My blog n'at

I’m doing a crossover post with my craft beer review blog Hump Day Happiness since it suits both places. This is the Easter Beer Ham that Lushie and I worked on this year. Its been a couple of weeks since we’ve made it and the taste of deliciousness is still present.

It was difficult to decide on the right beer that would compliment the ham. That was until I opened a Coney Island Lager ( www.shmaltz.com/CONEY/cil.html ) from Shmaltz brewing ( www.shmaltz.com ) while prepping the side dishes. The beer has a mild malt flavor and some bite from hops which will balance the sweetness of the brown sugar we’re going to use.

Go see the beer ham goodness over at Flickr and follow the steps below in making this beer food porn gem.

What we used:

• 7 pound ham
• 2 cups of Coney Island Lager from Shmaltz Brewing
• casserole dish
• 1 cup of brown sugar

What to do:

1. Place ham in center of casserrole dish
2. 1 inch deep cuts made around the top so the beer bath will be able to soak in
3. Put 1 cup of packed brown sugar into a large bowl
4. Add 2 cups of Coney Island Lager to the brown sugar and whisk together
   
5. Pour  the mix over the ham where you made the cuts so it runs down covering the ham
6. Let the ham sit for a few minutes while you prep your side dishes
7. Bake 15 minutes per pound. Since ours was 7lbs we baked for 105minutes or 1hr 45minutes
8. Baste your ham with the beer bath every 15 minutes. For smaller hams than 4lbs I’d suggest every 10. Judgment call really, just don’t let it burn
9. The beer bath that you were basting it in will put a sweetness to the outside that you’re going to be temped to lick. Err I mean wait to enjoy at dinner
10. Let the ham sit for 5-10 minutes. It will finish cooking itself while resting and locking in the juice
11. Slice to size you prefer. I like it .5 – 1 inch
12. Use the leftover bath as a gravy. Plate, serve and enjoy!

We weren’t worried about presentation at this point. The aroma of beer and ham was intoxicating (no pun intended).

Let me know how it works out for you!

cheers!

From the website
“I Am A Craft Brewer” is a collaborative video representing the camaraderie, character and integrity of the American Craft Brewing movement. Created by Greg Koch, CEO of the Stone Brewing Co. and Chris & Jared of Redtail Media…and more than 35 amazing craft brewers from all over the country. The video was shown to a packed audience of 1700 craft brewers and industry members at the 2009 Craft Brewers Conference as an introduction to Greg’s Keynote Speech entitled “Be Remarkable: Collaboration Ethics Camaraderie Passion.” As is tradition for the CBC Keynote, a toast to the audience was offered.

I get a lot, no A LOT, of slack when it comes to craft beer in my family. They see fizzy yellow stuff and spring break beer bongs instead of the complexity and craftsmanship in each brew. To them wine is the drink of the upper class and those who want to pretend to be. If you want sophistication talk to me about what goes into a craft beer. In my eyes when I see them drink Bud/Miller/Coors/Corona it would be equivalent to me stealing a bottle of hootch from a hobo to them. I’d say wine in a box but that’s some tasty beverage. fuck merlot, try an imperial IPA or bourbon aged stout.

When family and friends ask me why I’m passionate about craft beer I’ll direct them to this video. This is why I love what I do.

I got chills.

2 things are happening today that will make us go to plaid (make sure you watch the whole video if you’re a Spaceballs noob). First thing is that today was Teaspoon’s intended due date. Yup, little man was due on 4/20. Nice eh? With that his growing and eating has jumped to ludicrous speed. He’s gained significant weight since last week which goes along with what he would be doing if still in Lushie’s belly. His followup appointment is next week and I’m guessing he’ll be 7-8lbs. Not bad since his lowest weight after birth was 3.2lbs.

Next item of business is that I start working today for the first time since Ericsson started shutting down. To say that I’m excited is putting it mildly. I was fortunate to have been laid off when I was so that I could help take care of teaspoon but now it’s time to get back. I’ll be doing contract work for now so I can still manage my time with raising Teaspoon, going to school and working on side projects.  In other words I’ll be really freakin busy. Studio B will now be a recording plus work area. I’m not into the whole coffee shop scene/culture and really don’t care for Panera either so finding a corner in my home was the only option for now.

smoke’m if you got’em!

