Can you believe we’ve reached April? I feel like it was just Christmas, like yesterday. There are lots of exciting things to celebrate in April like the warmer weather and blossoming flowers. PLUS! National Beer Day is celebrated yearly on April 7th!

I had the chance to appear on Trends & Friends, KLBK-TV & KAMC-TV in Lubbock, TX today to talk about this lighthearted foodie holiday commemorates the day that the Cullen-Harrison Act went into effect. This officially allowed for the sale of low alcohol content beverages in the United States and ended prohibition in the U.S. After signing the Cullen-Harrison Act, President Roosevelt famously remarked “I think this would be a good time for a beer.”

Did you know:

  • Beer is one of the oldest drinks ever produced by humans, with scientific testing of pottery showing beer was produced in modern day Iran over 7,000 years ago.
  • In 1912, brown bottles started being used in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and have since become accepted worldwide as the best way to prevent harmful rays from the sun affecting the quality and stability of the beer.
  • The beer industry produces over 116 billion in sales

There are many beer pairing recipes out there… but being a University of Kentucky grad, I’m excited to share my favorite!

Beer Cheese Dip:

Ingredients:

  • 2 Tbs butter
  • 1/2 cup low carb beer of your choice
  • 1/2 tsp paprika for recipe and garnish
  • 1/8 tsp ground cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 oz cream cheese
  • 8 oz cheddar cheese,  shredded
  • Serve with Southern Recipe Small Batch pork rinds of your choice or pretzels

 

Directions:

  1. Combine the butter, beer, paprika and cayenne pepper in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer.
  2. Allow the mixture to simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Stir in cream cheese, heavy cream and shredded cheese. Stir until well combined.
  4. Return to stove over low heat and simmer for another 5 minutes stirring frequently.
  5. Transfer to a serving dish and top with additional paprika if desired.
  6. Serve with Southern Recipe Small Batch pork rinds of your choice or pretzels!