recipe: brew-infused apple sticky buns

I recently scribed a guest post for In Search of Beer, Ryan Hudak's website that details his on-going feat for sampling new beers, all while sharing everything hop-associated, including brew news, event recaps, and even, recipes for cooking and baking with beer. 


Since I too am always on the hunt for the next best beer and strive to incorporate beer in everything possible (talking in dinner, in desserts, and of course, in cocktails), I decided to contribute editorial that tied my love for my PA Dutch culture with my obsession of baking–all of which had to be splashed with beer, of course.


Click here to read up on my time-consuming methods of crafting from-scratch Pennsylvania Dutch Sticky Buns–a recipe I particularly enhanced with fresh apples and extra-special bitter beer. If you can squeeze in the time, for all the glory of dough kneading and dough rising, I promise you that these sweet breads are always a crowd-pleasing hit.

an extenstive dive into pa dutch dishes

 (photo by mark stehle)

PA Dutch is full-blown into my heritage's hearty blood, but who knew that the city of brotherly love would satisfying begin to sneak my traditional fare into their finely-constructed dinner options. From pig parts to pickles, fried dough to fritters, more and more eateries are serving PA Dutch dishes in ways both old-school and unexpected.  In Philadelphia City Paper's recent Dish magazine, out last Thursday on newsstands, I trumped 'round urban eateries to find out who's doing it best. Shall you share some bites, too? Here's where you should consider.

classic apple dumplings of a country-styled bakery

 

Being raised in the midst of Pennsylvania Dutch Country into two full-bred families, I've had my fair share of legitimate traditional sweet treats. While I could blab about the pie that is quite possibly, the sweetest of the bunch — the circles of shoo fly— I value the baked balls of apples the most.

Apple dumplings are a staple in the Strauss house and something I have come to perfectly attempt, time and time again. Honestly, I may not be a proclaimed professional just yet, but I can confess that my tastebuds have devoured toasty chomps from many experienced bakers, especially in the heartland of Lancaster County and also on its brims.

This evening after trekking through Emmaus, I spotted a petite bakeshop on its main street, one that easily peaked my sweet teeth. An Italian-styled bakery, I Love Louie's specializes in desserts similar to what grandmother would have sweetly prepared, as well as area-appropriate classics.

Of course, I couldn't step outside its sugary scented interior without picking up one of the prettiest apple dumplings. And, after indulging in its warmed cinnamon-sprinkled bites crusted in a buttery flake crust, I may love Louie, too.

I Love Louie's Bakery, 4033 Chestnut St., Emmaus, PA 610-965-2999