As it gets hotter outside, people in Canada like to grab a cold, frosty beer. But beer as good as the Steam Whistle's Pilsner isn't just for drinking!
In 1998, three friends got together and decided that Canadians should have a quality Pilsner to call their own that would rival the best in the world. After working for a premiere microbrewery that got bought out by a big brewer (and subsequently closed), the three amigos decided to go it alone and mash their way to beer nirvana. Greg Taylor, Cam Heaps and Greg Cromwell decided to turn their dreams into reality and Toronto's own Steam Whistle Brewery was born. Housed in the 1929 Canadian Pacific Rail steam locomotive repair facility, Brewmaster Marek Mikunda and his trusty team of brewers make a Premium Canadian Pilsner that's as good to drink as it is in recipes! If you're ever in the city- you can contact the brewery for a tour and a tasting. What a memorable way to enjoy the CN Tower's majestic view from the ground!
The following is a selection of savoury and sweet creations that are sure to whet your whistle (couldn't resist the pun!). They have been crafted by chefs so that your replication at home will be a smooth as a tall, frosty glass of Pilsner. Enjoy!
Steam Whistle Cheese Dip
Created by Chef Carol, from the Liaison College in Toronto, where the largest number of cooks and chefs are trained in Ontario.
16 oz. Old Cheddar cheese, shredded
2.5 oz. Blue Cheese
1 Tbsp softened butter
3-4 scallions, chopped
1/2 tsp dry mustard
1/4 tsp Tabasco sauce
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2/3 cup Steam Whistle Pilsner
Combine cheeses, butter, scallions, mustard, Tabasco and Worcestershire in food processor, and process lightly. Add beer to make consistently smooth. Garnish with additional scallions, or crumbled blue cheese. Serve with Steam Whistle Sesame Bread or pretzels.
Portuguese-style Shrimp & Rice with Steam Whistle
Created by Josanna Meilhac-Lavigne, an aspiring Chef at Liaison College, Toronto. Liaison College trains the largest number of cooks and chefs in Ontario.
1 cup long grain rice
1 cup water
1/2 cup Steam Whistle Pilsner
1-1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
In a sauce pan combine the rice, water, Steam Whistle and salt. Simmer until ready and then, leave covered, off heat, to steam further.
3 Tbsp Parsley
3 cloves Garlic, minced
1 Onion, diced
4 oz. Pimento
1-1/2 cup Steam Whistle Pilsner
2-1/2 Tbsp Tomato Paste
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 bag of large Shrimp (31-40 size)
In a large sauté pan, heat olive oil. Add onion and cook until translucent. Add minced garlic and parsley, stirring for 30 seconds. Add crusted pimento and cook 2 minutes. Add Steam Whistle Pilsner and the shrimps, cooking until the shrimp are pink. Serve over rice.
Note: You may wish to add chili's if you like spicy food, or have some hot sauce handy while eating. Steam Whistle Pilsner is a perfect accompanying beverage for savoury dishes like this one!
Steam Whistle Loaf Cake
Created by Executive Chef, Chris Klugman, of Summerhill Market.
½ cup Unsalted butter
1 cup Steam Whistle Pilsner
3/4 cups Granulated sugar
2 Eggs
2½ cups All-purpose flour
1 tsp Baking soda
½ tsp Baking powder
Pinch Salt
1 Tbsp Vanilla extract
½ cup Sour cream
¾ cup Bittersweet chocolate chips
½ cup Brown sugar
½ tsp Cinnamon
Preheat oven to 325°F (175°C). Using 1 tablespoon of the butter, grease the inside of 2 - 9 inch loaf pans.
In a small saucepan, over medium heat, bring the beer to a boil. Remove from heat; set aside. Combine remaining butter and sugar in an electric mixer; beat until very creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add flour, baking soda, baking powder, vanilla and beer; mix briefly to combine. Gently stir in sour cream, chocolate chips, brown sugar and cinnamon. Divide mixture between loaf pans; bake 35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into cakes comes out clean.
Makes 2 - 9 inch loaf cakes
