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Bavarian Leek and Cabbage Soup

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Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 
  • 2 medium leeks, white and light green parts, halved and thinly sliced (see Tip)
  • 1 cup coarsely chopped carrot
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth or stock
  • 1 12-ounce bottle lager
  • 8 cups thinly sliced green cabbage
  • 3 cups diced red potatoes
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 4 cups chopped greens, such as chard or kale
  • 12 ounces smoked bratwurst or kielbasa, cut into ½-inch rounds
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
  • Ground pepper to taste
  • ½ cup reduced-fat sour cream

Directions

  1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add leeks, carrot, celery and thyme.
  2. Cover and cook, occasionally stirring, for 10 minutes.
  3. Add broth (or stock), lager, cabbage, potatoes and bay leaves; cover and bring to a boil.
  4. Uncover, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
  5. Stir in greens and sausage and cook, occasionally stirring, until the potatoes are tender, 10 to 15 minutes more.
  6. Season with salt and pepper. Discard bay leaves.
  7. Ladle into bowls and top each with parsley, if desired.

Easy Alcohol Infused Kahlua Brownies

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What Is Kahlua?

Kahlua is a coffee-flavored liqueur brand founded in Mexico in 1936. The liqueur combines arabica coffee with sugar, vanilla, and rum and is used in classic cocktails like the White Russian, Espresso Martini, and Mudslide.

Coffee and Chocolate Together

Coffee enhances chocolate flavors, making it a great addition to any recipe where you want the chocolate taste to shine. Both coffee and chocolate have a variety of unique flavors, but when paired together, they can create delicious combinations.

Optional Add-ins

Instead of adding nuts into the mix, you can place them just on top. Like your brownies chocolaty, add in some chocolate chips. A little chocolate sauce or caramel drizzle on top makes these Kahlua brownies even more decadent.

Easy Alcohol-Infused Kahlua Brownies

1 Box brownie mix- prepared but not cooked
¼ cup + 1 Tbs Kahlua
½ cup chopped roasted nuts, any kind

1- Preheat oven as instructed on mix. Add Kahlua to the brownie batter. Blend well. Stir in chopped nuts

2- Bake 2-4 minutes longer than the baking time recommended in the brownie mix instructions. Cool in pan before serving.

3- After the brownies have cooled lightly brush the top of the brownies with 1 tablespoon of Kahlua.

Easy Alcohol Infused Kahlua Brownies

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Ingredients
  

  • 1 Box brownie mix- prepared but not cooked¼ cup + 1 Tbs Kahlua ½ cup chopped roasted nuts any kind

Instructions
 

  • 1- Preheat oven as instructed on the mix. Add Kahlua to the brownie batter. Blend well. Stir in chopped nuts
  • 2- Bake 2-4 minutes longer than the baking time recommended in the brownie mix instructions. Cool in pan before serving.
  • 3- After the brownies have cooled but before cutting lightly brush the top of the brownies with 1 tablespoon of Kahlua.

Savory and Simple French Onion Soup Recipe

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This French onion soup is warm, cozy, and flavorful with beef stock and caramelized onions. Top with sliced French bread or croutons covered in melty Gruyere, Parmesan, or provolone cheese.

Watch the video tutorial and see how easy it is to re-create this restaurant-quality onion soup recipe.

Kitchen Items Used in Recipe

INGREDIENTS  1x2x3x

  • 4 lbs yellow onions peeled and thinly sliced (approximately 5–6 large onions)
  • 3 tbs butter
  • 4 Cloves garlic minced
  • 3 tablespoon flour
  • 1 Cup dry white wine
  • 8 Cups vegetable or beef stock
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 each Bay leaves
  • 3 Springs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • to taste Sea Salt and fresh cracked pepper
  • 1 loaf baguette
  • grated or sliced cheese such as Gruyere, Asiago, Swiss, Gouda or Mozzarella

