Wednesday, October 22nd, 2008
Hey, guess what guys and gals? Yes, I found another beer. Before I begin, please let me know if I ever repeat any of my beer posts. That would be a little embarrassing.
Ok, I was up in Whole Foods this evening doing a little food shopping. I have this great vegetarian cookbook that has the most excellent recipes. Tonight, I made herb pizza. It knocked my socks off, just like my socks were knocked off in my previous post. Tomorrow night, I am making kidney bean and mushroom burgers.
You know, I have often considered writing blog posts describing the things I cook. I am just starting to get good at it, but I would tell you if what I made was bad. I’m honest like that. I will have to think about that one. The problem with taking pictures of the stuff I make is that the pictures would come out terrible. It takes a very long time to set up those real pictures for cookbooks and stuff, and I fear that my singular reputation as a master chef would be tarnished and I wouldn’t view myself as one any more. I would still cook, but it wouldn’t be as much fun as it is now.
Anyway, back to my story. I was food shopping when I passed the beer area, again. I know, I know, it’s my weakness. Don’t worry mom, I don’t drink too much. This beer area was near the bakery. for some reason, they keep the seasonal beers over in this area, while the regular beer is kept over in the beer aisle. I browsed through the bakery beer area for a while looking for something good. There were mainly ales and lagers, which don’t do it for me. I decided it wasn’t my night for beer and I moved over to the cheese area.
I did most of my shopping when I wandered over to the real beer aisle. I chatted it up with some lady who was trying to surprise her husband with a new beer that he hasn’t tried yet. She mentioned that he liked the Sam Adams Oktoberfest. I told her that I just saw some Oktoberfest in the other area, but by a different brewery. Maybe he would like that. She thanked me and hurried off. That was my good deed for the day and made me think to myself that I was an angel. Remember the last time I thought I was an angel?
As I was now looking over the entire selection all by myself (just the way I like it, hehe), I noticed a six pack glaring at me. It said “Chocolate Stout” right on the side. “Hmmm,” I thought, as I was picking it up and putting it in my cart. That’s a much as I thought…just “Hmmm.”
Fort Collins Brewery Chocolate Stout
Check ‘er out.
I finished up and left. When I got back to the house, I unpacked all the food and started up my process. The first thing I always do is crack open a beer before I start cooking. It makes things glide. I took a few sips and decided that this “Fort Collins Brewery Chocolate Stout” is exactly what my next batch is going to taste like.
Did I mention that I am making chocolate stout next? I have all the ingredients. I was thinking about adding coffee to it, but I think I better not. I like to drink my beer at night and I fear the coffee will make me lie in bed staring at the ceiling. That’s not good for my tennis game.
Speaking of tennis, today was a fantastic clinic. I truly think I am getting better. My buddy and I hit for about a half hour after the clinic and we came to the conclusion that we have both improved considerably. This dude is like a wall at the net, so I don’t mess with him there, but as for ground strokes, we are lovin’ it. Believe it or not, we are signed up for cardio-tennis on Monday mornings now. We’ll see how that goes. I think I’m more into smacking tennis balls than running around, but I’ll get back to you with the verdict.
That’s all. Good night.
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Monday, October 6th, 2008
I am neither an optimist nor a pessimist, my glass is clearly empty.
I have been drinking my Irish Stout at a healthy pace. I don’t think I have been having too much of it, although at times, I have thought I haven’t had enough. It seems to get better tasting over time. Every so often, I go to the store to grab a few six-packs of some neat little micro-brew that I haven’t tried yet. Those are usually awesome, but I still would love having 65 of those awesome beers in the cabinet…made by me.
Empty beer mug
Since I am now running low on my home made beer, I decided to give a call to my friends over at Makebeer.net. I read a recipe on their blog on how to make “Chocolate Vanilla Stout.” This recipe intrigued me because it wasn’t your typical fairy beer, like most beers in the world. I am sure you know my taste in beer by now. Let’s see…ok, if you can throw a beer at a wall and the wall breaks, I like the beer.
