Saturday, March 2, 2013

Welsh rarebit... for breakfast

I made Welsh rarebit for St. David's Day dinner yesterday, and yep, even enjoyed some leftovers this morning for breakfast. My favorite recipe comes from Alton Brown at the Food Network. I always use Boddington's Pub Ale for the beer and Double Gloucester for the cheese. A nice quality loaf of rye from the bakery also makes this into something special.
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup porter beer
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 6 ounces (approximately 1 1/2 cups) shredded Cheddar
  • 2 drops hot sauce
  • 4 slices toasted rye bread
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and whisk in the flour. Cook, whisking constantly for 2 to 3 minutes, being careful not to brown the flour. Whisk in mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until smooth. Add beer and whisk to combine. Pour in cream and whisk until well combined and smooth. Gradually add cheese, stirring constantly, until cheese melts and sauce is smooth; this will take 4 to 5 minutes. Add hot sauce. Pour over toast and serve immediately.

6 comments:

  1. We have been enjoying rarebit this winter as well, from the rabbits we raised and butchered in the fall. I have not tried this recipe though, it sounds delicious.

    I love your blog, by the way, it's so beautiful and inspiring!

    God bless,
    Miss Elizabeth

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    1. Miss Elizabeth, I've never had Welsh rarebit that actually has rabbit in it! I thought the point of the name was a slight jab at the Welsh -- too poor for meat, so cheese instead. What's your recipe like? I'm quite curious! :)

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  2. Look! Someone who recognizes Saint David's Day! :-) I will admit to never having made rarebit (I know, it's embarrassing in someone of Welsh decent), but I did use to make Welsh cakes to celebrate. If you've never made them, you should sometime. They are SO good! But this recipe looks obscenely good - I may have to try it next year.

    So, Dydd Gwyl Dewi Hapus! Enjoy! (Maybe while listening to some Bryn Terfel...)

    Elizabeth :-)

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    1. Elizabeth, I think I first came across St. David's Day six years ago when my dad and I went to a St. David's Day concert. I don't need much of an excuse to adopt any holiday (especially this time of year), so it is a fun reason to buy some daffodils and make a favorite recipe. I did see some recipes for Welsh cakes as I was poking around for side dishes this year. Do you have a favorite recipe to share? (I pulled out my Aled Jones CD, by the way.) :)

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  3. Laura, I used to have a go-to recipe for Welsh cakes, but I've lost it somewhere along the way. :-( There are any number of recipes available online, though. They're kid of like sweet scones with currants in them. I used to eat them fairly often when I sang with a local Welsh choir. Mmmm...now I'm getting the munchies. If I somehow manage to lay hands on my recipe, I'll definitely let you know. :-)

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