Granville Island Beer Bread
February 23rd, 2008 by chuck
This bread is a heavy, warm, yeasty type bread. The kind of bread you’d expect the wives of coal miners and farmers to make. A substantial bread with lots of flavor that would stave off hunger for hours. In fact, it’s almost a meal in and of itself!
I felt like making a bread that would take us back to another era. When we used our hands and backs a lot more than we do today. I guess, back to a time when people actually baked bread instead of just purchasing it at the corner store.
Being near a lot of terrific markets, I started looking around for a wonderful farmers sausage, something made locally with lots of spiciness and flavor. Of coarse you could substitute the farmers sausage with a polish sausage, garlic sausage, pepperoni even bacon or ham. So long as it ‘s delicious it doesn’t matter, be adventurous.
For me I thought Granville Island Market would be the best place to find unusual meats . Here’s a picture of my little sister’s toy poodle named Pico hanging out on one of the piers. In addition to the market and all the unique shops, Granville Island has it’s own brewery. You can even take a tour and sample some of the delicious beers, it’s a nice way to spend an afternoon. They make some terrific honey ales and lagers, I chose a nice Amber ale with lots of flavor.
Sampling the beer while concocting this bread wasn’t so bad either! ” HICKUP ” And of course I had to add extra Monterey Jack cheese on this bread. That’s why I stated 2 – 3 cups of cheese. If you want something really special use the whole 3 cups. Mmmm! Serve this beer bread warm to your hockey/football buddies with an ice-cold ale. It’s the kind of bread that you can rip off a piece and serve. Your team may not win but, this bread is sure to be a winner.
For a step by step class of this great tasting Granville Island Beer Bread click here.
For a printable recipe card of this Granville Island Beer Bread click here.
For more free bread recipes go to our parent website at Cookingbread.com.
I love beer bread with chili. I’ve only made the quicker kind of beer breads where you just dump the ingredients together and bake them up in a loaf pan. Those are fine, but I’ve copied this one to try soon!
Hi, just discovered your blog. I like it. Where are you from? I loke on your blog and could not find it. I’m from Vancouver Island. I was in Vancouver during the w-end because my son had a volleyball tournament. I had a Granville Island Beer at the restaurant. What a great beer. I’ve never been to Granville Island yet but will on my next visit. I’m glad I discovered your blog and put a link on mine. Have a good day.
Hi Lori – aka RecipeGirl,
I think chili and this beer bread would make a perfect pairing. All you have to do is rip off a piece of beer bread and dunk it into the chili … Mmmm with the cheese and spicy chili. It just doesn’t get any better then that.
Hi Helene,
Glad you found “The Knead For Bread” and it’s good to see another food blogger in my neck of the woods. I live in Surrey about a half and hour drive from downtown Vancouver.
Yes, I hope you get a chance to see Granville Island Market next time your here. I can spend hours there just looking at all the goodies from vegetables, fish, meats, pastries and of coarse bread and all the unique little shops. There is a cookbook store there also that sells nothing but cookbooks. Make sure you check it out. Thanks for the visit and talk to you soon.
All your bread recipes, look divine. Sadly I am trying to stay away from bread, but sometimes I am sooo tempted.
Oh, carbohydrate pleasure! Nothing could be better than hearty breads like this.
Hi Chuck,
I just found you site as well. It look great! I’ve added it to my favourites. I am a big time foodie, and my partner makes incredible sourdough bread (from scratch, of course – the starter’s in the fridge!). I’ll be sure he checks out your blog, too. We were in Vancouver in 2001 (We’re from the other coast – New Brunswick). We LOVED Granville Island. Had an incredible meal at Lumière in Kitsilano… Take care!
Hi Jeff,
I’m so glad you found my site. It’s good to hear from other Canadians and a foodie to boot. I have met so many foodies since I started this blog … it just amazes me how passionate we are about food. My sister and I have really tried to create an interesting site that all those who love food would enjoy.
The only thing better than freshly baked bread is freshly baked bread with MEAT in it! This looks great! My grandmother used to make Italian bread with chunks of prosciutto in it. Amazing!
This bread has it all; beer, sausage and cheese! Great looking bread.
I just stumbled upon your blog and my heart skipped a beat when I saw the word “Granville”. I am a born and raised Vancouverite who is, at present, living in the US. I miss home more than you can imagine! But, now I can come to your page and see/get great food and recipes but also get a glimpse of home as well. Thank you for that!
Hi Michelle,
it’s nice to hear from a fellow Vancouverite. I think I live in the best place in the world. We have everything from mountains to the sea and a beautiful city.
Glad you found me!
Hi,
Im new to this site and will be making your beer bread. Just one question, what is farmers sausage?
Enjoy this site. Cant wait to try everything.
thanks
Kathy from Minnesota
Hi,
I’ve made this bread 4 times already and absolutely love it!!!
I’ve tried it as written and with different meats and cheeses.
The last time I made it (2 weeks ago) I used pepper jack cheese and 1/2 DiLusso salami and 1/2 prosciutto.
Magic…This bread never fails, it always comes out perfect.
Thank you