INSTRUCTIONS 

Caramelize the onions

  •  In a large heavy-bottomed stockpot, melt the butter over medium-high heat.  Add the onions and sauté until well for about 30 minutes until caramelized (but not burnt), initially stirring every 3-5 minutes, then about once a minute near the end of caramelization to prevent burning*.  Add garlic and sauté for 2 minutes.  Stir in the flour and cook for an additional 1 minute.  Stir in the wine to deglaze the pan, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan

Simmer the soup

  •  Add the stock, Worcestershire, bay leaf, and thyme and stir to combine. Continue to cook until the soup reaches a simmer.  Then reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for at least 10 minutes.  Discard the bay leaf and sprigs of thyme.  Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Toast the bread

  • Preheat oven to 400°F.  While the soup is simmering, slice the baguette into 1-inch thick pieces and arrange them in single layer on baking sheet.  Bake for 6-8 minutes, until the bread is toasted and golden around the edges.  Remove and set aside.

Broil the topping

  • Switch the oven to the broiler.  Once the soup is ready to serve, place your oven-safe bowls on a thick baking sheet.  Ladle the soup into each bowl, then top with a baguette slice and your desired amount of cheese (I used about ¼ cup shredded cheese for each).  Place on an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat and broil for 2-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.  (Keep a close eye on them so that they do not burn.)  Remove from the oven and serve immediately while the soup is hot and bubbly.

Beer-Candied Bacon Recipe

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Beer, bacon, brown sugar, what more do you need for a savory snack, tasty appetizer, or next level BLT! This beer-candied bacon recipe is made to satisfy your craving rather it's salty, savory, or sweet!

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 lb thick-cut, high quality bacon (We like Wright brand bacon)
  • ½ cup brown sugar packed
  • ¼ cup + 2 tablespoon beer (a little extra won't hurt anything)

DIRECTIONS

  1. To make this beer-candied bacon, preheat oven to 400°F. Combine brown sugar and stout ( I used Guinness which is an Irish dry stout) in a small bowl, whisking well to form a thin syrup. Set aside.
  2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place a wire cooling rack on top. Place the pieces of bacon on top of the rack. Place in oven and cook for 10 minutes.
  3. Remove from oven and brush one side of the bacon with the beer syrup. Flip, and coat the other side with the syrup as well.
  4. Return to oven and cook for 10 minutes. Remove from oven, and repeat process another time or two more, until bacon is crispy and browned.
  5. After the second round of glaze you will want to keep an eye on the bacon so it doesn't over cook.
  6. Once the bacon is done cooking flip it one last time, then allow it cool.
  7. Cool on wire rack for at least 1 hour before serving.
Beer-Candied Bacon

Beer-Candied Bacon

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Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb thick-cut high-quality bacon (We like Wright brand bacon)
  • ½ cup brown sugar packed
  • ¼ cup + 2 tablespoon beer a little extra won't hurt anything

Instructions
 

  • To make this beer-candied bacon, preheat oven to 400°F. Combine brown sugar and stout ( I used Guinness which is an Irish dry stout) in a small bowl, whisking well to form a thin syrup. Set aside.
  • Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place a wire cooling rack on top. Place the pieces of bacon on top of the rack. Place in oven and cook for 10 minutes.
  • Remove from oven and brush one side of the bacon with the beer syrup. Flip, and coat the other side with the syrup as well.
  • Return to oven and cook for 10 minutes. Remove from oven, and repeat process another time or two more, until bacon is crispy and browned.
  • After the second round of glaze, you will want to keep an eye on the bacon so it doesn't overcook.
  • Once the bacon is done cooking flip it one last time, then allow it to cool
  • Cool on wire rack for at least 1 hour before serving.

Guinness French Dip Sandwiches in Slow Cooker or Instant Pot

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The BEST French Dip Sandwich! Tender beef, sweet onions, melted cheese, and au jus for dipping. Slow Cooker or Instant Pot recipe.

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ lb chuck roast
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 1-2 bay leaf
  • 12 oz Guinness
  • 3 C beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Instructions

  • Place chuck roast in the bowl of a 5-6 quart slow cooker. Sprinkle the top with half of the spices, then rub in. Flip the chuck roast and repeat with the remaining spices. Add bay leaf. Pour in beer and beef stock. Cover and cook on high 5 hours or low for 10 hours.
  • Carefully remove chuck roast, shred with forks and transfer to a bowl. Divide shredded beef between rolls, top off with optional cheese. Serve with leftover cooking juices.

