Bread

Solé’s “Waterloo Dark Beer” Bread

Posted on: December 26th, 2013 by Carla Johnson No Comments

Carla Johnson Cooking with Sin Reif Estate Winery

For the past three years I have been involved in “Best Bites: Taste of the Region” fundraiser here in Cambridge, Ontario. As the beverage contact on the organizing committee for the event I contact and invite the wineries, breweries & distilleries to the event. As you can imagine, I have the best job! This is the 5th in a series of “Thank You” posts featuring the beverage participants who have been such an important part of helping make Best Bites such a resounding success each year.
 

Sole Waterloo Dark Beer Bread 4

Every morning, Chef Chris Barkshire at Solé Restaurant & Wine Bar in Waterloo, Ontario, arrives early to make fresh batches of their signature house breads. One of their breads is made using Waterloo Brewery Company’s “Waterloo Dark”, a refreshing dark lager. It is a delicious, crusty, multi-grain bread that is a favourite of many customers.

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Waterloo, Ontario, a city just north of Cambridge, is a growing hub of IT start-ups and ventures. The city is also home to two renowned universities and several research facilities. With the growth, changes and fluctuations in the population, the city continues to have a solid sense of community. It is collaborations like this between these two popular local businesses that exemplify the support and comradery found in the city.

Waterloo Dark Beer & bread composite 2 w sole logo

Solé Restaurant’s

Waterloo Dark Beer Bread

 
2 oz. fresh yeast
¼ cup warm water
1 tablespoon sugar
1.5 cups whole wheat flour
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup of each, flax, white sesame, quinoa, oats, sunflower seeds
2 teaspoons salt
¼ cup olive oil
4 oz. honey
8 oz. Waterloo Dark
8 oz. water
 

1. Crumble fresh yeast into plastic container, add sugar and water.  Water should be at a nice tepid bath temperature. It will double in size so use a large container.  Put somewhere warm to activate.

2. In a mixer, add flour, salt and all the grains and seeds.  Mix for two minutes.  Add the remaining ingredients mix for three minutes. Then add the yeast mixture and mix for another 8 min.

3. The dough will be very tacky and sticky, to work with, so be sure to flour your hands as you pull it out of the mixer. Place in a large bowl and cover with plastic wrap.  Leave in a warm place where it can double in size.

4. After doubling in size punch it down, cut and shape it into loaves, rolls or any shape you want. Place on baking trays and let rise again.

5. Bake at 325°F for approximately 25 minutes or until you tap on the loaf and it sounds hollow.

Carla Johnson author Cooking With Sin Best Bites

WATERLOO DARK

Brewed with specialty Canadian malts, imported hops and pure cultured brewer’s yeast, Waterloo Dark has been recognized and honored multiple times for its superior quality and craftsmanship at the World Beer Cup, Canadian and Ontario Brewing Awards, and the Monde Selection International Institute for Quality Selections.

Waterloo Dark Beer w logo

FOOD PAIRING

Dark lagers are enjoyed all year long, and they’re not as filling as ales. Beef dishes go especially well with Waterloo Dark. This lager’s roasted malt character allows your taste buds to enjoy the rich flavour of that perfectly cooked top sirloin steak. Waterloo Dark will cut some of the heaviness in sauce-based pork rib dishes as well.

Waterloo Brewing Co. logo strip

Carla Johnson Cooking With Sin

“Steam Whistle” Shrimp, Chili & Bread

Posted on: December 1st, 2013 by Carla Johnson No Comments

Carla Johnson Cooking with Sin

For the past three years I have been involved in “Best Bites: Taste of the Region” fundraiser here in Cambridge, Ontario. As the beverage contact on the organizing committee for the event I contact and invite the wineries, breweries & distilleries to the event. As you can imagine, I have the best job! This is the 4th in a series of “Thank You” posts featuring the beverage participants who have been such an important part of helping make Best Bites such a resounding success each year.
 

Carla Johnson Cooking With Sin

Steam Whistle’s founding partners Greg Taylor, Cameron Heaps and Gregory Cromwell, met while working together at the Upper Canada Brewing Company. After Upper Canada Brewing was sold to Sleeman’s, and the Toronto brewery was closed, the three friends lost their jobs and went to work elsewhere. They loved the beer industry, though, and wanted to get back into it so they decided to start their own brewery. They wanted to call it “The Three Fired Guys” and after 2 years, their dream became a reality when they opened Steam Whistle Brewing in March 2000. Although they called the brewery Steam Whistle in reminiscence of 1950s, a “3FG” is on every bottle and can.

