Three Course Dinner with Beer Pairings

For a unique dinner party (or to impress your beer-loving boyfriend any night of the week) try this quick three-course dinner. Each course will compliment the beer (and better yet you will actually be able to continue drinking through dessert without the beer turning super acidic from the sugar- like wine does.)

1st Course:

Lobster Bisque w/ Kolsch

Don't fret! This is actually the easiest course by far. Cheat and serve a good quality Lobster Bisque (my favorite is Boston Chowda Company's Rockport Lobster Bisque.) To really up the class factor add in some whole lobster meat and some chopped fresh parsley. As for the beer, Kolsch (traditionally a beer brewed in Koln, Germany but now attracting micro-brewers as well) it is moderately light (in both color and body) with a bit of bitterness making it a superb beer to start with. Try the Reissdorf Kolsh or Harpoon Summer.

2nd Course:

Rack of Lamb w/ Scottish Ale

Rack of lamb is another dish that should absolutely not strike fear into the heart of the host (even though you will actually be cooking this one.) Have your butcher "french" the ends- wrap the tips in foil (they will burn otherwise) season with salt, pepper, rosemary, and olive oil (breadcrumbs drizzled with butter is delicious as well.) Roast at 350 for 25 minutes. A malty Scottish Ale will hold up nicely to the lamb. Try Belhaven Scottish Ale or Odell 90 Shilling Ale.

3rd Course:

Bannas Foster Bread Pudding w/ Hefeweizen

You may be thinking, beer with dessert? However, a light citrusy beer can be a welcome relief from wines that turn dreadfully acidic with sugary desserts. Pair Emeril's Bannas Foster Bread Pudding (recipe available at www.food.com) with a Hefeweizen. This wheat beer is a good match as the yeast used is often said to resemble a banana flavor. Try the original Schneider Weisse or Brooklyner Weisse.

And if your flambé accidentally ruins your dessert, kitchen, and night- check out www.situeating.com for a restaurant alternative - with a fun scenario dining theme - who knows, "Where to Eat When You've Burned Down Half Your Kitchen" may even be the next post.