Beer Cheese Soup Featuring Leinenkugel Beer

I never turn down a challenge, so when my step-daughter came to me and said that a local restaurant had the "best" beer cheese soup, you know that I was ready for a soup-smackdown.  No one cooks better than momma.  No one.

First, I had to do my research.  I must start out by saying I'm not a beer drinker.  I know, I know... I live in Wisconsin!! What the heck is wrong with me?  I've been told I'm genetically flawed.  I swear I'm not the only one from Wisconsin that doesn't like beer, but I digress.... back to the research.  I asked my lovely step-daughter a million questions about this soup.

• what do you like about it?
• are there "chunks" of veggies or meat in it?
• what kind of cheese do you think is in it?
• what kind of beer do they use?

The only thing she knew was that it had Jack Daniels beer in it.  Okay, folks-- I know I'm not a beer drinker, but I'm pretty sure that Jack Daniels is not a beer.  It quickly became clear that she was not going to be a reliable source of recipe data.  So, I just thought that I'd do a bunch of my own reading and just give it a try.  The one thing that I knew I wanted to do was feature a Wisconsin made beer.  We've also enjoyed visiting the Leine Lodge and taking their tour, so I gave their dark lager a whirl.  It was the perfect choice for my soup.

Despite hating the taste of beer, I must admit that I was pleasantly pleased with the outcome!  The bitterness of the beer really complimented the creamy cheese flavors.  What was even better is that my step-daughter now admits that I make the "best" beer cheese soup.  Victory is mine!

Ingredients

• 2 large carrots, shredded
• 1 stalk of celery, shredded
• 2 medium onions, shredded
• 1/2 cup of butter
• 1/2 cup flour
• 12 oz Leinenkugel Creamy Dark beer (or another Lager)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 3/4 tsp paprika
• 3/4 tsp dry mustard powder
• 1 tsp worcestershire sauce
• 4 cups cheddar cheese
• 2 cups half and half

Directions

In a large saucepan, melt the butter on medium heat and fry the carrots, celery and onions until they are soft and the onion is clear.  Add the flour directly to the saucepan and continue to heat for an additional 3-4 minutes stirring constantly with a whisk to avoid burning the vegetables and flour.  Add the beer and stir.  Immediately add the chicken broth, paprika, mustard powder, and worcestershire sauce.  Stir until combined.  Slowly add the cheese, stirring it in the mixture with the whisk until it is melted.  Reduce the heat to low, and continue to cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so that the bottom doesn't burn.  Add the half and half and stir until combined.  Remove from heat and serve.  As you are serving, top individual portions with popcorn and a dash or two of tabasco sauce.


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Pink Lady Pie #BakeForACure #SundaySupper

This Sunday is very important to me.  As many of you know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Unfortunately, I am all too aware of Breast Cancer and how it affects those that have received a diagnosis, the family members of the diagnosed, as well as the previvors of breast cancer. 

In 2007, my mother lost her battle with cancer.  I like to think of her as a breast cancer survivor.  She was diagnosed with Stage II cancer, and her doctors felt that she had a great chance at survival.  What we didn’t know is that pancreatic cancer was also growing inside of her… she went through treatment for a year, but about the time she should have been getting better, she rapidly got much worse.  She was gone within 10 days of her pancreatic cancer diagnosis.  She died in the same hospice where my grandmother passed—also from cancer.

From left to right, my mother, my grandfather, and my grandmother. 

 

My family knows breast cancer.  My relatives are the faces of previvors.  We are armed with knowledge of our familial predisposition to cancer, and we have the power of modern medicine and the strength of our matriarchs to thank.  Their sacrifice is not in vain.  So, as you can see, a theme focused on Baking for A Cure is near and dear to my heart. 

The Sunday Supper crew was also fortunate enough to have an opportunity to work with Chantal Cookware for this week’s event.  Chantal is a high end cookware company that has been innovators in the kitchen for over 40 years!  They’ve been following our Sunday Supper movement, and they were excited to join our Bake for a Cure event. 

For today’s post, I’m using Chantal’s new 9” Easy as Pie dish.  It’s a sturdy dish that’s exceptionally versatile!  It can go from the oven to the dishwasher to the freezer and then even to the microwave!  What I especially loved was its vibrant color! I adore cookware with pizazz and this apple red dish certainly looked great on the family table.  I also enjoyed its unique outside raised rim.  That’s not a feature I’ve seen in any other pie dish.

Chantal wants to give everyone an opportunity to try one of their pie dishes at a reduced cost!  During our #BakeForACure event, when you checkout, simply use the discount coupon code -> BAKE4CURE. The discount will be 20% OFF of ALL Chantal Pie dishes.  You can view those dishes at www.chantal.com/piedishes  --Remember, the code must be entered at checkout to receive the 20% OFF Chantal pie dish discount. The coupon discount code is active through October 30, 2012 so make sure you do it soon.