Carla Johnson Cooking With Sin

Every month, Steam Whistle hosts an art exhibition to support local, emerging artists. They provide the space, launch party and promotion – all for free. In return, all Steam Whistle asks the artist is to donate one piece of art to be displayed in the brewery for thousands of visitors to appreciate each year. This November they had a Staff and Friends Art Show where the brewery staff showcased and donated a piece of their own art to raise money for Movember.

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Drunken Spicy Steam Whistle Shrimp

By James Kirkland

Carla Johnson Cooking With Sin

2 bottles of Steam Whistle Pilsner
1/2 cup (125 ml) cider vinegar
2 cups (500 ml) water
2 tablespoon (30 ml) Old Bay seasoning (see recipe)
2 lb. large shrimps in shell (approx. 16-20)
2 tablespoon (30 ml) garlic, peeled and minced
2 tablespoon (30 ml) Creole seasoning (see recipe)
1 tablespoon (15 ml) butter
 

1. Pour the Steam Whistle Pilsner, vinegar, and water into a tall gallon stockpot. Add the Old Bay seasoning, cover and heat to a boil. When the blend is boiling rapidly, add the shrimp and cook for 1 – 2 mins, or until the shrimp turns pink. The flesh will continue to cook in the shell, so don’t overcook. Drain the shrimp in a colander.

2. Before serving, blend the minced garlic and Creole seasoning, and butter and toss the shrimp in this spicy blend

Old Bay seasoning

 
1 tablespoon (15ml) ground bay leaves
2 1/2 teaspoon (12 1/2 ml) celery salt
1 1/2 teaspoon (7 1/2 ml) dry mustard
1 teaspoon (5 ml) ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (2 1/2 ml) ground white pepper
1/2 teaspoon (2 1/2 ml) ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (2 1/2 ml) ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon (2 1/2 ml) ground ginger
1 teaspoon (5 ml) paprika
1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) ground mace
1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) ground cardamom
 

Creole seasoning

 
1/2 cup (125 ml) paprika
1/2 cup (125 ml) garlic powder
1/4 cup (60 ml) granulated onion
3 tablespoon (75 ml) ground black pepper and salt
2 teaspoon (10 ml) white pepper
2 teaspoon (10 ml) cayenne pepper
1/4 cup (60 ml) dried oregano
1/4 cup (60 ml) dried thyme
2 teaspoon (10 ml) ground cumin
2 tablespoon (30 ml) sugar

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Moose Brewski Chili

Adapted from Chef Gerry Crewe’s Cooking with Beer; Favourites of Newfoundland and Labrador

Carla Johnson Cooking With Sin10-12 Servings

6 Tablespoon butter
3 large onions, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic
3 lbs. ground moose meat
60 oz. crusted tomatoes (canned or fresh)
6 oz. tomato puree or paste
8 oz. Steam Whistle Pilsner
2 teaspoon ground cumin
3 Tablespoon Chili powder
Dash of tobasco sauce or cayenne pepper – to taste
1 Tablespoon salt
2 (28-oz.) cans red kidney beans
 

1. Melt butter in saucepan. Add onions & garlic and cook until tender.

2. Add moose meat and brown. Add tomatoes, puree or paste, beer, and spices. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Add kidney beans and simmer 10 to 15 minutes.

4. Serve with good bread (try the recipe below) and self-serve topping bowls with sour cream, green onions, bacon and cheddar.

Carla Johnson Cooking With Sin

Steam Whistle Beer Bread

This recipe was brought to you by Dan Clapson of Higher Ground Café, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Check out Dan’s website dansgoodside.com where he has more recipes with Steam Whistle.

Carla Johnson Cooking With SinServes 4
Total cook time…1 hour (not including sandwich assembly!)

2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
2 tsp. salt
2 bottles Steam Whistle Pilsner
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 cup butter (melted)
3 Tblsp. honey
 

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.

2. Combine all dry ingredients, add in the beer, honey, & melted butter, mix together until a dough forms.

3. Place the dough in a greased loaf pan (try a mini loaf pan & make some smaller loaves, great for sandwiches!), and pop into the oven. Bake for 40 minutes. Check with a toothpick, and if it comes out clean you’re good to go.

4. Let cool, and enjoy Steam Whistle in a way you’ve never dreamt of!

Carla Johnson Cooking With Sin

Carla Johnson Cooking With Sin

All photo credits: Steam Whistle Brewing

More Steam Whistle recipes -> HERE!

