OHIO BREW WEEK {Porter Burgers with Sweets + Beets}

Ohio Brew Week is here once again. To celebrate, I thought it appropriate to share a beer recipe, because let's face it, beer is good with food but beer IN food? Incredible.

There are numerous chances to sample some local flavor this week - so check out the OBW website for a full listing of beers and events.

For the recipe below, I used one of my favorite Ohio Porters, Edmund Fitzgerald from Great Lakes Brewing Company.

Porter Burgers with Sweets + Beets

EDDIE FITZ BBQ SAUCE (makes about 2 cups)

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, small dice
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 12 ounce can porter or stout
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 can tomato puree (small can)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon cumin

Directions:

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat add the olive oil and saute the onion until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the molasses, beer, vinegar and tomato puree then stir to combine.
3. Add all of the spices and allow the sauce to simmer on the stove for about 20-25 minutes until it has reduced into a thick glossy BBQ sauce. While simmering, keep an eye on the sauce and stir occasionally.

GRILLED PORTER PATTIES

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 egg, whisked
• ¼ cup porter or stout
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for brushing the grill
• 2 teaspoons stone ground mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 burger buns

Directions:

1. Preheat the grill or pan to medium.
2. Mix beer, olive oil, mustard, garlic, salt and pepper and slowly add to the beef.
3. Lightly mix with a fork until it reached a consistency that can be formed into patties. Separate the mixture into four or more portions, then lightly roll each portion into a ball and press down to make a burger patty.
4. Once preheated, lightly brush the grill with olive oil and place each burger patty down onto the oiled grill. Leave the patties for 4 minutes then flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes or desired doneness (4-5 minutes on each side should be cooked to medium).
5. Remove the patties from the grill and assemble each burger with desired toppings

Recommended Toppings: Eddie Fitz BBQ sauce, raw goat's milk cheddar cheese, greens and red onion.

SWEETS + BEETS

Ingredients:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes (try to look for long cylindrical potatoes)
• 4 medium beets
• Oil for frying

Directions:

1. Slice sweet potatoes and beets approx 1/8" thick
2. Heat about 1-2 inches of oil in a skillet over medium heat
3. Carefully place sweets + beets in hot oil with a slotted spoon or spatula
4. Cook until golden brown on each side
5. Remove from oil and dab between sheets of paper towel or newspaper.