Proving that matching beer and food is nothing new, we're proud to present a selection of recipes which use Manns brown ale.
Manns hasa proud tradition as a cooking ingredient in a variety of recipes. Its dark and sweet flavour is perfect for gravies, stews and also for cakes. Most famously, it is used in the making of Christmas cakes and puddings and always receives a surge of sales during the festive period.
If you have a favourite recipe using Manns, email info@refreshuk.com
Manns Dark Chocolate Cake
Cake mixture
55g Cocoa Powder 115g Butter, 275g Soft brown sugar, 2 eggs, 175g Plain flour, 1 tsp Bicarbonate of Soda, ¼ tsp Baking Powder, 200ml Manns Brown Ale
Icing
115g dark chocolate, 55g butter, 115g Icing Sugar, 1tsp finely chopped Pecans, 2 tsp Manns Brown Ale
Preparing the Cake:
1. Preheat oven to 180° C (350° F). Grease and line two 20cm cake tins. Blend sugar and butter until fluffy, then gradually add beaten eggs.
2. Sift flour, bicarbonate of soda and baking powder into a bowl. Mix thoroughly before gradually folding into the above cake mixture.
3. Place cocoa in a separate bowl and gradually trickle Ithe Manns Brown Ale into centre, stirring thoroughly until fully incorporated. Gradually fold into cake mixture.
4. Divide cake mixture between two tins and bake for at least 30 minutes until springy on top. Cool for 10 minutes before turning out onto wire rack to cool further.
Preparing the Icing:
1. Break the dark chocolate into small pieces and place in a basin with the Manns Brown Ale. Stand basin over a pan of barely simmering water, stirring occasionally until the chocolate is smooth and liquid. Remove from heat, beat in butter and allow to cool for two minutes. Sift icing sugar and beat in.
2. Place a third of the icing in a separate bowl. Stir in the chopped pecans. Spread chocolate pecan icing between the two sponge cakes and sandwich together.
3. Spread remaining icing over the top, then decorate with whole pecans and grated chocolate. Allow icing to set before serving.
Manns gravy
Heat 2 oz butter in a large saucepan. Add 1.5 lbs of onions, thinly sliced, and a pinch of sugar, and cook over a low heat for about 30 minutes until caramelised - stirring occasionally. Add 1tsp plain flour and cook for 1 minute. Add 1 bottle of manns Brown ale, 1 pint beef stock, 2 cloves and 2 bayleaves. Bring to the boil and boil vigorously for 20 minutes. Remove the cloves and bay leaves. Add salt & pepper to taste. Serve with bangers & mash, roast beef, or over traditional chips!
Manns Rich Fruit Pudding
Mix together the following; 4 oz chopped suet, 2 oz flour, 4oz stoned raisins, 4oz sultanas, 2 oz mixed peel, 2 oz currants, 1/4oz grated nutmeg, 1/4 oz mixed spice, 1/4 oz ground ginger, 1/4 oz cinnamon, 4oz dark brown sugar, 4oz breadcrumbs, 1oz almonds, pinch of salt.
Add the following; 1/2 bottle Manns Brown Ale, 5 fl oz brandy, 1/2 lemon zest & juice, 1/2 orange zest & juice. Leave the pudding mixture in a cool place for 3-4days.
Add in 2 beaten eggs and place in a greased basin, cover with greaseproof paper and steam for 6-8 hours. Adding a lucky sixpence is optional but always cut the pudding to find it before serving so it isn't swallowed by mistake! This pudding is perfect for Christmas.
Manns Walnut Bread loaf
Grease a 2lb loaf tin. Combine 3/4 lb flour, 4tsp baking powder, 2 tsp salt, 1 tbsp honey and 2 oz chopped walnuts with 12 oz Manns Brown Ale, and mix well. Turn into loaf tin and bake at 150ºC for 45 minutes or until browned and a skewer comes out clean.
Manns Beef Stew
Chunk 2 1/2 lbs if shin of beef and sprinkle with 3 tbsps seasoned flour. Heat 1 oz butter in a pan and fry the beef to brown. Transfer to a casserole. Fry 3 red onions and 2 oz chopped bacon until tenderised, add 3 small sticks of celery, chopped, and a small handful of rosemary leaves. Transfer to the casserole over the beef. Pour in 2 pints of Manns Brown Ale, and 1/2 pt water. Add 2 parsnips, 2 carrots and 4 potatoes, all peeled and roughly chopped to the casserole. Season, put the lid on and cook slowly for 2 hours, or until the beef is tender
Manns Brown Ale Batter
Mix 8oz flour with 1tsp baking powder. Add an egg, 1/2 pint Manns Brown Ale, and 4 fl oz vegetable oil. Beat until smooth.
Any of the following dipped in the Original Manns Brown Ale Batter and deep fried until brown are absolutely delicious; Cod Fillets, Sausages, chunks of pineapple.