Beer Braised Chicken with Bacon

Braising is such a simple and delicious preparation for various cuts of meat. It is also a great option for a party or larger get together, as you can use tougher, and therefore cheaper, cuts to meats to create the most amazing flavors. For my bacon and beer party, I wanted to use beer to braise some chicken thighs. The recipe came together as I figured out what I had on hand, bacon, onions, and some fresh thyme. I used a combination of chicken thighs and drumsticks, but just thighs will work well. This recipe could not be easier, after cooking the chicken, you just reduce the sauce and then serve! Easy, impressive and can easily (and cheaply) feed a crowd. I would recommend serving this with some quinoa or brown rice to add some fiber and soak up the sauce.

Get full recipe after the jump!
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Pumpkin Ale Cupcakes with Maple Bacon Frosting

I love cupcakes. I enjoy all flavors, varieties and sizes. I do not, however, bake my own, generally preferring fabulous treats from my favorite bakeries. So, I decided to conquer my fear of cupcake baking with a bacon and beer version that I developed myself. This took a few batches to get right, but I am so proud of how these came out. And they're super cute too!

Pumpkin ale helps to make a very fluffy and light cupcake with lots of delicious pumpkin flavor. I topped it with a maple cream cheese frosting, because cream cheese makes everything delicious. I was going to crush the crispy bacon and sprinkle it on top, but I thought the single piece made it a bit more artistic. You can do either.

WARNING: these cupcakes are addictive. I love miniaturized anything, but cupcakes are especially dangerous. Make sure to have some guests coming over so you don't eat the entire batch!

Full recipe after the jump!
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Foodbuzz 24x24: Bacon and Beer Party!

Beer Braised Chicken & Salad with Lager Vinaigrette 

I was so excited to be chosen to host a Foodbuzz 24x24 party! Since I knew we'd be stuck at home with the new puppy, I wanted to host a fun and laid back evening featuring two of my favorite things in the world: bacon and beer. I decided to create a variety of dishes using both bacon and beer. In addition, I chose some delicious seasonal and local beers to compliment the menu and provide a fun tasting experience for my guests. This was an extra special occasion because it was our first opportunity to introduce our 8 week old labradoodle puppy, Archer to all our friends. He is a handful, but sooo adorable.

In designing the menu, I decided to try some new things I had never done before. This was my first time making chowder, biscuits and cupcakes, and it was so much fun. I spent Friday, the day before, experimenting with a bunch of different recipes, some of which didn't make it to the feast but I may still post later in the week. I am going to put up all the recipes this week, so bear with me.

Bacon and Beer Biscuits & Ale Clam Chowder with Bacon

Read all about my 24x24 after the jump!!
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