Gridiron Gourmet: Kentucky-ana Beer Cheese
The Super Bowl excitement is in the air and here at The Kokomo Post, we’re diving headfirst into the spirit of the big game with a new series: Gridiron Gourmet. In this series, we’re teaming up with local chefs and bartenders to whip up game day delights that are sure to make your celebration a touchdown!
In our latest episode, filmed at The Filling Station, we caught up with Amie Rothman, chef at Cooper’s Pub, who guided us through the creation of a mouthwatering “Kentucky-ana” beer cheese dip, which was inspired by the rich traditions of Kentucky but infused with a local Indiana craft beer.
To kick things off, Rothman taught us the importance of starting with a solid rouix. Gather equal parts flour and butter (2 tablespoons of each), along with a splash of milk, your favorite Indiana craft beer, dijon mustard, and a medley of seasonings to suit your tastebuds. Oh, and don't forget heaps of fresh grated sharp cheddar cheese – trust us, it makes all the difference!
In a pan over low heat, melt your butter and flour together, stirring continuously to avoid any lumps. This process should take around 2-5 minutes. Gradually pour in your milk while stirring, creating a thick, velvety base for your dip. Now, it's time to infuse some flavor – add in the dijon mustard, paprika, cayenne and garlic powder, stirring until well combined.
Here comes the fun part – the beer! Amy's brew of choice is Robert the Bruce from Three Floyds Brewery in Indianapolis. Slowly pour in your beer, stirring gently until the mixture begins to bubble.
After that, it’s time to take your dip to the next level by adding the star of the show – the cheese! Remove your pan from the heat to prevent any clumping, then gradually stir in your fresh grated sharp cheddar until it’s melted and creamy.
Amie served her beer cheese dip with the legendary pretzels from Cooper’s Pub – a match made in heaven! The savory flavors of the dip perfectly complement the salty crunch of the pretzels, creating a winning combination that's sure to delight your guests.
And here's the best part – if you’re not feeling up to the challenge of cooking, fear not! Cooper's Pub has added this irresistible dip to their menu, so you can indulge in its savory goodness without lifting a finger.
So, whether you’re cheering on your favorite team or simply indulging in some delicious game day eats, this “Kentucky-ana” beer cheese dip is guaranteed to steal the show. Check out the full episode of Gridiron Gourmet here.