I talked to the fella at the other end of the line for a while, who was pretty eager to help out. I was most appreciative for that. He seemed to understand my issue (all their beers are too light). We talked about the Chocolate Vanilla Stout. He said he didn’t care for the vanilla part of the recipe. I told him that I like coffee chocolate stout. He looked up a recipe and gave me some information on how to make that.
Basically, I need to make the Irish Stout beer that I have made before. Before I pitch the yeast, I need to mix in 100 grams cocoa powder and a quarter pound of ground coffee. The coffee has to be in some sort of a sack. I have to think about what that sack will be.
I ordered the Irish Stout beer kit and am working on the other ingredients. Remember, this is the first beer that I will be making that isn’t strictly from a kit. Sure, it’s not too involved, but I still think I’m special.
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Tuesday, September 30th, 2008
It has been a busy day. I have been working at the computer for hours, but found time to squeeze in a trip to the transfer station (next post) and time to mow the lawn. I wasn’t planning on mowing the lawn, I kind of just found myself sitting on the lawnmower riding around.
I found a great new way to make working at the computer a little better. I now listen to Sirius through the computer. Since we have a subscription for Sirius in one of the cars, we get online listening included.
I like listening to the 80s channel -”Classic Rewind, ‘70S & ‘80S Classic Rock.” I also like drinking beer when I work. It makes things just a bit better. I have to admit, there is something to be said for listening to 80s music. It never disappoints. What’s even nicer, is when I talk to someone of my generation about 80s music, we both appreciate what we are talking about. The beer doesn’t help me write blog posts though.
80s music seems to be a little deeper than the music of today. It isn’t necessarily deeper in a thoughtful way, it just seems that the artists of yester-year weren’t in it for the money as much as artists are today. It seems like they were more into their music because it was a way of life for them. Just my opinion, of course.
Seriously, find me one song that comes close to “Mr. Roboto” by the band, “Styx.” If you are wondering what I am talking about, just say the following very quielty to yourself…”Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto.”
I remember sitting on the school bus in 3rd grade listening to “Eye of the Tiger” by “Survivor.” Now, that’s a classic. Mr. Roboto and Eye of the Tiger are two of my more memorable songs of the 80s, followed closely by “You Might Think” by “The Cars.” I remember watching The Cars on Friday Night Videos with my brother. One time, we tried to stay up all night. It didn’t work. We thought that Friday Night Videos would help pass the time, but I was asleep less than a half-hour after the end of the show.
Ok, that’s it. Good bye.
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Monday, September 29th, 2008
Well, Saturday came and went. I don’t feel any older, I don’t look any older, but I am older.
Over the past few years, small things have changed. I have noticed my back aching a little more than it did when I was a kid. Also, the recovery time for just about everything takes longer now. Oh well, I just work harder and harder to fight the battle.
To celebrate Saturday, Laura bought me a new Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker. She got me a nice ice cream recipe book from Williams-Sonoma too. She also got me a gift card for the Red Lion Inn, in Stockbridge, MA and another one for the Spring House Hotel out on Block Island. I thought that was very nice. Have I ever told you that I want to live on Block Island? Talk about relaxation.
Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker
Williams-Sonoma Ice Cream Recipe Book
So, back to the ice cream maker. I guess she didn’t hear me when I told her I wanted to keep fit and trim for the rest of my life. She knows I have an ice cream weakness. Don’t send me to the grocery store alone…you know what I’ll come back with. Being the age I am and not having a belly is a miracle. I would like to keep it that way.
Well that got thrown out the door. I went out last night and got the ingredients for my first batch of homemade ice cream. I wanted to make the black cherry ice cream recipe, but black black cherries are out of season. Instead, I made the strawberry ice cream.
Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe
It was pretty easy. I just followed the recipe and did what I had to do with the ingredients. Unlike the beer recipes, this uses actual fresh ingredients. There are no pre-made mixures. This machine allows you to get as creative as you want.
Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream
This is the ice cream after mixing it in the ice cream machine and before putting it in the freezer. I have to stick it there for a few hours and then I can enjoy my first batch of homemade ice cream.
I vow not to get fat.
