Alexandria, VA – On November 30, following an intense cook-off in New York City between the top ten finalists in the National Beer Wholesalers Association’s (NBWA) Cooking with Beer Challenge, the judges named a winner. Linda Rohr, a 53-year-old publicist and project manager from Darien, Connecticut, was awarded first place and a trip to Cancun for two for her “Quick and Easy White Beer-Seafood ‘Risotto’ with Fresh Herbs.”

“Congratulations to Linda and all the contestants who participated in the event,” said NBWA President Craig Purser. “The contest produced some very exciting recipes. It’s great to see more and more people using the many different types and styles of beer available as an ingredient in favorite dishes.”

Rohr’s recipe, a quick and easy risotto-like dish made with orzo pasta, scallops and shrimp was praised by judges for its ease of preparation, versatile serving options and outstanding flavor. Unique to the recipe is the addition of a bottle of white beer, which is used to steam the seafood. Taking second place and a cash prize of $1,000 was Emil Topel, 36, a chef from Phenix City, Alabama for his “Lager-Steamed Thai Turkey and Shiitake Dumplings with Pale Ale Sweet and Sour Dipping Sauce.”

Ten finalists from around the country were chosen from hundreds who submitted recipes featuring beer. Beer was the only required ingredient in the recipes, and contestants were allowed to enter any type of dish in the contest: appetizers, soups, entrees or baked goods. Prizes for the top two contestants also included products by Waterford Crystal. Rohr received a Waterford Crystal bowl and Topel took home a set of Waterford Crystal’s new Lismore pattern pilsner glasses.

“The American beer distribution system makes a tremendous variety of beer available to consumers. Few other products can boast such a diverse selection in your neighborhood store,” said Purser. “This variety makes beer an excellent ingredient to experiment with in the kitchen, adding a unique flavor to almost any dish.”

The Cooking with Beer Challenge is one way NBWA is educating consumers about beer as part of a healthy lifestyle. Earlier this year, the NBWA Education Foundation sponsored Beer to Your Health!, a first of its kind event in the U.S. which brought numerous health experts together to share their findings on the potential health benefits if moderate alcohol consumption, particularly as they pertain to beer.

Quick and Easy Seafood “Risotto” With Fresh Herbs

Serves 6

1 12-ounce bottle White Beer

½ cup fish stock

12 large scallops, halved

12 large shrimp, shelled and deveined

3 TBS olive oil

1 cup thinly sliced shallots

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 (5.4 ounce) pkg Boursin-style herb and garlic flavored cheese, crumbled

1/3 cup julienned sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained

3 cups hot cooked orzo

2 cups baby arugula

¼ cup freshly snipped basil, divided

2 TBS minced cilantro, divided

2 TBS freshly snipped dill, divided

¼ tsp freshly ground pepper

1 tsp smoked sea salt or kosher salt

2 TBS olive oil

¼ cup freshly shaved Parmesan cheese for garnish

Place white beer and fish stock in a large saucepan and bring to a simmer. Add seafood and cook just 2-3 minutes or until just opaque. Remove seafood with slotted spoon and set aside. Increase heat; bring liquid to a boil, reducing by half.

Meanwhile, in a large deep skillet, sauté shallots in olive oil until caramelized. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more. Stir in cheese, sun dried tomatoes, beer and stock reduction, orzo and seafood. Heat through. Stir in arugula, fresh herbs (reserving 1 tsp of each for garnish). Season with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Divide among six plates. Garnish with more fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese.

Linda Rohr

Darien, Connecticut