. Drain the onions; dry with paper towels. Heat about 2 inches of oil in a saucepan. Dip the onions in the batter, and fry until deep golden brown. They will start to float to the top of the oil when done. Drain on paper towels and season immediately with seasoned salt.
Turkey-Avocado Clubs
Sliced turkey
1 avocado
4 slices bacon
Spinach leaves
White cheddar cheese, sliced
Spicy Beer Bread
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Arrange 4 bread slices on a cookie sheet; top with cheese. Toast until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, cook the bacon. Top with sliced turkey, bacon, avocado slices, and spinach leaves. Makes 2 sandwiches.