Who doesn’t love a grilled cheese sandwich? There’s even an annual grilled cheese competition here in Orange County, comprising chefs who come out to show off their grilled cheese selections.
Grilled Cheese & Beer is a cookbook collaboration between two masterful individuals. Authors Kevin VanBlarcum and Eddie Davis have combined their extensive knowledge of beer making, food, and good humor and created a very special collection that will thrill grilled cheese lovers, AND sandwich lovers everywhere.
Perusing through the book, you’ll see it begins with a “beer guide” which is not only simple to maneuver, but also, educates a dummy like me to understand the breakdown of beer types without being too complicated.
Then, the book proceeds to discuss a little about the various cheeses — some are easily recognized, while others, might not be as familiar to some people — which are perfect to go into your sandwiches.
Inside Grilled Cheese & Beer you will find over 50 one-of-a-kind grilled cheese sandwich recipes, perfectly paired with craft beers, designed to draw out the full flavor of each ingredient.
There are many reasons why I love this book. First off, it is separated into sections depending on skill level. So if you’re just starting out, you may want to start from the beginning in the section entitled “The Basics” where you’ll find Johnny Apple Cheese, which is paired with one of my favorites — Angry Orchard.
Next, move onto “Advanced” where the recipes become just a tad more elaborate. If you think you’re a master, you can opt to skip right to the “Expert” section of the book where you will find elaborate recipes such as Gleaming The Brie, which is paired with Brooklyn’s Black Chocolate Stout.
The authors has also included a section entitled “Let’s Get Crazy (Cue The Prince Music) which stretches the imagination including The Sweet Treat, a grilled cheese comprising a sweet Hawaiian roll with strawberries, blueberries and chocolate chips.
Another aspect of the book that is worth mentioning is that the recipe shares the page with the beer selection, so there’s no going back and forth to search for the perfect pairing. For instance, Johnny Apple Cheese paired with Angry Orchard — one of my favorites — reveals the recipe on the top half of the page, with a description of the beer selection (and photo) on the bottom half. SUPER easy!!
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Kevin VanBlarcum is a brewer at Keegan Ales in Kingston, NY. After graduating from the University at Albany, he began pursuing a career in the brewing industry. Born and raised in the Catskill Mountains, Kevin VanBlarcum currently resides in Pine Hill, New York.
James Edward “Eddie” Davis has honed his skills as a chef from Brooklyn, NY to the Catskills. He fell in love with the culinary arts and began to hone his skills at a local favorite, The Caboose.
To purchase a copy of Grilled Cheese & Beer, please click on this link to Amazon.com
For a chance to WIN a copy of Grilled Cheese & Beer please leave a comment with your full name and why you should be selected to win this fun cookbook. Entries close on Sunday, March 12th, 2017.
breeb b says
I would love to try some of these recipes! Date night or with kids! YUMMY
Carriann Tucker says
Carriann Tucker.
I’d love to win because I love love love beer. I also love food. Finding new ways to pair the 2 together is always fun and creative. I also know the writers personally, and I know they put a lot of time, passion and fun into making this book for all to enjoy.
Eddie Davis says
Hey this is Eddie one of the authors of Grilled Cheese and Beer, thank you so much for grabbing a copy of the book. I’m so glad your enjoying it!!
Mad Hungry Woman says
Thank you! If you write another, please include more dark beers!! That’s my favorite.
gracefulcoffee says
I would like to win this as a gift for my mom! She loves trying new recipes 🙂
Name: Edye Nicole
Mad Hungry Woman says
congratulations, you have won a copy of the book
Jeffrey Lammers says
I should win this awesome book because grilled cheese is one of my favorite meals. I can see no better way to up my sandwich culinary skills than this book! I took a sneak peek at the book on Amazon and must say the photos look amazing especially the one that looks to be an Italian style sandwich with cheese, pesto, tomato sauce and maybe sandwich pepperoni. Count me in, I have my fingers crossed!
Mad Hungry Woman says
congratulations Jeffrey, you have won a copy of Grilled Cheese and Beer