Beer Recipe #1

Beer Recipe #1 was created by a friend of the blog who conveniently happens to be an award winning recipe author, and a cooking magician. The magical beer chef's first recipe ties together the fall season’s traditional game food & beverage. Oktoberfest Nachos are tortilla chips topped with Saint Arnold's Oktoberfest cheese sauce, grilled onions, poblano chilies, and crumbled bratwurst that has been braised in Saint Arnold's Oktoberfest.

Saint Arnold's Oktoberfest Nachos:

Pour one bottle of beer in a medium sized skillet.  Crumble one pound of raw sausage into the beer.  Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until the beer has evaporated.  Once the sausage begins to fry, stir the sausage frequently until all sausage crumbles are lightly browned.  Transfer the sausage to a bowl to keep warm until needed.  Pour out the fat from the skillet except for about 2 teaspoons to sauté the onions and peppers.

Sauté one large onion cut into strips and  two poblano peppers (may substitute six jalapenos for more heat) with 1/8 teaspoon salt in the sausage skillet over high heat until the onions and pepper just start to show some brown color.  Take care to not overcook.  The onions and peppers should be crisp-tender when done.  Set aside.

Melt the two tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan.  Whisk in two tablespoons of flour to form a roux and cook for about 1 minute over medium high heat.  Whisk into the roux, 1 cup (8 ounces) of beer.  Cook until thickened and begins to bubble.  Reduce to a simmer and cook for an additional 5 minutes.  Remove from heat and add 8 ounces of shredded mild cheddar cheese, gently stirring until melted and the sauce is smooth.  

Assemble the nachos on a large platter or several smaller plates in the following order:

1)            Tortilla Chips     (bottom layer)

2)            Beer Cheese Sauce

3)            Beer Braised Bratwurst

4)            Sautéed Onions and Peppers

5)            1 Medium Diced Tomato   

Garnish with a dollop of Sour Cream, or Sauerkraut (optional)

 Prost Amigos!