BEERFEST!

Saturday we went to Provisions Gourmet Market for Beerfest. The deal seemed too good to be true. The event included a tasting glass, over 100 beers to sample, various meats and cheeses, plus you could choose from a brat or pulled pork lunch w/ pub chips...All for the low low price of $5 per person! I tell you, how on earth could we pass that up? I'm so glad we didn't. We had a blast and tasted some pretty awesome beers. See the full list of beers below.

About 30 samples in we ran into some friends.

Aren't they cute?!

And now for the list of beers we sampled...

Pyramid Hefewizen

Pyramid Juggernaut

Magic Hat Hex (only available in their fall sample pack)

Magic Hat HI.P.A (only available in their fall sample pack)

Magic Hat Fall Odd Notion (only available in their fall sample pack)

Hofbrau Oktoberfest

Charleville Hoptimistic IPA

Augusta Farmhouse Tripel

Schlafly Bierre de Garde

Avery Collaboration not Litigation

Avery White Rascal

Great Divide Double Wit

Great Divide Espresso Oak Yeti

Great Divide Belgica

Great Divide 16th Anniversary Ale - Wood Aged Double IPA

Great Divide Rumble IPA

New Belgium LOF (Lips of Faith) Transatlantique Kriek

Tin Mill Skyscraper Lager

Anchor Humming Ale

Bells Oarsman

Bells Oktoberfest

Rochefort 10

Rogue John John Juniper

Sam Smiths Raspberry

Abita SOS

Abita Pecan Harvest Ale

Paulaner Oktoberfest

Paulaner Salvator

Fullers 1854

Fullers London Pride

Delirium Tremens

Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye

Cathedral Square Belgian IPA

Cathedral Square Iglesias

Grand Teton Trail Waggin

O'Fallon Hemp Hop Rye

O'Fallon Pro Am Sweet Nectar Imperial IPA

Tallgrass IPA

Schlafly Pumpkin

O'Fallon Pumpkin

Southern Tier Pumpking

Shipyard Pumpkin

Buffalo Bills Pumpkin

Goose Island Minx (only available in Chicago)

Goose Island 312 Urban Wheat Ale

Goose Island India Pale Ale

Goose Island Harvest Ale

Goose Island Sofie

Goose Island Matilda

Goose Island Pere Jacques

Goose Island Demolition

Woodchuck Fall

Woodchuck Pumpkin Cider

Whew, that was a mouth full! I have to say, a good majority of these beers were pretty tasty but there were some that were far from delicious. But nonetheless this event was definitely a success. The winners for us were the Goose Island Harvest Ale and O'Fallon Pro Am Sweet Nectar Imp IPA. Unfortunately, you will not find the O'Fallon Sweet Nectar at any store. This was their GABF entry and their last keg. This weekend was the last opportunity to try this sweet nectar of the gods. Hopefully they will realize how terrific it is and bottle it some time in the future.

Cheers to a wonderful weekend!

Smore's!!

The weather last night was perfect. As far as the first weekend of Fall goes, this one is off to a great start. Last night we lite the bonfire and made some huge smore's. After a long week, it was so nice to just sit outside with my Tim and listen to the trees talk, crickets sing and just chat about nothing in particular. Until the Junkyard Bar behind us started thumpin' but that's okay. Everything else was so nice, it didn't bother me at all.

We found the largest marshmallows ever to roast. It was fun but they were a little challenging to work with. The outside would get all nice and toasty but the inside wouldn't be totally melty. All in all it made a pretty amazing smore. And PS dark chocolate Hershey and chocolate graham is the way to go!

I'm not sure what's in store for today but I'm sure it will be great. I hope you are having a good weekend too.

It's here!!! HAPPY FALL DAY!!

Even though it's still a little hot and humid, the first day of FALL is finally here!! Don't worry, cool air is coming!! Break out those hoodies and flip flops kids it's time for bonfires and spiked cider!

And we can't forget about the pumpkin beer. I wonder who will have the local best this year. Will it be Justin Pfeifer's home brew (made with my garden pumpkins I might add), Trailhead, O'Fallon, Schlafly, or new comer Hill Brewing Co. I feel a pumpkin beer-off party coming on!!

I'm anxious to try Hill's pumpkin beer. I believe it will be ready by the first weekend in October.