Sickpuppy and I went to one of the 2 theaters in Pittsburgh showing for Beer Wars. From what I heard on twitter both theaters were relatively empty and either that shows a lack of craft beer support or the lack of promoting the movie. I’m willing to bet it lies in promotions/marketing since everyone we asked, who wasn’t glued to Beer Advocate, had no idea it even existed. No signage in bars, distributors and virtually nothing from local beer mailing lists.

That said, here are my thoughts…

• Moonshot beer still sucks balls. I’m not joking. We had it a couple years ago when Rhonda came to 3 Sons and told her then it was a gimmick. There is NO reason for caffeine in alcohol besides to make the Jager Bomb pounding neckless roid freaks drink it. Her story could have been as effective if cut in half.
• It was centered on Dogfish Head and Rhonda. Stone had virtually no presence and it was’t their fault. I would have loved to learn more about Stone.
• Beer Advocate came across like pricks. Truthful, but pricks. See what editing can do kids. Should have been more with the bros. talking about craft beer and the internet influence.
• Sam Adams has a good presence in the movie and there is a good piece on Yuengling.
• Charlie Papazian is the greatest advocate for craft beer and I wish there was more of him. You could hear his passion and dedication the few times he was given to speak.
• $15 was too much for this movie. I would spend it however on the DVD.
• I thought as a documentary it was very well done and I enjoyed it. In fact it made me want to brew as someone who currently doesn’t and also learn the business.
• Ben Stein was the absolute worst choice for panel moderator. OK second worst. I think someone from M.A.D.D. would have topped the list. Plus, only 2 questions from online? weak.
• Movie reinforced for me that Dogfish Head is one of the most innovative breweries.
• Miller and Coors seemed more laid back while Budweiser came across as the evil empire. I’m not saying it isn’t true, just how it came across. I was waiting for Michael Moore to pop out.
• Beer drinkers should know the government bullshit behind the 3 tier system for getting the beer to the consumer.
• If you’re new to craft beer this movie is a must watch to see what exactly craft beer is and the struggles the brewers face.
• The ending seemed abrupt and thought it could have been more fluid.

We’ll go into this more on our anniversary show but my overall grade would be a C. Maybe its me but more should have been done in the area to promote it. Wholesalers, businesses and distributors should have been involved. Also check out what our friend Thom had to say about the movie. He joined us at Pittsburgh Mills for the showing.

cheers!

I love being up at 3:30am some mornings. The house is quiet and it’s me and the laptop. OK, and the wii when Teaspoon is in between feedings. It is also at this time when trivial and quirky things online tend to humor me and right now, it’s Facebook’s “suggest” system.

Some questions that started going through my head when I saw God was a suggestion for my cheering section.

• Only 4? FOUR! Either a lot of people I know are going to Hell or they’re tired of his Super Poke
• Didn’t we learn anything from Bruce Almighty about using technology?
• I wonder what God’s bling is like?
• Maybe he started an account to keep his eye on Jesus? That was in his photo section. Seriously.
• I wonder if he’d join the Should I Drink That group?

I really need to get some sleep before I mistakenly friend Satan too and they both want to add me to their Mafia War gang.

*sigh* yup, that’s Facebook for ya.

(photos from the google. photoshopped by me)

Last year I made a post offering a guide to Steeler Fans on what is and how to understand the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The feedback was incredible and since this city is coming off it’s 6th Super Bowl title I think a refresher may be needed. Especially when a backup quarterback’s contract is headline news.

It can’t go unnoticed that Penguins mania is all over Pittsburgh. As a lifelong Pens fan it’s refreshing to see people wearing something other than a Steelers jersey. If you’re not from the Pittsburgh area, a Steelers jersey is considered by many as acceptable form of clothing for ANY occasion even if it’s at a different sport’s event. After a recent walk through downtown I saw the trend start to shift as people in Pens jerseys were everywhere. Granted it is the Stanley Cup playoffs season but in the past that didn’t matter to yinzers.

Seeing this lead me to think, how is Yinzer Nation dealing with Steeler pre-pre-pre training camp news not leading broadcasts? Maybe some have seen the light that there is life outside the walls of Heinz Field. For those fans confused as to what Penguins hockey is about I’ve made this list to get you ready for the Flyers series and eventually the Stanley Cup Finals.

