Beer Bread

As I think I’ve mentioned before OH is quite talented at making beer, and he recently made a big keg full to take to a party. After the party believe it or not there was some left over and I’ve spent a few days trying to find some recipes to use the beer up rather than see it go to waste. Earlier in the week we had a lovely sausage and ale casserole and last night I decided to have a go at this recipe for beer bread to go with the spag bol we were having for dinner.

I left out the sultana and ginger as I wanted the bread to be more savoury to go with the meal. Unfortunately the bread took so long to rise it wasn’t ready for dinner, in fact it eventually went in the oven at 9:30pm! It was worth the wait however and came out the oven smelling yummy:

 

Look at that! I’ll let you know later what OH thought of it with his lunch.

Cheese fake-flé

I hosted a dinner party for a couple of friends on Saturday night, I had yummy pork chops with prevençale sauce planned for the main, and cake from the local patisserie for pudding but was a little stumped with what to do for the starter.

Luckily when I was having this debate with myself I was int he kitchen staring at some bread, eggs and cheese – inspiration struck and cheese fake-flé was born!

This is basically a savoury bread and butter pudding – instead of adding raisins and sugar just add liberal amounts of cheese! I made mini individual ones but it would work well as one big one too. Basically butter some stale bread, chop into small chunks and place in a dish layering with grated cheddar. Mix together 2 eggs and about 200ml of milk and pour over the top. Then if possible leave it to soak for an hour or so. Cook at about 170 (fan oven) for approx 25mins (mini ones) or 40mins (big one).

Take out of the oven and serve quickly – before it flops (like mine had done by the time I got the picture) grrr… Enjoy yummy crispy top and soggy cheesy goo in the middle. 🙂 mmm…