A Sequel to Our Previous Article “Beer in Cooking: A Misunderstood Story of Bubbles and Bold Flavors”

Summer! The season when your mind wanders and the sun beats down! Picture this: You’re lounging on your favorite beach, gentle waves lapping at your feet, the sand warm, the air scorching. You’re nestled under your umbrella, trying in vain to find some coolness. Then, your gaze drifts to your trusty cooler… And there, like an oasis in the desert, a frosty Lazy Mules Pilsner from White Town Brewery calls your name!

You pop the cap, hear that characteristic hiss, and the first glorious sip washes over you with pure refreshment. This light, golden Pilsner glides down, leaving a subtle, pleasant bitterness and an invigorating zing. You feel your taste buds sighing with relief, the heat’s intensity fading, and suddenly… an idea strikes you! Why not bring this cool, relaxed vibe home? Gather your crew, keep the summer evening going, and best of all, cook up a storm with this amazing craft beer?

Indeed, beer isn’t just a delicious drink to accompany your meal – it’s also an exceptional ingredient in the kitchen! Especially a fresh Pilsner like Lazy Mules, with its balanced flavors and inviting aromas, it can truly elevate any dish, adding depth and unexpected complexity. Whether it’s a refreshing appetizer, a succulent main, or even an out-of-the-box dessert, beer throws open the doors to exciting new culinary adventures. The fresh and thirst-quenching nature of Lazy Mules ensures all its vibrant aromas and flavors remain untouched, ready to lend their best to your cooking.

So, let’s whip up an unforgettable summer menu, with our very own Greek beer from the heart of Elassona taking center stage!

Why Pilsner Is Your Secret Culinary Touch?

Before we plunge into the recipes, let’s explore why beer, and specifically a Pilsner, is such a fantastic cooking companion. As a style, it’s celebrated for its clean, crisp profile, its balanced hop bitterness, and often hints of grain or even floral notes. These qualities allow the beer to integrate seamlessly into various dishes without overpowering them. Instead, it adds a delightful umami depth, tenderizes meats in marinades, provides a gentle acidity to sauces, and can even inject an unexpected dimension into sweets

Our local Lazy Mules Pilsner, with its superior quality and vibrant freshness, retains all these characteristics, making it a true secret weapon in any chef’s arsenal – amateur or pro. And a quick tip: to truly savor its refreshing crispness and aromas, always serve it perfectly chilled at 4-6°C!

The Summer Beer Feast Menu: Let the Fun Begin!

Get ready for a flavor expedition where beer and the kitchen unite to create something truly magical. Grab your apron, crank up your favorite tunes, and let’s get cooking with joy!

1. Appetizer: Refreshing Chicken Salad & Lazy Mules Vinaigrette

When the heat’s on, you need something light yet bursting with flavor – and we’ve got just the salad! Picture crisp veggies, tender chicken, and… a special vinaigrette, thanks to the lively kick of Lazy Mules Pilsner! This appetizer will have your friends realizing that not all salads are boring.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breast fillets
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, pepper
• 1 iceberg lettuce, finely chopped
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup corn
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

For the Lazy Mules Vinaigrette:

• 1/2 cup Lazy Mules Pilsner
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey
• Salt and freshly ground pepper

Instructions:

1. For the chicken: Season the chicken fillets with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat and cook the chicken like it’s the star of the show, for 6-8 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Let it cool slightly, then cut into small pieces or strips!
2. For the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, combine all ingredients for the vinaigrette: our Lazy Mules Pilsner, oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk them vigorously until they unite and create a harmonious symphony of flavors.
3. Assembly: In a large bowl, mix the lettuce, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, corn, and parsley. Add the chicken too.
4. Drizzle the salad generously with the Lazy Mules Vinaigrette just before serving and gently toss.ά

2. Main Course: Pork Tenderloin Marinated in Beer with Caramelized Onions

Now we’re talking about the “ace card” of the menu! A succulent pork tenderloin that’s been happily swimming in Lazy Mules Pilsner and has soaked up all its refined flavors, then nestled with sweet, caramelized onions. This dish screams “summer and pure indulgence!” and truly showcases how wonderfully craft beer belongs in the kitchen!

Ingredients:

• 1 kg pork tenderloin
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, freshly ground pepper

For the Marinade:

• 330 ml Lazy Mules Pilsner (Yes, the whole bottle! It’s totally worth it!)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp sweet paprika

For the Caramelized Onions:

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/4 cup vegetable or chicken broth (or a little more Lazy Mules Pilsner – why not?!)