• Kenny the COTTON CANDY HERE guy and TC the Beer Guy have jobs outside Steeler games. Do not get confused when you see them.
• Pens Station is the main store for Pens swag. There is never enough room to walk around so do NOT go in after you bought that tray of nachos with double cheese.
• Those people in Pens sweatsuits are The Pens Patrol They’re the crowd motivators… we think. Honestly besides throwing t-shirts and smiling we don’t really don’t see them.
• While you may enjoy ripping your shirt off and pouring beer over yourself while in a cheering frenzy at Steelers games, please stay dressed here.
• Face fainting, body painting and wearing loud obnoxious clothes are perfectly acceptable. Just ask the Penguin Lady.
• Don’t try to open the roof.
• Average price for a beer at the arena is $8.25. A 30 pack of Beast Ice at the local distributor is $16.50. Do the math for the same quality of beer. (*hopefully at the new arena they have craft beers. Pens, call me. we’ll talk*)
• Eat like a champion – If you want loaded nachos and fries there is a stand behind the walking ramp on the South End. Want a burrito the size of your head? By the  B/C12 entrance think… don’t quote me, blame Stoosh. I will say from experience though these are the best nachos. E north by the stairs to F. Pizza Hut stand.
  
• Stay in your seat or in the entrance to your section until there is a stoppage in play. If you walk while game is in play you will be hauled up to F Balcony by fans and tossed off. Frankly this should be a rule in all sports. ESPECIALLY Pirates games.
• We have a mascot who is a Penguin, We love Iceburgh and will defend him to the end. Plus he’s no where near as freaky as that Steely guy.
• Cleveland to you is Philadelphia to us.
• If you don’t know what is going on that is perfectly fine but don’t compensate by yelling “SHOOT THE PUCK!”, “HIT HIM!” or “DO SOMETHING”.
• There are 4 lines in hockey just as you swap players on the field. Sidney Crosby won’t play a full 60 minutes. Don’t worry, you won’t even notice.
• The Stanley Cup is the most celebrated trophy in sports. Each member of the winning team gets to spend a day with it and the stories are legendary. It’s also the most accessible trophy to the public and like hockey fans, knows how to party.
• Remember Philly is orange and black. Any other mix is probably some version of a jersey that a player had in minors or high school. We’re obsessive like that.
• The Flyers havent won since 1975. What a joke.
• “There’s no wave in hockey!” – F2 Sign Guy. Start one and he’ll pound you.

There you go. Anyone else feel free to add to this list. Most importantly enjoy the game.

GO PENS!

Today marks the home opener of the Pittsburgh Pirates and since 1984 I haven’t missed a single game… until now (somewhere in my basement or my mom’s attic are the ticket stubs). I’m not missing it out of some bullshit protest or hissy fit on the heels of 17 losing seasons. I’m spending the day home with Teaspoon so we can start a new tradition of watching each game together.

Opening Day 2007 was tough for me because that was the first without my dad (passed the previous december) by my side eating peanuts and chugging cokes. Last season it was obvious that change was going to be coming as Lushie and I went ourselves and could feel that something was missing. So this year I decided I’m staying home and watching it with Teaspoon and starting a new tradition of our own. I have a little Pirates outfit to put him in and we’re going to have hotdogs. OK, he’s having his milk and I’m having hotdogs.

So here’s to the Buccos and hopefully and end to the losing ways. I have faith, just like I have the last 16 home openers.

Still stings from last year doesn’t it? HA!

It’s no secret that I hate the Flyers. I have many friends who are unfortunately Flyers fans but I don’t hold that against them. With Philly’s loss today to the Rangers the Pens have secured the 4th seed in the East and home ice for round one. Honestly, mid February I would have thought you were insane if you said the Pens would be higher than a 7th seed. This is the series I live for every season. It will be bloody, tough and an all out war. This is gonna be fun

Here is the Penguins/Flyers schedule for the first round of the 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs per NHL.com

Wednesday, April 15 – PITTSBURGH 7 p.m. FSN
Friday, April 17 – PITTSBURGH 7 p.m. FSN
Sunday, April 19 at Philadelphia 3 p.m. NBC
Tuesday, April 21 at Philadelphia 7 p.m. FSN
*Thursday, April 23 – PITTSBURGH 7 p.m. FSN (If necessary)
*Saturday, April 25 at Philadelphia 3 p.m. NBC (If necessary)
*Monday, April 27 – PITTSBURGH TBD. FSN (If necessary)

I’ll see you at game 1!

The last act of Ericsson was to send out a bonus check to those of us laid off folks (go ahead and make jokes, I haven’t stopped about the irony). With that Lushie said that I need to do something for myself with a part of it so I bought us a Wii and Wii fit. Scratch that, Teaspoon got a Wii and Wii Fit for Easter. Love that bunny!

