Portland Culinary Alliance

BridgePort Assistant Brewmaster Jeff Edgerton and Chef Jack Henniger outdid themselves for the March 18 program featuring food and beer pairing at bridgeport brewpub + bakery. All but the berries, in a dessert from Janie Hibler’s “The Berry Bible” cookbook, had beer in the recipe. The berries, served warm in a port sauce over shortbread, were paired with Black Strap Stout in such an agreeable marriage of flavors that even Janie was happily surprised by its perfection.

First course was beer bread, made with the spent grain from the brewing process, and a delicious cheddar spread made with Black Strap Stout. Those who couldn’t stop nibbling the bread were delighted with BridgePort’s gift to all attendees: a loaf of beer bread. The “Keep Portland Beered” bumper sticker was much appreciated, too, and will probably show up on some members’ bumpers.

Beets were poached in Ebenezer Ale for the salad, a mix of greens, apples, goat cheese and hazelnuts, which was paired with Ropewalk Amber Ale. Chef Henniger decided to pair the fish course, cod and crispy polenta, with IPA because he thought that BridgePort’s flagship ale, accounting for 85% of its production, complimented the cod’s lemony butter sauce.

The chef said that he rarely actually cooks with beer because too much cooking can turn the taste of beer bitter. His preference is to add beer toward the end of cooking, so it lends its flavors to the food. On the other hand, he likes to bake with beer. He recommended adding porter to brownies or chocolate cake.

Janie Hibler told us about her recipe for the shortbread with warm Oregon marionberry-port sauce, noting that it’s one of her favorites from her cookbook, “The Berry Bible,” partly because it’s so easy and quick. It takes no more than 20 minutes from start to finish. She gave us an interesting overview of cookbook writing and the long, arduous process of bringing her research, recipe testing and writing to published form. And she encouraged everyone to get out and pick some Oregon berries this summer. But watch the calendar. If you’ve waited until after about July 12, you may have missed the peak of Oregon’s berry season. And by the way, July is Oregon Craft Beer Month. Freeze some berries, Janie advises, so you can enjoy them year round — with beer, perhaps?