Category: What’s Cooking


Bavarian Pretzels and Pretzel Bread

Filed Under: Images (Food & Drink), What's Cooking by ABREWCADABREW — Leave a comment
3 January, 2012

For my inaugural post of 2012, I’ll write about something I love nearly as much as beer: bread! And one of my favourite breads to enjoy with beer are pretzels; specifically, Bavarian pretzels. Last year I was able to feast on them in Europe; this year I had to make them myself.

Bavarian Soft Pretzels

Not only were they sehr schmackhaft (very tasty), but they were also easy and quick to make. I used Brad Smith’s Soft Pretzel Recipe from his BeerSmith blog:
Click the link above for instructions

  • 1 packet active dry bread yeast
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 2 tablespoons soft butter or margarine
  • 2 3/4 cups bread flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 5 teaspoons baking soda (for glazing)
  • Coarse salt (if desired)

    • The very next day, using the same recipe, I baked these – pretzel bread!

    Bavarian Pretzel Bread

    Aye, my tummy is content for now. Is yours? Give Bavarian pretzels a go and let me know!

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    SYOKU-YABO: Revisited

    Filed Under: Bars, Pubs, Restaurants, Images (Food & Drink), What's Cooking by ABREWCADABREW — Comments Off
    9 May, 2011

    Last Saturday I went to my brother-in-law’s organic farm, SYOKU-YABO, for an all day-night party with the FAMILY™. I hadn’t been there in a while, so I was impressed by how much the place has improved. He’s got more greens in the garden, more furnishings and painted walls, and even a new cook and staff – I’m desirously proud at what he’s accomplished so far.

    As is always the case when the FAMILY™ convenes, we all brought food for the occasion. I came armed with homemade sausages: one filled with breaded pork and Herbes de Provence, the other with a Mexican green chili sauce. My wife in turn cooked up a spinach and ricotta cheese lasagna, her first time to for someone other than me.

    Much fun was had and feasting done; in the end, an event I’ll not soon forget! So why not do yourself a favour and get out of the house – go visit SYOKU-YABO! It’s not the most accessible location, but getting there will make it all worthwhile. Beautiful wide open spaces free to the public, hearty healthy food, and eclectic teas and 焼酎 (shōchū) to indulge. What better way to enjoy the spring and approaching summer?

    Just be sure to contact me before you do. I might be able to meet you there. :wink:

    Click here for previous SYOKU-YABO images

    SYOKU-YABO
    神奈川県横須賀市芦名 2-1700 大楠山登山口入り口 (Access | アクセス).

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    Golden Week Beer Geeking: Part III

    Filed Under: Images (Food & Drink), Images (What's Brewing), To-Do's & Tada's, What's Cooking by ABREWCADABREW — Comments Off
    7 May, 2011

    Saturday is here and so is the rain; Golden Week is nearly over and gone again. The majority of mine was spent either out drinking or at home unpacking new beer gear and toys, including: a 45L mash tun and wort chiller (images here), five vials of White Labs yeast, three 3L Erlenmeyer flasks, and a refractometer.

    I also placed my first malt and specialty grain order at Advanced Brewing, which will be used in the creation of my inaugural 100% all-grain beer: a Belgian Pale Ale code-named: AOKBPA. The shipment is supposed to arrive next weekend; I’m itching to brew on the 18th. Has it really only been a year since I started all of this? :shock:

    Today I’m making sausages for my mother-in-law’s Mother’s Day party. We’re meant to have it at SYOKU-YABO this afternoon; the weather, however, might have other plans in store for us – we’ll see. But tomorrow I’ll definitely be relaxing at home, contemplating the return to WORK™.

    The week was certainly a blast while it lasted, I can’t believe how deep we’re already into May! And finally, a quick thanks to my still-haven’t-met-yet beer mate, Bob, for sending me a bottle of his own homebrew along with the aforementioned refractometer – it’ll be on tonight’s menu!

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