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Sunday, September 21st, 2008
Oh what a sad time it is. Have four days gone by already? It seems like just yesterday.
I remember that time I walked into the local beer store and brought home my 4-pack of Celebrator Doppelbock By Ayinger Brewery. Do you remember that? If not, you can read about it right here. It was just four day ago.
It’s a very good beer. Its mood changes with whatever is on my fork. I don’t generally drink my beer while eating, but I decided to give it a shot last night. One minute it was a great beer, the next minute, not so great. Overall, I was totally happy with this beer. Farewell.
Celebrator Doppelbock by Ayinger Brewery
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Thursday, September 18th, 2008
I think I may be the first person on the planet to return a six-pack of beer. Oh well, they had it coming to them.
Today, I ran over to the local beer place and handed them the bad six-pack of Gritty McDuff’s Black Fly Stout and replaced it with a four-pack of Celebrator Doppelbock by Ayinger Brewery. I must say, this is a rather well tasting beer with great reviews over at the Beer Advocate. It’s pretty rich with a nice smooth finish. They even gave me little plastic rams on each beer.
Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock
It’s a pretty good beer that I would consider buying again.
I am still searching for another black, slow dripping, syrupy beer that sticks to my ribs. So far, the only two that have come close were the Brooklyn Brewery Black Chocolate Stout and the Samuel Adams Double Bock. These were truly fabulous beers. I know, I know, they aren’t for everyone, but as long as you give them a good try, you’ll make me happy. It’s like telling your kid to eat his peas, just try the beer.
For my next brew, I am going custom. I am going to get on the horn with the people over at MakeBeer.net and talk recipe. I want it thick. I want it rich. No excuses and no more lazy thin beer. I will throw a few Hersey bars and coffee beans in there if I have to. By the way, MakeBeer.net has a new blog where they do talk recipe, so if you are interested, stop on by.
Cheers.
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Tuesday, September 16th, 2008
I think I went to a bad store because I am very disappointed.
This evening, I ran out to the local market to get some food for dinner. While I was walking in, I noticed a beer and wine store right next to the food store. I did what I had to do in the food store and then made a quick visit into the alcohol store. I bought Gritty McDuff’s Black Fly Stout and Samuel Adams Cream Stout.
Gritty McDuff's Black Fly Stout and Samuel Adams Cream Stout
The reason I think I went to a bad store was because both beers were horrid. I opened the Gritty’s Black Fly Stout and began to pour it into the glass. The instant the beer hit the air, it turned to foam. I must have poured about a half inch of beer when the entire glass was full of suds. I waited for a while and then tried to pour more. It just kept turning into suds once the beer hit the air. I tasted the beer out of the bottle and it wasn’t any better. I poured that one down the drain and tried another. The same thing happened. Either it was a bad brew or someone left that beer out in the sun or something.
Since I still wanted a beer, I opened up a Sam Adams Cream Stout. I poured the beer and everything looked good. I am not sure if tasting the previous beer altered my taste buds or what, but this beer tasted watery. I was hoping that the “Cream” in Cream Stout would make the beer taste creamy. I guess not. It got slightly better throughout dinner, but I still wasn’t a happy camper.
I am going to bring the one six-pack of Gritty’s back to the store tomorrow. That’s BS.
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Thursday, June 19th, 2008
Last night was pretty fun. My brother, Jeff, came over and we went out to dinner.
Lately, you pretty much have to drag me out of my chair to get me to do anything. I have my head stuck staring at this horrible computer screen 24 hours a day. It really is unattractive. Jeff told me that I have to get out more often. I explained to him that it’s not like it used to be.
When I was younger, I had no responsibilities. I was also bored a lot. Now, I am always busy and running a business takes a lot out of me. There is no one else to handle things if something needs to get done. I mean, I have help, but the majority of things rest right on my shoulders. Good thing they are so muscular.
It was good to get out. I decided that we would go up to Applebees in Glastonbury, CT. We drove up there and when we passed by the restaurant, I realized it wasn’t an Applebees, but a Chilis. Jeff told me that he always goes to Chilis and would rather not go there. I really didn’t want to go there either. I made a left from Main Street onto Glastonbury Boulevard. Glastonbury Boulevard is really cool. It is tree lined and there is a lot going on. I basically just wanted to show him the road and then turn around to find somewhere to eat. We drove down the road a little and noticed a Houlihan’s on the left. We pulled in and parked.
