An Appetite for Ale: Hundreds of Delicious Ways to Enjoy Beer with Food

UK food writer Fiona Beckett (Sausage and Mash, Cooking With Wine) and her son Will, a pub owner, have crafted what could be the bible of British beer pairings, as well as an eye-catching and accessible guide to all things beer. Whether lager lovers want to know the appropriate beer to kick off the day (Will recommends a Red Eye, a blend of beer and tomato juice), need input on what to serve with a mature Gouda (a Belgian Trappist ale or a saison) or put together a complete menu, the Becketts have it covered. The duo pack an impressive amount of information into the slim volume, covering general pairings (smoked and salty foods with Pilseners, chocolate with porter, etc.) as well as specific suggestions for each of the book's many recipes. Pizza, fish & chips, Belgian beef carbonnade and ribs all make expected appearances; surprises include a smoked duck salad with raspberry beer dressing, and a smoky bacon Bolognese that circumvents the beer-and-tomato conundrum often plaguing Italian cuisine. Though the book's reliance on UK measurements and ingredients (double cream, Scottish herring, black pudding) has the potential to frustrate, this volume contains more hits than misses, and is sure to keep hungry beer lovers inspired.