Beer and Ice Cream

Beer and Ice Cream sounds like a combination that is best left in the recipe book. When I was in Vancouver I read a review about Black Butte Porter XXI that raved about the beer. It is a really strong beer (11% alcohol) brewed with a hint of chocolate. In Portland I found it at a specialty beer and wine store and bought a large bottle. The owner of the store told me that if i drank it all by myself it would be like drinking a whole bottle of Chardonnay. He said, "find some friends to share it with after a fine dinner. And if you really want to do something special, pour it over good vanilla ice cream!"

We got to Ashland, and a couple of nights later shared dinner with our friends and owners of the cottage we are renting, Russ and Erin Page. Russ and Erin are Chicago transplants who made Ashland their home several years ago. They seem perfectly content trading the big city for living the Oregon/Ashland lifestyle.

Back to the dinner. I bought some beautiful fresh Alaskan King Salmon and slow cooked it on the grill on cedar planks seasoned only with brown sugar and butter. Started the meal with fresh gazpacho soup with melon. The salmon was complimented with Erin's great salad and grilled veggies.

This time of year in Southern Oregon fruits and vegetables are in abundance and so tasty. The grapes in the surrounding vineyards are beginning to ripen for the harvest about a month away. Russ had an arbor above his patio and I enjoyed picking them right off the vine.

At the end of the meal comes the grand event. After some difficulty removing the wax sealing the Black Butte XXI Erin brings it to the table along with the vanilla bean ice cream. The ice cream goes in our bowls and then covered by the beer....sensational!! Russ and I have seconds and there is enough left for a couple of drinks straight up. If you can find the stuff and you don't mind paying $15 for a bottle of beer the size of a wine bottle...buy it! Be sure to share it with good friends.