Since the restaurant was so close to Somerset Square, I thought it would be nice to show Jeff where people do some shopping. So, we got out of the car and walked.
I gotta tell you, I really love sidewalks. I also have to tell you that it did feel a little foreign to me to be walking. I am so used to driving every little place I need to go that walking felt very out of the ordinary.
Right before we began our walk, I ran back to the car to grab the camera. I could see that Jeff was wondering what the heck I was doing. I mean, what in the world is there to take pictures of during a little 15 minute walk to no where? I explained to him that this is what blogging is all about. I told him that I searched for photos of the different things in different towns a lot before we moved here. I thought people would appreciate it if I posted some of my own. I think he got a kick out of the camera thing because he jumped on board.
Anyway, the photo above is of the tree lines and sidewalk I was talking about earlier.
Before we got to the enterance of Somerset Square, we passed the backside of a few restaurants. I didn’t think the photos would come out so blurry, but because it was getting dark, I guess that’s what happens. The photo are of Max Fish, Max Amore and some other one. Perhaps we will eat at one of these next time. I have heard good things.
We walked a bit more and made it to the enterance of Somerset Square. The lighting of this place was really cool and it felt like I was on vacation. We walked through a little bit and took a picture of Cold Stone Creamery. Jeff told me that I had to get a picture of that.
We did our thing and walked back to Houlihan’s, which I forgot to get a picture of. We went in a sat down to eat. When we did finally eat, I have to tell you, I was really very pleased. I mean, the food was really great. I could believe it. Even Jeff told me that his potato soup was the best he ever had.
I had my usual Guinness. He likes to drink sweeter drinks, and mentioned that he didn’t really like beer. He took a sip of the Guinness and I think he might have changed his mind.
What’s the moral of this long story? Try Guinness, you might like it.
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Tuesday, May 20th, 2008
A few days ago, I took at look through Amazon and MakeBeer.net to see if the Coopers Irish Stout I have been waiting for was back in stock. It has been unavailable since before St. Patrick’s Day. I guess all the Irish scooped it up.
Guess what? I was in luck. A new shipment of ingredients had arrived from Australia. I quickly ordered the Irish Stout kit and it arrived today. This is just in the nick of time, because I am running really low on my existing batch of regular Stout.
I am pretty excited about this upcoming batch. The ingredients include some extra malt for some reason. It says that it gives the beer a better head retention and something else…I forget. Whatever…if it makes the beer better, I’m on board.
I mixed everything togther tonight and placed the jug downstairs near the boiler. It’s a warmer, constant temperature down there. The brew has to stay between 70 and 80 degrees.
Here, I took some pics…
It’s pretty hard to take pictures in the dark. I had to turn on the flash, which I hate to do.
This was going to be my favorite shot, but it came out a little blurry. I tried to clean it up in Photoshop.
Here is that familiar jug we have all gotten used to by this point.
I really hope this batch comes out good because I have been waiting for it for a long time.
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Sunday, March 9th, 2008
Well, the good news is that my bottle capper works great. I couldn’t resist and cracked a bottle open today. I heard the little, “sssst” that tells me the bottle was sealed. That’s good.
The bad news is that when I poured the bottle of beer into my glass, it had a “scent” to it. It kind of smelled like sulphur. Not much, but enough to make me give it a taste. The beer wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t like it was supposed to be. After I poured it, there was a head to it, but definitely not like the Lager from the previous batch. I poured the bottle down the drain. Now, mind you, I have only had this batch bottled for a week and a half.
UPDATE – I was just looking for someone else who experienced the sulphur smell in home brew so I could link to it and came across this forum. Apparently, they are saying, “It’s just the yeast…let it age out.” To think, I was going to come home today and dump 63 bottles of beer down the drain.
I’ll let the beer age out for a few more weeks and see what happens. I will be sure to update you.
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