What’s Brewing?
A Pinch of Salt
By Donna Marie Riani
What has more than 200 breweries, grows an amazing variety of hops and has a strong entrepreneurial spirit? If you guessed Oregon, you’re correct.
It's safe to say if you’re looking for a particular type of beer, Oregon has it — from light and fruity to dark and chocolatey. We are known not only for our exciting craft beer scene but also our hops. The Willamette Valley in particular grows spectacular varieties.
To be a brewer, you need to be part mad scientist and part flavor daredevil. The base ingredients for beer are grain, hops, yeast, water and the magic of fermentation. Add locally grown produce and ingredients and you’ve got something special.
All of these things in the hands of a brewer produce something unique and tasty.
Craft breweries, or microbreweries, produce small batches of these beers, far less than the mass production that happens at larger breweries. In the Salishan Marketplace in Gleneden Beach sits one such place. Beachcrest Brewing has been serving up creative, coastal-inspired craft beers for the past three years. They brew their beer on the premises and if you get there at the right time you can catch them in action, tending to their latest creations.
With the holiday season upon us and Christmas and New Year’s Eve just a few weeks away, I want you to consider me your personal Christmas elf here to inspire you with party ideas. You may be having a get-together or perhaps you were invited to one, and we don’t ever want to show up empty handed.
To show up with a bottle of wine is thoughtful but equally as welcome would be a growler or two of beer, which pairs beautifully with food. If you’ve been asked to bring an appetizer to a gathering or you’re looking to shake things up for your next party, then this recipe is for you.
Some of my absolute favorite get-togethers are appetizer parties. I love being able to taste a little of this and a little of that. It’s so fun and honestly, it’s often less work than planning a dinner menu. Some can be served hot and some cold. Some can be savory and some sweet. Charcuterie boards are all the rage and very fun and creative.
Beer Glazed Bratwurst Bites are perfect appetizer fare and would be a tasty addition to your next board. I’m a big fan of contrasting flavors, so I love that this recipe is sweet and savory. It comes together quickly and has got big flavor. For this recipe, a fruity beer that's not too sweet would be perfect.
So head to your local craft brewery and tell them what you’re making and they will give you the perfect recommendations. Remember not to stress this holiday season. Keep it simple, keep it fun, and don’t worry, be hoppy!
Beer Glazed Bratwurst Bites
● 1 package of Bratwurst, whatever flavor you like (most packages are between 12 to 16 ounces
● 1 small sweet onion, cut into half-inch rings
● 12 ounces of craft beer, preferably fruity and not too sweet
● 1/2 cup of light brown sugar
● 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard OR spicy brown mustard, your choice
● 2 teaspoons of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of cold water
Place the bratwurst and the onions on a grill pan. Cook the bratwurst according to package directions until done*.The brats and the onions should be charred.
While the brats and onions are grilling you can make the beer glaze.
In a medium saucepan over medium high heat, place the brown sugar and beer. Bring this mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. You should notice the mixture reducing and getting thicker.
At this point you can add the mustard. Stir to combine.
Whisk your cornstarch and water mixture into the beer mixture.
Bring this back up to a boil. Boil for one minute, stirring constantly until mixture is thicker. Remove from the heat.
Once through grilling, roughly chop the charred onions and slice the brats into one-inch pieces. Add them to the beer glaze and toss to coat. Place them in a serving bowl with toothpicks on the side for easy serving.
* Not all bratwurst are made the same so I defer to the cooking directions on the package. If you don’t have a grill pan, place the onions and brats on a lightly oiled baking sheet and bake until browned and done.