Projo Football Food and Spirits

Octoberfest beers are on shelves but what tastes best with the seasonal brew for food pairings.

I asked that question of the folks at Samuel Adams who make an Octoberfest. Little did I know that the brewery asked chef David Burke of New York’s DavidBurke&Donatella to come up with recipes created with Samuel Adams Octoberfest.

Here's how to make Pumpkin Ravioli with Samuel Adams Octoberfest, Brown Butter and Sage and a festive Gingersnap Chicken Breast with Samuel Adams Octoberfest and Raisin Gravy.

PUMPKIN RAVIOLI WITH BROWN BUTTER AND SAGE
24 store bought pumpkin ravioli
2 shallots
6 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons sage, chopped
6 ounces Samuel Adams Octoberfest beer
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

Sautee shallots in butter and brown. When butter is browned add beer and sage, salt and pepper and Parmesan cheese. Pour over ravioli.
Serves four.

GINGERSNAP CHICKEN BREAST WITH RAISIN GRAVY
For the chicken:
4 chicken breasts
1 cup gingersnap cookies, ground
2 egg whites
Salt/pepper
For the sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup chopped onions
1 tablespoon garlic
1/2 cup raisins
12 ounces Samuel Adams Octoberfest
Juice of 2 lemons
1/2 cup brown gravy
Steamed spinach (optional)

Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cut with semi-whipped egg whites. Coat with cookie crumbs. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until cooked. Set aside to rest.
Sautee onion and garlic until brown. Add beer and brown gravy and reduce by half. Add raisins. Cook for another 10 minutes. Mix in butter and salt and pepper. Add steamed spinach underneath chicken for a garnish. Pour sauce over chicken and top with lots of chopped chives.

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