Bell's Pale Ale Braised Brussels Sprouts

  Think you don't like brussels sprouts? I call shenanigans. This simple recipe I have for you today is a game-changer, sure to bring any nonbeliever over to the sprout-loving side.  It isn't magic, but it does contain two magical ingredients that can fix nearly any dish known to man: beer and bacon. The salt from the bacon and the sweet, hoppy note from the beer are just enough to take away the bitter edge from the sprouts. For this recipe, you will need: 2 pounds fresh brussels sprouts8 oz. thick cut bacon, chopped1/2 cup red onion, diced12 oz. Bell's Pale AleSalt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakesTrim the ends of each brussels...

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Lager of the Lakes Braised Ribs with Orange-Tamarind Sauce

If there is a holiday that marks the beginning of the backyard barbecue season, it has to be Memorial Day.  Though it is a year-round practice in our house, we always make a point to fire up the grill at some point over the long weekend for some delicious barbecue (and beer, of course!).  Simmering the ribs in the beer first really tenderizes the meat while adding a hint of flavor, and the sauce adds just the right sweet and spicy intensity. For this dish, you will need: RIBS Six 12-ounce bottles Bell's Lager of the Lakes 3 racks ribs -- about 3 1/2 pounds (baby back, preferably, but use what you like), each rack cut in half 2...

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BRU Fest 2012 Ticket Giveaway!

Want to win tickets to this one-of-a-kind summer party? We’re running a little contest this week to give away a pair of tickets to the event. Entering is easy -- from now until Friday, June 1st at 5pm, simply tell us your favorite Bell's beer on our Facebook page. If you also say it in a tweet to @mibeerblog with the hashtag #BRUFEST it will count as a second entry. The winner will be chosen at random (using random.org) on June 1st at 5pm, and you must be 21 to enter. Good luck! Even if you don’t win, you can still purchase tickets to help support a great cause. Cost is $39, and tickets are available at https://brumichigan.com/. All BRU Fest...

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Summer starts at Crystal with Beer & Brat Festival

Crystal Mountain welcomes another summer season with over 60 Michigan craft beers and a dozen different brats from local markets during the 7th Annual Michigan Beer & Brat Festival, Saturday, May 26 (3-9pm). Short’s, Bell’s, Jolly Pumpkin, New Holland, and Founders have been anchors of the festival for years.  A number of new brewers will take part in 2012 including Cheboygan Brewing Company, Frankenmuth Brewery, Dark Horse Brewing Company, Liberty Street Brewing, Midland Brewing, B Nektar Meadery, and Saugatuck Brewing Company. These craft beers come in three sizes: a Slug (enough for a taste) for $1, a Chug (have a mug) for $2,...

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BRU Fest is Back! Beer + Burgers + Wings

Back for its second year, BRU Fest returns with the hottest burgers in town from Bagger Dave’s Legendary Burger Tavern, the wildest wings from Buffalo Wild Wings, premium craft beers from Michigan's own Bell’s Brewery, ice cream from Treat Dreams, live tunes, and plenty more. Mark your calendar for the return of this one-of-a-kind summer party! The event will take place June 16, 2012 at the Royal Oak Farmers Market from 7-11 p.m.  The goal of the event is to bring together aficionados of great food and micro beers who want to share their interests and good fortune with others for the benefit of children ...

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Oberon Cupcakes

This recipe really doesn't need very much explaining.  It's Oberon...in cupcake form. The cake has a faint citrus and wheat taste, and the simple orange infused cream cheese frosting is light and airy like the foam on top of a beer. To make the cake portion, you will need:1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened1 1/4 cup granulated sugar1 2/3 cup all purpose flour1 teaspoon baking powder1/8 teaspoon salt2 eggs, room temperature1 teaspoon vanilla extract1 orange, zested (plus more for garnish)2/3 cup Oberon2 tablespoons half and half or whole milkFor the orange cream cheese frosting you will need:4 ounces cream cheese, softened1/2 cup (1...

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