I'll be sure to do a full write up once I have done a side by side comparison of all. =)

The weather is suppose to be beautiful and little more fall-ish this weekend. I can't wait!! Maybe I'll roast a marshmallow or two!

Are you ready for some chili!

It's that time of year ladies and gents. It's time to plant mums, put out your pumpkins and light those spice candles. It's also the start of chili season at my house. Every year to celebrate the return of football I make a huge pot of delicious chili. Although I'm not much of a football fan, I do love the food involved with the season. Chili, soups, pretzels, chips and dip....YUM-O!

This morning I was so excited to plant some mums and play in the cool rain. This afternoon we are lounging around with the scent of chili in the air. I know football isn't until tomorrow but chili is always better the next day. So we'll have our bowls tonight and save the best flavor for tomorrow!

It's almost here!

Even though the official first day of Fall is still a few weeks away, the start of the Fall decorating season is upon us. September is knocking on the door and that means filling the house with pumpkins, leaves, gourds, wreaths ect. Not to mention the scents. Oh yes, I'm referring to the wonderful smell of spiced pumpkin candles. This year I'm going with Bath & Body's new scents, Autumn and Leaves. They are wonderful!

May your Fall be filled with many bonfires, flip flops & hoodies, listening to the crunch of leaves under your feet, hot apple cider, baking, pumpkin carving and much much more.

What's your favorite part of Fall?

Pizza Pizza

One of my favorite meals is homemade pizza night. We have these nights quite often but this time we decided to do things a little different. This time we used the grill instead of the oven. We had tried this method once before and it turned out great. This time however, it was just okay. Mainly because we let the grill get too hot. Do you know what happens to dough placed on a 550 degree grill? That's right, it immediately burns and leaves no time to cook the top let alone the middle. So, pizza one didn't turn out all that great. Luckily pizza two and three turned out delish! I'm sure we'll use the grill for pizza in the future but we'll just have to keep a better eye on the temps!

Ingredients

• 2T honey
• 1T kosher salt
• 1T olive oil
• 3/4C warm water
• 3C all purpose flour
• 1t instant yeast
  -------------------------------------
• 2t olive oil
• olive oil for the crust
• flour for dusting

Directions

Place all ingredients (above the dotted line) in mixer's work bowl.
Using the paddle attachment, start the mixer on low and mix until the dough just comes together, forming a ball. Lube the hook attachment with cooking spray. On medium speed knead dough for 15 mins.

Roll dough into a smooth ball on the counter top or cutting board. Place into a stainless steel or glass bowl. Add 2t of olive oil to the bowl and toss to coat. Cover with a towel and leave on counter for 1 hr.

After 1 hr divide into thirds. Punch down each section. Roll into balls on counter top or cutting board. Cover with towel and let sit for 45 mins.

Dust counter top or cutting board with flour and roll out dough to the thickness and shape of your liking.

Set grill to medium heat. Rub one side of dough with olive oil and place that side on grill. Once the top starts to blister, add olive oil and turn.

It's now time to pile on the toppings. Cook until cheese starts to bubble and enjoy!

zucchini, yellow pepper, hot salami, home grown tomato, home grown basil, fresh mozzarella

fresh mozzarella, home grown basil, imo's provel cheese

One Fantastic Weekend!

In a nutshell, this weekend was filled with making a new friend/BFF and spending time with family. My brother and his girlfriend came in town this weekend for my cousin's wedding. This was the first time meeting Julie and it was love at first site! And as you can see, she's not only beautiful, she fits right in with us crazy...I mean fun folks!

The wedding was beautiful and it was great to spend time with family that we don't get to see very often.

Fun loving Great Aunt Dorothy and Dad

from right to left - Uncle Dale, Aunt Linda, Uncle Tommy, Aunt Jeannie and Dad

The wonderful and beautiful Great Aunt Norm

And of course Wayne (the bro), Tim, me and Daddy-O!

This weekend was a lot of fun and it ended way too soon. I can't wait to get up to KC in a few weeks to hang out with Wayne and Julie again. Fun times will be had, no doubt! My big brother is very important to me and I want him to be happy. I have to say, it's been awhile since I've seen him have this much fun and smile like he did. I think some little lady may be to blame for all this happiness. :) :)