Beer Braised Beef Stew with Brussels Sprouts

Beer Braised Beef Stew with Brussels Sprouts

Well, this was supposed to be my St. Patrick's Day recipe but due to circumstances beyond my control, I was out of town this past week and was away from my computer, camera, etc. So while this is getting to you a little late, I think it would still be a great weekend meal on these cold March days. Yes, I said cold March days, even here in South Carolina! Nothing warms you up on a cold, rainy day better than a nice soup or stew. This recipe is very simple and filling and once again it includes my favorite local beer- Deepwater Dopplebock by Thomas Creek Brewery. You can substitute any dark beer.  The original recipe calls for Guinness but when you have such great local brews right at your fingertips why not substitute. Another perk with this recipe is that since you only use one beer for the stew, there will be plenty left to sip while cooking.
 Enjoy!

Peanut Butter Cup, Chocolate Stout Cookies



Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Stout Cookies

So this is a hard one to write y'all. If you have followed my blog at all you know that this whole thing started as a way to vent during a hard time in my life (as well as a simple way to document my life as it is in present time.) It is also a way to revisit my heritage and recipes that have been my family recipes for years. I think, up until this time, I have used this blog to revisit where I am from and what I have been through and you all have helped me in that journey. And by no means has that journey stopped, I am just hoping that it has evolved....
Let me start by saying that, at times, in life as a relationship evolves or become stagnant, it can either change and improve or disappear. I am at that stage....

I am doing all that I can to change. I have been working for quite a while at getting ME back.  I have made this blog to help in the process of transformation.  In the past year, as you know, I have had hardship in my personal life, (hello newcomers, read my About section, LOL!) but these past two weeks I have taken it upon myself to ask another for a change; a change that I wanted for for a long time but was unable to go after.   In the past year, I have worked so hard to become the stronger person that I am. I have made stronger personal relationships, family connections and business commitments.  But most importantly, I have renewed strength in my personal and love requirements and I hope that will make all the difference.

At times, in life, I have learned through my experience, and through some trusted friends experiences (who I love more and more each day because they were willing to share their heartache with me,) people loose sight of what is important.  For whatever reason, life has a way of throwing each of us into situations that, at the time we are not ready to deal with.  While it might break us for a while, and distract us in our path, it does not mean we don't know the way.... It just makes us more able to define ourselves and what as individuals makes us happy. And there is nothing wrong with a little self discovery, as long as it leads you in the right direction in the end. In the past year, this is a path that I have traveled.

There are some really scary questions I have been asking myself lately.  Will my personal  change come in enough time???? Will others be able to forgive???? Can love overcome everything else????..... And unfortunately, I don't have those answers but I am ever hopeful and full of love and commitment.

I have included this recipe for this post because it is a super simple recipe that anyone could make. It was one of my Mom's favorites for that reason. I am not sure where she got it, but it was a staple in my house growing up and still is present every year at our beach trip and multiple other occasions. In this post, I have changed the original to make it evolve with the times; a little complicated, a little difficult to define but still the original recipe we all fell in love with;  a lot like the people I hold dear... Is your recipe ready to evolve.... to become better than it ever was.... to change.....  mine is!

Chocolate Dopplebock Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Chocolate Dopplebock Cupcake- Yum!

In all the packing, sorting craziness that is my life right now I decided that today needed to be a day for me. OK! I did not allow myself the whole day (I had a few appointments) but I did allow half!  I woke up this morning needing some "kitchen therapy." If you have followed this blog at all you know that typically means there is STRESS in my life. (If we go too much into that, this could become a whole other blog.)  I started to look through my cabinets and fridge to see what ingredients I had to work with. After looking through my iPad recipe book where I stash interesting things I find online, I ran across this recipe. I think it is from one of those St Patty's day festive recipes sites that I found at some point and then quickly forgot about but today was it's day to shine.

OK for those that really know me you know that I am a craft beer enthusiast. I enjoy trying new beer and love pairing different beers with different foods. Here in Greenville, SC there has been great opportunity for the beer culture to really grow. There is a good number of restaurants that have great beer selections including high gravity choices. We have quite a few craft beer stores that specialize in growlers, tasting events and general beer knowledge. Of course I have my fav and have to mention them here. The guys at  The Community Tap  are always knowledgeable, friendly and if you call ahead they will even put your favorite beer in the fridge so you can pick it up on the way home from work. Guilty!

We also have an excellent brewery in town that has a great following of which I am part of.  Thomas Creek Brewery has quite a few great brews but my personal favorite is the Deep Water Dopplebock Lager. When I rediscovered this recipe this morning, I knew that I had a six pack of this dark beer in the fridge. From previous tastings, I knew that it went wonderfully with chocolate so I thought this recipe was a perfect match.  The original recipe called for a stout, preferably Guiness, but as you know I love local and I love this Dopplebock!

I will mention that as these cupcakes bake the beer smell is heavenly! And in the finished product the underlying beer flavor really comes through complimenting the chocolate.

Thomas Creek Dopplebock and other less important ingredients.