Carla Johnson Cooking With Sin

200,000 Visitors! Sticky Buns for Everyone!

Posted on: April 1st, 2012 by Carla Johnson No Comments

A big “Thank You” to Everyone for your Support!

😆

Looks like I blinked and missed the 200,000th new visitor to Cooking With Sin! Oh well, let’s celebrate with Grammy Moon’s Sticky Buns with rum!

By the way, don’t you just love my title. Tee-hee!

Cooking With Sin, Carla Johnson,

Over the winter I was laid up recuperating from major surgery. I had a total knee replacement in my right knee. (I like to say I’m on my way to becoming the Bionic Woman.) During my recuperation I kept busy writing posts and I also developed a mild addiction to Cheers & Frasier reruns.

On one of the Frasier episodes, Daphne makes her Grammy’s sticky buns for breakfast, so I found a simple recipe for sticky bun sauce with rum.

Enjoy!

“I decided to prepare you a traditional English breakfast…and to finish it off, a batch of Granny Moon’s famous sticky buns. Granny made these every Sunday. Of course, she always added a pint of rum to the recipe. Nobody liked these more than Granny herself. Many’s the Sunday I’d head over to her house after church, only to find her out in the garden in her wedding dress, face down in the birdbath.”

~ Daphne Moon, character from the TV show “Frasier”

Grammy Moon’s Sticky Buns with Rum

Step 1: Bake a dozen of your favourite cinnamon buns.

Go ahead and cheat with the store bought cinnamon bun dough that you unroll and bake. I won’t tell! 😉

You will want to pull them fresh from the oven just as the sauce is ready. Most sticky bun recipes bake the buns with the sauce in the bottom of the pan or muffin tin where it can candy a bit. With this recipe, we are candying the sauce in a pan and pouring it over the buns after they are baked.

Step 2: Prepare the Sticky Rum Sauce

1/2 cup dark brown sugar

5 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 tablespoons dark rum

2.5 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk

2 tablespoons water

2 tablespoons light sour cream

1 1/2 tablespoons corn syrup

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/8 teaspoon baking powder

1 cup chopped pecans, toasted, optional

 

1. In a small saucepan, stir in the brown sugar, butter, rum, condensed milk, water, sour cream and corn syrup. Bring to a boil then simmer on medium heat until slightly thick, about 2 minutes.

2. Take the pan off of the heat. Stir in the salt, vanilla and baking powder.

3. Take the fresh baked buns out of the pan and pour the glaze over each one. Sprinkle with the pecans, if you wish. Let stand until the glaze is absorbed a bit by the buns and they are cool enough to eat. Serve them while they are still warm.

Adapted from Food & Wine, January 2010

Here is a clip of the Frasier episode about Grammy Moon’s sticky buns. Just brilliant!

 See how we celebrated at the 100,000th visitor.

“100,000 Visitors! Rum Cake for Everyone!”

*Sin*cere Season’s Greetings!

Posted on: December 23rd, 2011 by Carla Johnson No Comments

Wishing You and Yours a Peace-Filled Holiday.

May Goodwill and Blessings Fill Each of Your Days!

~ Carla

 

To help you celebrate, here is a collection of links to several great recipes I hope you and your loved ones will enjoy.

Instead of store-bought egg nog, try one of these:

“Pretending to be Tipsy” German Eierlikor
“Wedding Pudding” Dutch Advokaat
“Hand Made” Egg Nog
 

Easy Apps:

“We Are Family” Rye Bread ‘n Brie & Fondue
“Goddess Supper” Potted Cheese
 

Saucy Sauces:

“Comfort & Joy” Cranberry Sauce
“Father & Son” Bourbon Sautéed Mushrooms
“A Little Leftover” Wine Jelly
 

One-of-a-Kind Salads:

“Pork Ninjas” Salad Dressing
“Poverty Line” Potato Salad
“Stuck on Reduction” Watermelon Salad
 

*Sin*-ful Side Dishes:

“Comfort of Home” Sherry Potatoes
“Proud Mary” Fried Green Tomatoes
 

Distinctive Desserts:

Pumpkin Pie in the Great Outdoors
“Thank You” Chocolate Cupcake Bombs
“Fight Night” Kahlua Cookie Cake
Milk & Cookies for the “Real” Santa
 

The-Morning-After Breakfasts:

