Every time a beer is brewed, a bunch of what's called spent grain is left behind. Usually it goes to compost. Or worse, just gets tossed out. But an industrious brewery owner in Somerville is giving it a second life."These dog treats are incredibly healthy for human consumption."[/pullquote]
This Wednesday at Somerville Brewing Company – purveyor of the delectable line of Slumbrew beers – co-founder and co-owner Caitlin Jewell will lead a cooking class utilizing fresh Brewer's Spent Grain (BSG) for a tasty treat. On the menu this week: two different recipes of dog treats."This is the second time I'm teaching the class and it's so much fun," Jewell told me. "Similar in format to Paint Nite, guests arrive to find a seat with a big bag of fresh spent grain and our four house recipes for dog treats plus samples of each already baked to taste."
The class begins with a quick brewery tour – fitting since the BSG attendees receive is usually still warm from a recent brewing.
"The funny part is these dog treats are incredibly healthy for human consumption," Jewell added.
Next, Jewell provides a demonstration, followed by the chance for each guest to whip up a batch of either Sweet Potato Spent Grain Treats or Peanut Butter Treats. After the 45-minute class, attendees take home their finished product to bake in their ovens. "I was so happy to see adorable dog photos at 11 p.m. that night of all the dogs getting their treats," Jewell said of the first dog-treat class she taught.
Of course, guests enjoy a pint or two during the class. But even so, Jewell's culinary creativity extends beyond treats for just pets."I'm teaching this class again," she said, "but it's artisan BSG bread! Same format but you have bread to take home, rise again and bake!"
BSG by itself doesn't have much taste. But, said Jewell, it has 113 grams of protein per two cups, offering a great foundation for baking.
"The recipes are ones I've modified over the years for my beagle Bailey, and the artisan bread, which is a rosemary bread, is about to become a permanent part of our menu," she added.
Anyone who asks can have free BSG from the brewery, which produces on average about 2,000 pounds of spent grain every week. If it's not used for dog treats or bread, someone might pick up a sack to use as chicken feed or compost for their home garden.
Soon, though, Jewell will have another recipe calling for BSG.
"We're in development presently to offer hot chocolate chip cookies made with BSG at the brewery this spring, too," she said.
Images via Slumbrew.
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