Tonight I am staying in Pullman, Washington with my friend
BW. We coordinate the writing retreat together and are off to McCall, Idaho tomorrow. I was very
fortunate to attend a German dinner tonight put on by the brew club her husband belongs to. The rules were simple. Every dish that was served had to have beer as an ingredient. The meal was based on a German theme. Some of the brew club members brought their own home brewed beer, while others just brought favorite kinds that went with each course. Where I grew up a Lucky Lager could go with chips and dip, a hamburger, and a piece of apple pie! No aluminum cans at this gathering.
This beautiful salad had a wheat beer added to the dressing.
The soup was made with a pale ale and Cougar Gold cheese, made right at Washington State University.
BW's husband brought homemade sausage he had ground and filled before we left. They were grilled and very yummy! There was also German potato salad, pork dishes, cabbage, sauerkraut, soft
pretzels, and beer bread.
Desserts ranged from gingerbread to prune cake to the two cakes above. Each had a distinct taste and all were delicious (or so I heard.. I just couldn't sample everything). Now who knew about chocolate beer... I mean stout?
One guy that brewed his own beer brought it out after dinner. I loved his pink sticky note label. I know IPA means something to the brew club members, but I can't quite remember what. It was a big learning curve for me tonight. I was amazed at how many delicious ways the group found to use beer for this dinner. Now I better go Google IPA.
Okay... I am back.... IPA... India Pale Ale. It is coming back to me now.
Today we arrived at the Field Campus of the U. of Idaho in McCall. Those of you that have been reading my blog for awhile know that I facilitate and participate in an annual writing retreat here in McCall, Idaho. The camp sits on the shores of Lake Payette. The lake calmed down as the sun began to set this evening.
BW and I opted to come a day early this year so we could have some time for setting up and relaxing before the other participants arrive tomorrow. We built a campfire and enjoyed a peaceful evening with the whole place to ourselves. I look forward to a good week of writing, reading, and relaxing.