“Sisterhood” Maple Rum Crepes
“Working Past Midnight” French Toast

 
 
“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.”
– Hamilton W. Mabie

‘Steam Whistle’ Team Cedar Grilling

Posted on: June 24th, 2011 by Carla Johnson 2 Comments

Steam Whistle’s Founding Story

The Steam Whistle story begins in the spring of 1998 when three friends were on a canoe trip in the Ontario heartland. Greg Taylor, Cam Heaps and Greg Cromwell had all been colleagues at one of Canada’s premier microbreweries producing quality beer in the late 1980’s and 90’s – before it was bought out by a national brewer and closed down. As they sat around the campfire, the self-named “Three Fired Guys” dreamed of running their own brewery one day.

They wanted to make a Pilsner that would compete with the best in the world. They wrote a plan and quickly attracted investors with their vision and passion.

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Steam Whistle Brewing Enlists Canadian BBQ Champs for Award-Winning Beer-Infused Recipes

 

About Steve Adams & Team Cedar Grilling

Steve has been fueling his passion for real southern barbeque and fusion style cooking for over two decades. “I get my inspiration from the huge melting pot of different cultures, flavours and cooking styles that Canada has to offer”. Dedication and hard work have paid off as Steve has led his competition BBQ team, Team Cedar Grilling to victory for three consecutive years earning the coveted Canadian BBQ Championship title, together with the privilege of representing Canada at the Jack Daniels’ World Championships in Lynchburg, Tennessee.

Steve can often be found at his Muskoka cottage working on new innovative ideas, techniques, and food design in search of barbeque perfection. Two of his ongoing goals are to develop recipes showcasing his sponsors’ products that are used in competition and to share his passion for grilling through BBQ workshops and events.

Bacon and Roasted Red Pepper Jalapeno Poppers
Dipped in Steam Whistle BBQ Sauce
by Steve Adams of Team Cedar Grilling

 

12 fresh extra large jalapenos, washed and dried
2 oz (55g) regular or flavoured cream cheese
1/2 roasted red pepper, freshly roasted, peeled and chopped
24 slices of bacon
3 oz (85g) pulled pork, or cooked Italian sausage, peeled and crumbled
wooden skewers toothpicks

1. Mix the cream cheese and roasted red peppers together, set aside

2. Cut jalapenos in half and remove membrane and seeds

3. Use a table knife to gently spread the cream cheese mixture across the jalapeno

4. Top the cheese mixture with pulled pork or crumbled sausage

5. Wrap one piece of bacon over the top and spiral it down the side to the bottom of the jalapeno inserting toothpicks and securing the bacon as you go

6. Cook over direct heat for about 30 – 50 minutes on preheated barbecue at about 300°F (150°C) until bacon is cooked and cheese is bubbly.

Steam Whistle BBQ Sauce

2 teaspoons (10ml) Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon (5ml) chili powder
1 teaspoon (5ml) dried mustard
1 teaspoon (5ml) onion powder
1 teaspoon (5ml) garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (2ml) fresh ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon (2ml) ground coriander seed
1/4 teaspoon (1ml) cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (1ml) ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon (1ml) cayenne pepper

1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.

2. Bring to a boil and simmer uncovered, stirring for 20 minutes.

3. Refrigerate unused sauce.


Fire Grilled Pizza
by Steve Adams of Team Cedar Grilling

Steve’s Pizza Dough

2 1/4 teaspoons dry yeast
1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
1 cup warm water
1/2 cup Steam Whistle Pilsner (110°F)
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil

1. In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast, brown sugar, in 110°F water & beer and let sit for 10 minutes.

2. Stir the salt and oil into the yeast solution.

3. Mix in 3 cups of the flour.

4. Turn dough out onto a clean, well-floured surface, and knead in more flour until the dough is no longer sticky. Place the dough into a bowl well-coated in olive oil, and cover with a cloth. Let the dough rise until double; this should take about 1 hour.

5. Punch the dough down, and form a tight ball. Allow the dough to relax for a minute before rolling out into desired size.

6. Add Steve’s Pizza Sauce and your own favourite ingredients.

7. Preheated BBQ and pizza stone to 500-700°F.

8. Bake pizzas until the cheese and crust are golden brown, about 6 -10 minutes. Serve with Steam Whistle Pilsner.

Steve’s Pizza Sauce

10 small fresh ripe plum tomatoes or 1 can crushed tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon onion flakes
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon anise seed
Pinch cayenne pepper
 

1. Add all ingredients into sauce pan.

2. Mash tomatoes with potato masher.

3. Bring mixture to a boil.

4. Simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes.

5. Pick out tomato skins.

6. Reduce mixture to desired consistency.

*Steve’s Tip: If you are making this sauce recipe on the BBQ, fire roast the tomatoes over high heat until the skins split. Continue with the recipe.