Instant Pot:

  • Add the beef to the onion mixture in the Instant Pot, add in the remaining broth and the bay leaf. Cook on high pressure for 45 minutes, followed by a 25 minute natural release. Remove the meat to a cutting board and thinly slice it (against the grain) or shred it, set aside.
  • Place a fine mesh strainer over a large bowl and carefully pour the juices from the Instant Pot through the strainer and into the bowl (this is your au jus). Set aside the onions that remain in the strainer, discard the bay leaf.
  • Transfer the sliced meat and the onions back into the Instant Pot. Pour over a little bit of au jus to moisten the meat and season to taste with salt and pepper. Reserve the remaining au jus for dipping. If you'd like more au jus, you can stir in a little beef broth to make it stretch farther.
  • Toast your rolls, fill with meat and onions, cover with the cheese of your choice. Melt the cheese in a 375° oven or under the broiler until melted. Serve with the au jus on the side for dipping.

Bourbon and Vanilla French Toast Recipe

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This bourbon-infused delight makes for a great weekend morning wakeup. Bourbon feels right at home on the breakfast table with this French toast that’s infused with Kentucky’s famous spirit.

Ingredients

3 eggs
¾ cup milk
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 shot bourbon
6 slices of thick-cut bread
3 tablespoons butter divided
Maple syrup

Directions

1- In a bowl mix together eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and bourbon. After mixing pour into a shallow dish

2- Heat griddle to medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the griddle and wait for it to melt. Place a slice of bread in the batter, fully coat both sides. Place a bread slice on the griddle. Cook until slices are brown on both sides.

3- Cook as many slices as you are wanting. Top with butter, maple syrup, and fresh fruit.

Bourbon and Vanilla French Toast Recipe

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Ingredients
  

  • 3 eggs
  • ¾ cup milk
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 shot bourbon
  • 6 slices of thick-cut Bread
  • 3 tablespoons butter divided
  • Maple syrup

Instructions
 

  • 1- In a bowl mix together eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and bourbon. After mixing pour into a shallow dish
  • 2- Heat griddle to medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the griddle and wait for it to melt. Place a slice of bread in the batter, fully coat both sides. Place a bread slice on the griddle. Cook until slices are brown on both sides.
  • 3- Cook as many slices as you are wanting. Top with butter and maple syrup.

Other Great Breakfast Recipes

Air Fryer French Toast

Biker Bar Beer Steaks Recipe

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There are three things you will always find on the menu at a biker bar, Burgers, steaks, and beer. Part of taking a motorcycle ride is finding a great place to eat. A plus is when you can find a place to also source delicious ingredients for cooking at home. Cooking With Spirits believes in using ingredients from local businesses to support our community. Beer from a local brewery, vegetables from a farmer's market, and honey from local beekeepers are great options. This recipe for biker bar beer steaks was inspired by many of the local options we have here in Texas. I'm sure if you look around your area you'll be able to source them locally too. If not they are simple ingredients any grocery store will have on hand. ...

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Tequila Lime Chicken Wings Recipe

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Tequila Lime Chicken Wings are perfect as an appetizer at a party, tailgating, or a quick weeknight dinner. The wings can be finished off on the grill or in the oven.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of chicken wings, cut into segments, tips removed and discarded
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper

Tequila Lime Sauce

  • ½ cup lime juice
  • 2 teaspoon grated lime zest
  • ¼ cup tequila
  • 1 tablespoon of honey or agave syrup/nectar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ½ tablespoon freshly cracked pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Directions

  1. Prepare the wings: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Season the wings with salt and pepper and arrange on a baking sheet in a single layer. Cook until just brown and crisp, about 45 minutes.
  2. Make the sauce: Combine the lime zest and juice, tequila, honey or agave syrup, cumin, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ tablespoon pepper in a bowl. Pour over the warm wings and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Preheat a grill to high. Grill the wings until marked, 10 to 15 minutes, turning as needed. Transfer the marinade to a saucepan and cook until slightly thick, about 8 minutes (you can do this on the grill as well). Drizzle the wings with the sauce and top with cilantro, if desired.

