Beertacular Round-up!

For our 23rd spectacular ‘Tacular we gathered in my little abode for an evening filled with beer-flavoured goodness. Hoppy times!

First, there was beer! Thanks to everyone's contributions to the beer fridge (AKA the cooler), we enjoyed many different types and styles of beers throughout the night. To get us started, we sipped Fragolinas – Prosecco and strawberry Fruli. Refreshing!

Then, there was food! For nibblies, we enjoyed some cheese made with beer (OK, except the one made with cider), ale and cheddar pretzel bites and weird beer-flavoured Jelly Bellies (thank you Mei and Jeremy for hauling those back from New York for me!). I believe it was the McMompsons who brought a creamy veggie dip – was this made with beer?! Not sure...anyone?!

Jenn and Daniel stirred up an ooey gooey fondue in a brand spanking new fondue pot purchased just for Beertacular (now that’s dedication!). Made with, I think, Gruyere, beer and garlic. It was creamy, hot and good. (Oooh, that sounds kind of dirty...)

Ayako and James baked up a tangy beer bread with sundried tomatoes and olives, served with an olive tapenade. Lovely loafy yumminess.

Kate and Ian slow-cooked up delicious chicken beer tacos with a jalapeno slaw. Scrumptiously saucy.

Marco finished up the prep for Carne Y Cebollitas a la Parilla which Laura had started at home. Wait, what exactly did he make? Grilled steak marinated with Spearhead beer, wrapped with grilled scallions, jalapenos and guacamole. Well done, Marco--that was a lot of slicing and dicing but worth all the effort!

Mei and Jeremy made a juicy beer-brined pork loin with drunken cabbage...moist and delicious.

Christian and Karina baked up some chili lime beer chicken wings. Sticky tastiness! I was so excited to try them that I forgot to take a picture. Doh!

For dessert, Jenn and Daniel froze up some awesome ice cream made with coffee porter and served with a homemade caramel sauce. I layered up a beeramisu, also featuring coffee porter, and twisted us up some ale and pretzel caramels.

In between all the eating we played beer trivia! After some kerfuffle about the scores (I believe there a recount), Daniel, Christian and Kate emerged as the winners and were presented with their beer-themed prizes.

Click on the "'Tacular Memories" link to view the pics.

James, Sara, Dan and Laura...we missed you!

Our next ‘Tacular will be Leaftacular. Saturday, June 7^th at Sara and Dan’s.