Archive for the ‘ Lagniappe ’ Category

At BrewDog we want to push the boundaries and challenge people’s perceptions about what beer is and how it can be enjoyed. We ultimately want to show people that there is an alternative to the mainstream, generic beers and make other people as passionate about craft beer as we are. We have pushed the limits of beers in many directions, ultra hoppy low abv beers (such as Nanny State), Islay Barrel Aged Stouts, Ageing IPAs on the Ocean and doing off the wall collaborations.

For the taxidermy art followers, here’s the reason to cheer with BrewDog’s most expensive beer. The award-winning Scottish brewery has unveiled their 55% ABV “The End of History” beer which will be sold inside dead stuffed animals (a stuffed stoat or gray squirrel). The name derives from the famous work of philosopher Francis Fukuyama, “this is to beer what democracy is to history.” This blond Belgian ale is infused with nettles from the Scottish Highlands and fresh juniper berries. Only 12 bottles have been made and each comes with its authenticity certificate. The collection features a limited run of 11 bottles, 7 stoats and 4 gray squirrels. The packaging uses road kill animals dressed in eccentric outfits and each bottle is priced at $762 for the stoat model and $1,067 for the gray squirrel.   [LINK]

YouTube Preview Image

Here is a tasty recipe,  the only problem with it, is. . . .  its not enough.  I would suggest doubling or tripling, because it is sooooo good.  The smokiness and texture of the salmon combined with the dill and cream cheese is simply magnificent.  The smoked salmon is easy available at most grocery stores in the Seafood section and is usually pre-packaged.  —  I would never order fish or salmon at a restaurant, simply because I’m a steak kind of guy…. but this is definitely worth a try even if your not a big fan of fish!!!  Try it !

Ingredients

For The Filling

  • 2 tablespoon(s) unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup(s) finely chopped shallot
  • 1/2 cup(s) finely chopped smoked salmon (about 1/4 pound)
  • 1/4 cup(s) cream cheese at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoon(s) minced fresh dill
  • 3 tablespoon(s) minced fresh chives
  • 2 tablespoon(s) fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 24 won ton wrappers (available at asian markets and many supermarkets) thawed if frozen
  • Melted butter, sour cream and minced fresh dill, as accompaniments

Directions

  • In a small skillet melt the butter over moderate heat and cook the shallots, stirring, until soft.
  • Transfer to a bowl and let cool.
  • Stir in the salmon, cream cheese, dill, chives, lemon juice, salt and pepper, mixing well to combine and chill, covered, for 1 hour.
  • Prepare the won ton ravioli with a small scoop of the salmon mixture and wet edges with water and seal. Boil for 2-4 minutes or until the ravioli rise to the surface.
  • Serve the warm ravioli drizzled with the melted butter and topped with sour cream and minced fresh dill.
The New Orleans Saints Super Bowl Drinking Game
  1. Every time they mention hurricane Katrina, drink 1
  2. If they show pictures of the City of New Orleans right after Katrina, drink 1
  3. Every time they say how much the Saints mean to the City of New Orleans , drink 1
  4. Every time the words “tragedy”, “flood”, or “devastation” are used, drink 1
  5. Every time they talk about how good Reggie Bush was in college, drink 3
  6. If they show Kim Kardashian in the stands, drink 5
  7. Every time they show a picture of Reggie Bush with a bat or say “bringing the wood” drink for 5 seconds.
  8. Every time Reggie Bush gets negative yardage trying to run around in the backfield a bunch and outrun the defense, drink 1 and turn to the person next to you and say “I told you Vince Young should have won the Heisman”
  9. Every time Reggie Bush gets up and flexes his arms in that pose he likes to do, drink 1
  10. If they mention Tim Tebow for any reason, funnel a beer
  11. Every time they say that “it’s destiny for the Saints to win” drink 1
  12. If they show footage of Katrina survivors at the Superdome, take a shot of cheap liquor
  13. If they call Saints fans the most passionate fans in football, drink1
  14. If they say that the Saints, Saints fans, or the City of New Orleans “deserve” a  Super Bowl victory, drink 1
  15. Every time they say how good of a story the Saints are, drink 1
  16. If Jeremy Shockey pretends to be hurt after dropping a pass, drink 2
  17. If they mention the Saints beating the Falcons in 2006 in the first game after Katrina in the Superdome, drink 5 and remember that we are still a better football team with better fans.
  18. Every time they compare hurricane Katrina to the Haiti earthquake, funnel a beer andyell “bull!”
  19. Every time they mention Drew Brees as the Mardi Gras King, drink 20.
  20. Every time they show Archie Manning, drink 1.  Ifthey show old footage of him on the Saints, drink 5.  If they mention howtough of a decision it was for him as for whom to cheer for, drink 10.
  21. Every time they show a saints fan yelling “Who dat!” Or a sign/shirt saying the same, drink 1.
  22. If they show Chris Paul at the game, drink 1 and mention to someone how much better he is than Marvin Williams.
  23. If they show former Mayor Ray Nagin, drink 5 and then punch someone in the face
Other Rules not involving the Saints
  1. Every time they show Eli Manning in the press box, drink 1
  2. Every time Pierre Garcon is mentioned with Haiti, drink 1
  3. If Brett Favre is mentioned for any reason, drink 1

Funny for Tuesday.

YouTube Preview Image

Chocolate Chip Cookies!

This is Alton Brown’s cookie recipe.   It is good !   I have made it several times — –   with nuts or with out nuts….  Yummy!

Ingredients

  • 2 sticks unsalted butter
  • 2 1/4 cups bread flour
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 1/4 cups brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Hardware:

  • Ice cream scooper (#20 disher, to be exact)
  • Parchment paper
  • Baking sheets
  • Mixer

Directions

Heat oven to 375 degrees F.

Melt the butter in a heavy-bottom medium saucepan over low heat. Sift together the flour, salt, and baking soda and set aside.

Pour the melted butter in the mixer’s work bowl. Add the sugar and brown sugar. Cream the butter and sugars on medium speed. Add the egg, yolk, 2 tablespoons milk and vanilla extract and mix until well combined. Slowly incorporate the flour mixture until thoroughly combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.

Chill the dough, then scoop onto parchment-lined baking sheets, 6 cookies per sheet. Bake for 14 minutes or until golden brown, checking the cookies after 5 minutes. Rotate the baking sheet for even browning. Cool completely and store in an airtight container.

Verve

http://bit.ly/5oUxDS

Former WME trio form Verve

Agents team on talent-lit agency

By DAVE MCNARY

Former WME agents Bryan Besser, Adam Levine and Bill Weinstein have formed talent-lit agency Verve.

The partners, who made the announcement Monday, worked for some 10 years at the William Morris Agency and went on to WME following WMA’s merger with Endeavor in April.

We believe that in the ever-changing marketplace of today, artists need a focused, entrepreneurial, team-oriented group of agents,” the partners said in a statement. “Verve will shift the emphasis from an agency-first culture to artist-first representation.”

Clients moving to the percentery include helmer Joe Kosinski (“Tron Legacy”) and writers Michael Arndt (“Toy Story 3″) and Aaron Guzikowski (the upcoming “Prisoners”).

Bryan BesserBesser

Adam LevineLevine

Bill WeinsteinWeinstein