Discover the best ways to celebrate National Beer Day, with a taste of Oktoberfest featuring beer-infused strudel, pretzel, and spaetzle recipes from Rockoly.
National Beer Day is a celebration of the age-old brewing craft that has been an integral part of human culture for centuries. Each year, beer enthusiasts around the globe come together to appreciate the artistry behind their favorite brews and the cultural heritage associated with this iconic beverage. In this article, we explore the history of National Beer Day and delve into some delicious beer-inspired recipes from Rockoly.com, including beer-infused strudel, pretzel, and spaetzle dishes.
History of National Beer Day
National Beer Day is celebrated annually on April 7th, marking the end of Prohibition in the United States in 1933. This date commemorates the signing of the Cullen-Harrison Act, which allowed for the legal sale of beer with an alcohol content of 3.2% or lower. The signing of this act was the first step towards the complete repeal of Prohibition in December of the same year.
Celebrating National Beer Day With Oktoberfest-Style Cuisine
While beer is certainly the star of National Beer Day, the celebrations would be incomplete without some traditional beer-infused dishes. Oktoberfest, the world’s largest beer festival held annually in Munich, Germany, is renowned for its delectable cuisine, which is rich in flavor and history. Rockoly.com, a popular online platform specializing in cooking specials, offers a mouth-watering selection of Oktoberfest-inspired dishes, perfect for your National Beer Day festivities.
Beer-Infused Strudel
One of the best ways to incorporate beer into your National Beer Day celebrations is through Rockoly’s Beer-Infused Strudel recipe. This sweet, flaky pastry filled with delicious fruits and a touch of beer creates an exquisite balance of flavors that will delight your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup ice-cold beer (your choice)
- 1 cup apple or cherry filling
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 egg, beaten for egg wash
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice-cold beer, stirring until the dough comes together.
- Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a disk. Wrap in plastic and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out each disk of dough into a 12×8-inch rectangle. Spread the apple or cherry filling along the center, leaving a border on all sides.
- Sprinkle the filling with sugar, then fold the dough over the filling, pinching the edges to seal.
- Brush the strudel with the beaten egg and bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar and serve.
Beer Pretzels
Pretzels are a quintessential Oktoberfest treat and can easily be made at home using Rockoly’s Beer Pretzel recipe. These soft, chewy pretzels, combined with the subtle flavor of your favorite beer, are perfect for National Beer Day.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups warm beer (110-115°F / 43-46°C)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 1 egg yolk beaten with 1 tbsp water
- Coarse sea salt
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm beer and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast over the mixture. Let it stand for 5 minutes, or until it becomes foamy.
- Stir in the flour, salt, and melted butter, then knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes.
- Shape the dough into a ball, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large pot, bring the water and baking soda to a rolling boil.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces, then roll each piece into a 24-inch rope. Shape the rope into a pretzel by forming a U-shape, then crossing the ends and pressing them onto the bottom of the U.
- Boil each pretzel for 30 seconds, then place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Brush each pretzel with the egg yolk mixture, then sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack before serving.
Beer Spaetzle
Spaetzle, a traditional German egg noodle, is another delightful addition to your National Beer Day menu. Rockoly’s Beer Spaetzle recipe adds a unique twist to the classic dish by incorporating beer into the batter, resulting in a delectable and hearty meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup beer (your choice)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and nutmeg.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and beer. Gradually add this mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a thick batter forms.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Using a spaetzle maker or a large-holed colander, press the batter into the boiling water. Cook the spaetzle for 2-3 minutes or until they float to the surface. Remove the cooked spaetzle with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the cooked spaetzle, tossing to coat them in butter and onions.
- Cook the spaetzle for an additional 2-3 minutes until lightly golden, then transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Prost
National Beer Day is the perfect occasion to explore the art of cooking with beer, and Rockoly’s Oktoberfest cooking specials are a great place to start. From beer-infused strudels and pretzels to the savory spaetzle, these dishes will elevate your celebrations to a whole new level. Enjoy the rich flavors of these culinary masterpieces and let the spirit of Oktoberfest and National Beer Day bring people together in the name of good food