The Final Draft > Smithwick’s-Inspired Autumn Recipes
Smithwick’s-Inspired Autumn Recipes
Autumn is all about hearty, comforting meals, and Smithwick’s Red Ale is a fantastic addition to dishes like classic dips or beer-infused breads. It enhances the richness of slow-cooked stews, making them even more flavourful and satisfying and when used in marinades or braises, beer can tenderise meats and bring out bold, savoury notes. It also pairs especially well with autumn ingredients like root vegetables, mushrooms, and meats such as pork or beef, creating a dynamic flavour profile. Here are some classic dishes elevated by Smithwick’s Red Ale.
Smithwick’s Beef and Vegetable Stew
Beef stew is perfect for colder weather, and Smithwick’s makes it even better! Prepare your beef stew as usual, but add a splash of Smithwick’s to the mix. With potatoes, onions, celery, peas, carrots, and tender beef, it’s a deliciously hearty meal. A Smithwick’s beef stew is ideal for make-ahead dinners and can be frozen for easy lunches or weeknight bowls of comfort. It’s the perfect way to ease into the winter months.
Smithwick’s and Roast Pork
A combination made for crisp autumn evenings is a pint of Smithwick’s paired with perfectly roasted pork. The subtle sweetness of the beer marries with the savoury and smoky notes of the roast pork to create a mouthwatering marriage, especially when seasoned with autumn herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage. Give yourself permission to linger over this roast dish and reward yourself with a cold bottle of Smithwick’s as you sit down to enjoy. Bon appetit.
Smithwick’s Dip
A Smithwick’s dip couldn’t be easier to prepare, making it the perfect condiment for gatherings during autumn. Whether it’s a cosy date night in or a casual get-together, this dip is sure to be a hit. In a medium bowl, mix 225g of softened cream cheese, 30g of ranch dressing mix, shredded cheese, and about 75ml of Smithwick’s Red Ale. Leave the mixture to chill for at least 3 hours, ideally overnight, for a scrumptious snack you can enjoy at any time of day.
Smithwick’s Cheese Soup
It’s easy to transform a classic cheese soup into a mouth-watering Smithwick’s Cheese Soup. Add broccoli florets and vibrant red pepper to bring extra flavours and colours to your bowl. Once the vegetables have simmered in broth with butter, and the rich aroma fills your kitchen, simply add cheese and Smithwick’s, watching as the cheese melts into the pot, creating a velvety base. Be careful not to let the soup boil at the end. Finally, ladle the rich soup into bowls and go wild with toppings: extra shredded cheese, crispy bacon crumbles, a sprinkle of spring onions, a dollop of sour cream, and crunchy croutons for the perfect finishing touch.
Sweet Smithwick’s Bread
Beer bread is a classic, but few varieties compare to the distinctive flavour of Smithwick’s, which adds a unique twist to any bread recipe. Pair it with honey for a hint of sweetness. To get started, preheat your oven to 180°C and prepare to bake something delicious! In a large bowl, whisk together 375g of self-raising flour and 3 tablespoons of sugar until well combined. Next, stir in 80ml of honey and a 330ml bottle of Smithwick’s, mixing just until everything is moistened—be careful not to overwork the batter. Pour the mixture into a greased 20 x 10cm loaf tin, smoothing it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. Let the loaf cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Then, savour the perfect blend of sweetness and subtle beer flavour in every bite!
For more Smithwick’s inspired recipes, be sure to attend the Savour festival on Saturday, October 26th where award-winning chef Gary O’Hanlon will be cooking with Smithwick’s on the main stage at 1pm.
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