Many members of the Sunday Supper crew are bringing their baked goods to local cancer centers as a “thank you” for the work they do every day.  Part of small town life is that I don’t always have opportunities like that… additionally, some cancer centers prefer that you don’t bring in homemade food, flowers, or other personal items since some of the patients could be sickened by them.  My step-daughter is a Registered Nurse at a hospital about 30 miles away, and she has graciously volunteered to bring some of my treats in to the nurse’s station as a “thank you” for the work they do- not only with cancer patients but with all folks that cross their path.  Also, this event gave me a great idea that baking could be used for good!   I have arranged to make some baked treats for a medical benefit held next month.  The treats will be part of an auction, and the funds raised will help the family of an ill child obtain food and medical supplies.

So, by now you’re all probably wondering what I’ve made in my Chantal Easy as Pie dish!  As a tribute to all the faces of breast cancer, and in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I have made a Pink Lady Pie.

 

 

 

Ingredients

• 9" pie crust from a recipe or pre-packaged refrigerated pie crusts
• 5 Pink Lady apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 3/4 cups fresh cranberries, rinsed
• 4 ounces of fresh raspberries, rinsed
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 Tbsp flour
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 Tbsp orange juice concentrate, room temperature
• 1 Tbsp cognac (may omit or substitute brandy instead)

Directions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  Line the bottom of a 9" pie dish with one of the pie crusts, ensuring that the crust is firmly pressed against the bottom and sides of the pan.  In a large bowl, combine the apples, cranberries, raspberries, sugar, and flour.  Mix until the fruit is coated in the sugar and flour.  In a small bowl, lightly mix the cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, orange juice concentrate, and cognac.  Pour over the fruit and mix until combined.  Pour the fruit into the prepared pie dish. Top with the second crust.  Fold any excess top crust dough under the bottom crust edge.  Flute.  Cut several slits in the top of the pie to vent.  Cook for approximately 1 hour.  About 30-40 minutes into the baking time, check the crust.  If browning too quickly around the edges, cover the edges with foil.  Cool for at least 2 - 3 hours before serving.  To compliment the delicious tartness of the fresh cranberries, this pie is best served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Just like me, these #SundaySupper Contributors were also provided with a beautiful Easy As Pie Dish by Chantal Cookware. They will be sharing their recipes with you this Sunday and also their thoughts on this beautiful pie dish. Many are giving away their dish, along with their pie, to brighten someone’s day.

• Pecan Pie by The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
• Nana’s 3LB Deep Dish Apple Pie by I Run For Wine
• Upside-down Apple Pie by Comfy Cuisine
• Coconut Pie by Basic N Delicious
• Italian Chicken Pie by Momma’s Meals
• German Apple Pie by Mrs. Mama Hen
• Funny Cake by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
• Sweet Potato Pie with Gingersnap Crust by Webicurean
• Crustless Pumpkin Pie with Maple Whipped Cream by The Meltaways
• Lemon Meringue Pie by The Messy Baker Blog
• Ham and Spinach Quiche by Magnolia Days
• Pink Salmon Quiche by My Catholic Kitchen
• Pumpkin Pie with Pecan Streusel Topping by Juanita’s Cocina
• Grilled Eggplant Moussaka With Greek Yogurt White Sauce by Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
• Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie by Big Bears Wife
• Pumpkin Maple Pie by Mama’s Blissful Bites
• Spiced Pumpkin Pie with a Cinnamon Roll Crust by Daily Dish Recipes
• Pasteis de Nata ~ Portuguese Custard Tart by Family Foodie
• Chocolate Pie by Diabetic Foodie
• Fancified Shepard’s Pie by Crispy Bits & Burnt Ends
• Pink Lady Pie by From Fast Food to Fresh Food

As you may have noticed, when the #SundaySupper Team does something, we come together and do it with a bang. Check out these additional recipes-- perfect to take to someone that you want to feel special this month.

• Butterscotch Pudding Triple Chip Cookies by Dinners, Dishes and Desserts
• Hazelnut Milk Chocolate Pie by Vintage Kitchen Notes
• Flatbread with Grapes, Gruyere, Rosemary and Red Onions by Shockingly Delicious
• Salted Caramel Filled Chocolate Chip Cookie by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
• Candy Bar Pie by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Mini Quiches by In the Kitchen with Audrey
• Apple Cranberry Slab Pie by Generation Y Foodie
• Gratin of Potatoes, Onions & Leeks by An Appealing Plan
• Garlic rosemary yeast rolls by Gotta Get Baked
• Italian Tomato Tart by She likes ruffles, he likes truffles
• Impossible cheeseburger pie by In the Kitchen with KP
• 10 Grain Muffins by Mangiamo!
• Deep Dish Caramel Apple Pie by Mama Mommy Mom
• Date Crumb Pie by girlichef
• Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Doughnuts by What Smells So Good?

The Sunday Supper Team and Chantal Cookware, would be honored to have you join us for this special #BakeForACure event Around the Family Table.  We’ll be meeting up at 6:00 pm (Central) for our weekly #SundaySupper live chat.  All you have to do is follow the #SundaySupper hashtag, or you can follow us through TweetChat. 

Don’t forget to also check out Chantal’s site at www.chantal.com (use coupon code BAKE4CURE to receive 20% OFF on all their wonderful pie dishes through October 30th, 2012) 

 

And make sure to keep up with the latest from Chantal on their website, twitter, facebook, and Pinterest


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**Disclaimer- I received a Chantal Easy as Pie dish to review and feature in this post. I received no further compensation.  All opinions in this blog post belong to me.