I suppose being born in November has everything to do with it. I love all things pumpkin!
There has never been a time when I didn’t dread the end of summer. A twelve week break from the schedule, being out of the routine of driving back and forth to school and dance, day trips, longer days, the warmth of the sun, flip flops, happy hour on the patio as our dogs roam freely in our yard are a few of my many highlights. But then something magical happens when I turn the calendar and land in September. A sudden urge for a new pair of shoes reminds me it’s back to school. A few short weeks roll by and it’s October and the official start of pumpkin season. The leaves slowly change color into an autumnal canopy of reds, yellow, green and golds.
We happen to live in a beautiful area of New Jersey whereby people come from all over to experience the foliage. It is not unusual for folks to be seen collecting fallen leaves perhaps to stuff in an envelope and mail off to friends and relatives to share in the glory. Cruising along the local country roads mimics the sensation of driving through a painting.
Over the past several years there seems to be an increasing popularity in all things pumpkin. Bring on the pumpkin coffee, hand lotion, pancakes, muffins and of course, beer! Many craft breweries have jumped on the pumpkin bandwagon and my husband and I are always seeking out new brews each year. It’s always fun to see what’s on draft at our local breweries and pubs. We seem to be partial to Schlafly Pumpkin Ale and Brooklyn Brewery’s Post Road Pumpkin Ale but are certainly open to suggestions. Straight out of the tap is the most delicious way to imbibe beer but when drinking at home, there’s an added bonus. Before pouring, we garnish the rim of the glass with a sugar and spice mixture similar to what is done with salt on a margarita. It starts the party on the first sip and enhances the flavors on the beer.
It’s very simple:
In a shallow bowl mix together 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1/8 cup of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
In another small bowl, fill with about 1/2” of water.
Turn your beer glass upside down to moisten the rim and dip into the sugar and spice mixture.
Slowly fill your glass with pumpkin beer.
Delish!
I love this "sugar/spice" garnish idea on the glass filled with a pumpkin ale! Never thought of it. I enjoy good beer and love a good pumpkin ale. I will definitely try this. Love your newsletter, too. It most definitely resonates with this Italian Jersey girl. Most everything with me revolves around good food and good drink with family and friends from the simple to the complex. Look foward to your next newsletter!