Smoked Picnic Chicken
by Steve Adams, Team Cedar Grilling

12 chicken thighs
BBQ Rub
Steam Whistle Killer BBQ Sauce
12 pieces 12” x 12” heavy duty foil
1/2 cup soaked wood chips (optional)

1. Preheat BBQ to 375°F.

2. Lightly sprinkle rub on both sides of chicken thighs.

3. Place wood chip foil package over direct heat source.

4. Cook thighs skin side up over indirect heat for 35 minutes.

5. Remove chicken from grill.

6. Dip each leg completely in Killer BBQ sauce; place thigh skin side down on a piece foil and fold to seal. (Discard the remaining sauce)

7. Cook the foil packages over indirect heat for 25 minutes.

8. Rest chicken foil packages for at least 10 minutes before opening. Can be served in foil packages with the juices and sauce.

BBQ Rub

2 tablespoons Turbinado sugar
1 tablespoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon fresh ground pepper
2 teaspoon seasoning salt
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon celery salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Steam Whistle
 
 
 

Steam Whistle Killer BBQ Sauce

1 bottle Steam Whistle Pilsner
2 cups ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup white vinegar
3 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon dried mustard
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander seed
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (double for X hot)
 

Steam Whistle Brewing Enlists Canadian BBQ Champs for Award-Winning Beer-Infused Recipes

(Toronto, ON May 18, 2011) – Nothing says summer like BBQ & Beer, and what better marriage than Canadian BBQ Champions paired with Canada’s Premium Pilsner. In 2006, Steve Adams, leader of Team Cedar Grilling approached Steam Whistle Brewing about partnering together when he took his competition BBQ Team to that season’s BBQ Festivals and championships.

Team Cedar Grilling was looking for the best beer to pair with their creations as well as use this key ingredient in winning recipes, and had their eye on Steam Whistle Pilsner for its all natural ingredients and perfect balance of malty sweetness and hoppy bitterness that offered a clean, refreshing taste. The result is a collection of delicious barbeque recipes that either include or pair exceptionally well with Steam Whistle Pilsner.

Visit http://www.cedargrilling.com/recipes.htm

About Steam Whistle

Steam Whistle, an independent brewery housed in Toronto’s historic John St. Roundhouse, has a passionate focus of making just one beer of exceptional quality that Canadians can be proud of. They brew their refreshing Pilsner with traditional brewing methods and only four, natural (GMO-free) ingredients. Steam Whistle Pilsner is packaged in signature green glass bottles, cans and draught and is shipped fresh across Ontario, Alberta and BC to Beer and Liquor Stores as well as licensed bars & restaurants.

Steam Whistle welcomes more than 100,000 visitors to the brewery each year to the on-site retail store, for a tour, or to attend one of the many on-site events, concerts and art shows. Highly awarded for its premium beer, its business success, community support and environmental practices, Steam Whistle Pilsner is now one of the top selling premium beer brands in Canada. To learn more about what they do really, really well visit www.steamwhistle.ca

Become their fan on Facebook www.facebook.com/SteamWhistle

Follow them on Twitter http://twitter.com/steamwhistle

 

Tasting Notes for Steam Whistle Pilsner

Steam Whistle Pilsner offers the style and flavour of the great Pilsners of Europe, yet is brewed fresh locally at their independent, Canadian Brewery. Crafted under the watchful eye of their Czech-born Brewmaster, this golden-coloured Bohemian Pilsner is characterized by a floral hop aroma, sweet graininess with distinctive grassy notes, and balanced by a clean, crisp finish and pleasant lingering bitterness. When pouring this refreshing lager, expect soft, rising foam and a smooth drinking experience. Best stored and served 4-8° Celsius.

www.SteamWhistle.ca

Check out their great site. Learn about their Green Initiatives, take a look at their Vintage Vehicles, take the Virtual Tour of their brewery and lots of other fun stuff!


R u a Craft Beer Fan?

You will LOVE …

Black Oak “Anything-For-An-Excuse-to-Use-My-Blow-Torch” Crème Brûlée.

More Steam Whistle recipes – > HERE!

Carla Johnson Cooking With Sin