Tequila Lime Chicken Wing Recipe

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Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound of chicken wings cut into segments, tips removed and discarded
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper

Tequila Lime Sauce:

  • ½ cup lime juice
  • 2 teaspoon grated lime zest
  • ¼ cup tequila
  • 1 tablespoon of honey or agave syrup/nectar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ½ tablespoon freshly cracked pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the wings: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Season the wings with salt and pepper and arrange on a baking sheet in a single layer. Cook until just brown and crisp, about 45 minutes.
  • Make the sauce: Combine the lime zest and juice, tequila, honey or agave syrup, cumin, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ tablespoon pepper in a bowl. Pour over the warm wings and let marinate at least 30 minutes.
  • Preheat a grill to high. Grill the wings until marked, 10 to 15 minutes, turning as needed. Transfer the marinade to a saucepan and cook until slightly thick, about 8 minutes (you can do this on the grill as well). Drizzle the wings with the sauce and top with cilantro, if desired.

 

The Best Guinness Beer™ Chili Recipe

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Ground beef, beans, Guinness Beer™, diced onions, just the right spices, what's not to love?! This recipe has really is the best Guinness Beer™ chili recipe you will ever taste. A few people in our test kitchen were not big fans of chili so we set out to win them over; this recipe did it!

Ingredients

  • 1 1⁄2 pounds ground chuck
  • 2 11.2 oz bottle Guinness Draught*
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup yellow onions (diced)
  • 1 15 oz can red kidney beans (drained and rinsed) or you can use freshly cooked beans as we did.
  • 1 15 oz can white kidney beans (drained and rinsed)  or you can use freshly cooked beans as we did.
  • 1 28 ounces can crushed tomatoes  (or diced if you like it chunky)
  • 3 large cloves fresh garlic (crushed)
  • 2 tablespoons ground cumin
  • 2 Tablespoons chili powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 Tablespoon brown sugar

Top with sour cream, chopped green onions and shredded cheese   (optional)

Directions

  1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until the onion starts to soften
  2. Add the ground beef and garlic. Cook until meat is no longer pink.
  3. Add cumin, chili powders, tomatoes, and beans.
  4. Add the Guinness® and brown sugar, stir
  5. Cover and simmer for at least 1 ½ hours. I usually let it simmer for 2-3 hours.
  6.  Top with sour cream, green onions and shredded cheese   (optional

The Best Guinness Beer™ Chili Recipe

Cooking With Spirits Test Kitchen
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Ingredients
  

  • 1 1 ⁄2 pounds ground chuck
  • 2 11.2 oz bottle Guinness Draught*
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup yellow onions diced
  • 1 15 oz can red kidney beans drained and rinsed or you can use freshly cooked beans as we did.
  • 1 15 oz can white kidney beans drained and rinsed or you can use freshly cooked beans as we did.
  • 1 28 ounces can crushed tomatoes or diced if you like it chunky
  • 3 large cloves fresh garlic crushed
  • 2 tablespoons ground cumin
  • 2 Tablespoons chili powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 Tablespoon brown sugar

Instructions
 

  • Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until the onion starts to soften
  • Add the ground beef and garlic. Cook until meat is no longer pink.
  • Add cumin, chili powders, tomatoes, and beans.
  • Add the Guinness® and brown sugar, stir
  • Cover and simmer for at least 1 ½ hours. I usually let it simmer for 2-3 hours.
  • Top with sour cream, chopped green onions, and shredded cheese   (optional)

Grilled Guinness Rib-Eye Steak Recipe

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This is a deep, rich grilled rib-eye steak that is marinated in a dark beer sauce.  You can use the marinade as a baste however we did not do that when recording the video. These steaks come out absolutely delicious every time! After eating these Grilled Guinness Rib-Eye Steaks you may no longer be satisfied with what you find at the local steak house.

...

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