I’ve been dwelling on which gaming unit to purchase for years and what it came down to was honestly the Wii Fit. I was hesitant at first but last night after breaking it in I love the little sucker. PittGirl had named her trainer and I’m still trying to decide if I like the male or female trainer. It’ll probably come down to who I talk back to more. Since Teaspoon was born I’ve dropped 20lbs so I figure that this is more motivation to keep going. Plus I was finally able to get Lushie to play a video game that wasn’t Pac Man

As for the other games we stuck with what came with the gaming unit and extra controller. Hands down bowling is my favorite and I can see this as a huge hit at parties. It has consumed me into a Wii lifestyle. Next up on my shopping list (probably this weekend) is NHL 2K9, Tiger Woods and Punch Out! . I need to earn/buy more points so I can get the web browser and see how SIDT looks on it. Also a big fan of the weather channel. What appeals to me most is that its not graphic intensive as a PS3 or XBOX 360. It’s simple and entertaining. Granted I’d love to play some hockey with rockin graphics but for the price this more than fills my needs.

I also picked up Mario Kart which I really suck at and need practice. Wanna race and kick the snot out of a noob? Send me your Kart code thinger to add as a friend via my contact form. Can you tell I’m still trying to get use to this?

All of you Wii owners out there, what else should I look at buying/playing? What are some MUST HAVE accessories? What is online playing like and what info do I need when wanting to play someone?

cheers!

Oh, here are my 3 top bowling scores last night. If there is an online league I’m SO in!

That’s me on the day the Pirates clinched the 1991 NL East title at 3 Rivers Stadium.

I love today, opening day of baseball. All of that hope for a winning season but unfortunately here in Pittsburgh we haven’t had that enjoyment for 16 years. Dejan, whom I think is the best sports writer ever to grace this town, wrote about things that have happened since the Pirates last had a winning season. On the verge of setting a major professional sports record of consecutive losing seasons at 17 I thought I’d put together a list of my own things that have happened since October of 1992.

• I had 1 niece at the time and she was 2. She’s now in college.
• I was 16 then, I’m 33 now.
• I stopped listening to Boyz II Men when I picked up a CD from this new band called Pearl Jam.
• Dallas Stars played in Minnesota, Colorado Avalanche were the Quebec Nordiques, Phoenix Coyotes still skated as the Winnipeg Jets and the Hartford Whalers never expected to be in Carolina.
• I averaged 15-20 Pirates games a summer while I lived in Erie. Living in Pittsburgh it’s 2.
• I hated computers unless I was playing Oregon Trail. Now, well you can figure that out.
• My best friend Tom and I would watch baseball games with the volume down and record ourselves on cassette tape doing the Play-By-Play. Now I have an internet radio show with over hundreds of thousands of downloads.
• In 1992 I drank my first beer, Golden Anniversary. Today I co-host a craft beer podcast and write beer reviews.

Teaspoon is only 5 weeks old. I hope that I can take him to see a winning team before he’s in high school. Then again I bet my brother said that after is oldest son was born too… 16 years ago.

Yesterday I went to my first ever rugby game (Pittsburgh Rugby Football Club) so I could see the beloved Annoyed Angel and Calipanthergrl kick some skulls as part of  Asshat Tweetup celebration. In fact, I’ve never even watched it mostly due to the fact I have no idea the rules and from what I have seen on commercials never appealed to me. I’m not a big American football fan so the desire was never there. In attendance was myself, Uncle and Mrs. Crappy and Dahcheet. Some impressions of my first rugby experience

• Every single woman on this team would kick my arse. The men’s team would destroy me.
• Fun level of watching reached insane level. I loved it!
• Bring a flask. You won’t be alone.
• There’s a definite attraction to women in shorts… covered in mud… tackling each other. Total hawtness!
• Athletic ability to play this game is immense. Claire was explaining the rules and play to us while she waited to get into the game. And you thought hockey was confusing. HA!
• The action is non stop. The only break in play is if someone was dead. GAME ON!
• Team sports should be this classy. When the women’s team left the field the men’s team made a human tunnel and cheered the women as they left the field and passed under.
• Overall enjoyment – 10 out of 10. If you ever get the chance I highly suggest you check out a game. Lasted roughly 2 hours and on a sunny day it’s quality entertainment.
• Final score: Pittsburgh – 80 | Severn River – 0

Here are some pics that I took with my camera phone.

There were some sweet gifts bestowed upon myself from Uncle Crappy and Clarie but you can read about those later. They’re worthy of their own post and deserve the attention.