Instructions:

1. Marinating: In a large bowl, mix all ingredients for the marinade. Place the pork tenderloin inside, making sure it’s fully covered, and let it rest in the fridge for at least 2 hours – but if you leave it overnight, it will truly reward you!
2. Caramelized Onions: While the meat is enjoying its “spa day,” prepare the onions. In a large pan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the onions and sauté with patience (and love) for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and a gorgeous golden brown. Add the brown sugar and continue sautéing for another 5-7 minutes, until perfectly caramelized. If they start to stick, add a little broth to give them a boost. Remove from heat and keep them warm, because we’ll need them!
3. Roasting: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Remove the pork tenderloin from the marinade, pat it thoroughly dry with paper towels, and season with salt and pepper. You can transform the leftover marinade into a very flavorful sauce!
4. Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe pan over high heat. Sear the pork tenderloin on all sides for 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and roast for about 15-20 minutes.
6. Remove the pork tenderloin from the oven, loosely tent with aluminum foil, and let it “rest” for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
7. Serve the sliced pork tenderloin, crowned with the caramelized onions! Accompany with mashed potatoes or rice.

3. Dessert: Fluffy Lemon Cake with Lazy Mules Pilsner and Mint Syrup

And now, the menu’s grand surprise! Who said beer has no place in desserts? This cake is a refreshing dream, aromatic, and the Pilsner in its syrup adds an unexpected, refined note that will leave everyone speechless. It’s the dessert that will make you smile!

Ingredients for the Cake:

• 200g all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 150g butter, at room temperature
• 200g sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 120ml milk
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of 2 lemons

For the Syrup:

• 120ml Lazy Mules Pilsner
• 100g sugar
• Fresh mint leaves (about 5-6), lightly muddled

Instructions:

1. For the Cake: Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Butter and flour a cake pan (approx. 20-22 cm / 8-9 inches).
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This is our “dry” team!
3. In another bowl, beat the butter with the sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one by one, beating well after each addition.
4. In a small bowl, combine the milk with the lemon juice.
5. Now, for the “choreography”: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined, don’t overmix! Finally, add the lemon zest and mix gently – like adding the very last, delicate touch.
6. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean – proof of success!
7. For the Lazy Mules Syrup: While the cake is baking, get the syrup ready. In a small saucepan, combine the Lazy Mules Pilsner and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Let it simmer for 5 minutes – like it’s dancing in the saucepan! Remove from heat, add the mint leaves, stir, and let it cool and infuse its aroma. Strain the syrup before using, discarding the mint – it’s done its job!
8. As soon as you take the cake out of the oven, prick it in several places with a fork or toothpick. Slowly pour the lukewarm syrup over the warm cake, as if you’re watering it with magic.
9. Let the cake cool completely before unmolding and serving. You can dust it with a little powdered sugar or decorate it with fresh mint leaves!

Pairing Your Meal: A frosty Lazy Mules Pilsner, of course! It will make a perfect companion to the salad and cool you down even more. Its crisp nature will balance the rich flavor of the meat, highlight the sweet notes of the onions, and emphasize the flavors of your dessert.

Cooking with Beer Like a Pro

We’ve seen how incredibly beer can transform our dishes, but it also holds little secrets that are worth knowing to truly elevate your cooking skills. Whether you’re using our Greek beer or another craft beer, these tips will prove invaluable!

• Don’t over-reduce it! Just like wine, beer can turn bitter if boiled for too long. Add it gradually and towards the end of cooking.
• Drink what you cook with: Never, ever, cook with beer you wouldn’t enjoy drinking! The quality transfers directly to the food. Our fresh and unpasteurized Lazy Mules Pilsner is ideal because all its aromas remain intact.
• Experiment with styles: Each beer style brings distinct characteristics to the table. A Pilsner is perfect for light sauces and marinades, while a Stout can add amazing depth to a stew, and a Weiss can impart lovely fruity notes. Greek microbreweries offer a whole world of flavors for you to explore!
• Beer as a substitute: Think of beer as a versatile substitute for wine or broth in many recipes. It can add wonderful moisture and flavor to breads, sauces, and even creams.
• Mind the bitterness: If the beer you choose to use has a pronounced bitterness, balance it with something sweet (honey, brown sugar) or acidic (lemon, vinegar). It’s all a game of balance, just like life itself!

With these insider tips, you’re all set to become the Master Chef of your kitchen, creating magic with your favorite beers!

Summer is Here, and Lazy Mules Pilsner Awaits!

So, what do you say? From the simple coolness of the beach, Lazy Mules Pilsner has taken us on a full-blown culinary journey! We’ve seen how this exceptional Greek beer, the very heart of White Town Brewery in Elassona, can not only refresh you on hot days but also revolutionize your kitchen. Its fresh nature, inspired by the beauty and purity of Olympus, makes it perfect for you to experiment and whip up unforgettable flavors.

Next time you feel the summer heat trying to get the best of you, don’t hesitate. Grab a Lazy Mules Pilsner. Enjoy it icy cold. Let it bring you that blissful coolness. And who knows? Maybe you’ll find inspiration for your next culinary masterpiece!

Want to discover more flavors and unveil the secrets behind your favorite craft beer? Don’t miss visiting the White Town Brewery e-shop! There you’ll find the full range of our local products and uncover the philosophy and history bottled up in every single brew.

Cheers to good food and great times – always with the coolest companion, Lazy Mules Pilsner!