Miller Park 2015

Saturday was my first trip to Miller Park to cheer on the Brewers. My friend invited us to enjoy a tailgate and celebrate her 30th birthday at the game and we jumped at the chance. There was a special on tickets and on select food items in the stadium for this game, so it made it even a better trip.

We coordinated before the big day to figure out the tailgate food and everyone brought something to share. We had brats, burgers, beer dip, taco dip, guacamole, sour grapes, cookies, Jell-o shots, veggies and dip, pasta salad and cake. Everything was DELICIOUS and we couldn't ask for better weather for the tailgate. Our tailgate neighbors were celebrating a bachelor party and brought a Justin Bieber pinata. It took two guys to bust it open and in addition to a lot of candy inside, there was a Playboy. Ha ha.

After indulging in copious amounts of food and tasty drinks in the parking lot, it was time to head into the game. A heads up that it takes a little longer to get into the game this season because of the metal detectors that everyone must go through. You need to remove your cell phone and any large metal objects and place them in a bin. Purses also are searched as you walk through the detector. It went rather smooth but it still slows down getting in.

The birthday girl selected us seats on the 300 level between first base and the right field player. We were in the front row! They were great seats and the Brewers got things off to a great start.

By the 3rd inning, we decided to wander for food and I had read about the Deep Fried Nachos on a Stick. I'm always one to try new food and so we went on a hunt to find them. After walking around our floor for a bit, we found a sign that told us they were right by our section if we would have just turned left instead of right. So we headed back and ordered it up ($9 for two sticks) along with a $4 beer and $1 soda (specials for the day).

The nachos on a stick look like corn dogs but are beef and refried beans with nacho cheese Doritos crumbled on the outside as the breading. Then its deep fried and drizzled with sour cream and nacho cheese. It's served with a side of salsa.

Right away I was bummed with the little bit of sour cream and nacho cheese on the outside. I'm a fan of both and love my nachos smothered in them, but I was ready to give this a shot.

My first bite was......interesting, crunchy on the outside and a refried bean consistency inside. Right away I knew this wouldn't replace my Cactus League Nachos. I prefer the crunch of a chip and being able to choose what toppings I scoop on the chip with each bite. The nachos on a stick definitely lacked the nacho cheese that make nachos, nachos.

I ate one and a half of the sticks and decided against finishing the rest. It really wasn't a replacement for nachos and it was a lot of bean and beef inside. I'm glad I tried it, but I will pick the mashed potato parfait, Cactus League Nachos, brat with secret stadium sauce or waffle fries with nacho cheese, ice cream sundae or anything else in the stadium before ordering that again.

It didn't damper my spirits of the game and the team played an incredible ball game winning 6 - 0. The Racing Sausage Race had a little controversy again with Pittsburgh. The catcher cut off the Italian during the race. Boos could be heard throughout the stadium for about 10 minutes straight. The Polish won that race. I quickly jumped on Twitter after the race to see what fans were saying and this by far is the best tweet I found from @ADBinMKE - "Francisco Cervelli interfered with the Italian sausage in the sausage race. Talk about irony. #brewers"

As for the Brewers, this was the first win of the season and everyone in our group agreed they won
because we were there! I'm definitely excited for more games, tailgate fun, and trying some other
new (to me) foods at the stadium this season. Go Brewers!

Pin-It Tuesday: Beer Cheese Soup

Being a born and raised Wisconsin girl, I love my cheese and I love my beer and I love having the two together. My cousin introduced me to beer dip that I love to make for parties and serve with pretzels. And then I made this Guinness beer cheese dip for a recent party and it was a favorite by everyone.

But when the weather turns colder, I don't want a chilled dip, I want my cheese warm and with beer in a soup version. :) I have tried to make it before but it wasn't even blog-worthy the last time. It just tasted bland and needed something but I wasn't sure what.

It seems I'm not the only one that loves this trend as I have found beer cheese soup all over lately.

This past summer, my friend Tiffany and I took advantage of  the TGI-Friday's field seating during a Brewers game at Miller Park and ordered some pretzel sticks with beer cheese dip. Not only was the view amazing, but the pretzel sticks and beer cheese were heavenly! The dip reminded me of a soup and I would have licked that bowl clean.

Matt and I went to Friday's at Miller Park this past weekend and I told him we had to get the beer cheese dip. He too agreed it was fabulous and it was even better than I remembered. DO NOT calculate the calories though - its that good you just don't want to know!

My next encounter with Beer Cheese soup was at Bernie's Tap Room for the Milwaukee Brewing Company Beer Dinner. Chef Brooke (whom I hope to pick her brain soon for my blog!!) showcased her mad kitchen skills and wowed us all with a fabulous 5-course dinner that included beer cheese soup garnished with popcorn and a pretzel roll on the side. Read my review here

I then stopped by RiverMill Foods last month to have a great conversation with Laurie and grabbed a salad and beer cheese soup. It was so thick and creamy and the beer didn't overpower the cheese. I will have to find out what type of beer she used :)

Soup & Salad combo at RiverMill Foods

So after all these tastings, I decided it was my turn to jump back in and try my hand at it. I had pinned a recipe to my Pinterest Soups On board months ago and decided it was time to have at it.

Click here for the original recipe

I had almost all of the ingredients in the house already, just missing good Wisconsin cheese. I decided on Shullsburg Medium Cheddar and a small amount of Shullsburg Cheese & Bacon cheese. (I didn't tell Matt I used the bacon cheese and he despises the meat candy and I'm wondering if he will notice when he has some.)

Sweating the onions made the house smell heavenly and then it was time to add the beer. Yes I know I'm a traitor and used a Minnesota beer (Kayak Kolsch), BUT it's a micro brewery and all I had in the house that wasn't too heavy to overpower any other flavors in the soup. (Please don't exonerate me!)

Making the house smell heavenly!

I have never blended hot ingredients before and have heard horror stories about it exploding in the blender and all over the kitchen and the cook, so I was extremely cautious, went slow and never completely sealed the blender. It went rather smoothly overall with minimal mess in the kitchen (no more than average for me!)

Omit the PB in the background - Dad made a sandwich while I was cooking :)

Added a bit at a time so as to not explode all over the kitchen

Then it all goes back in the pot and I added a few spices before the cheese (paprika, chili powder, garlic powder).

The I added the cheesy, gooey yum part. I added the amount suggested and let it all melt. Unfortunately I felt it tasted like flour and beer and no cheese was coming through to my buds.

So I brought out the grater and added a bit more of both cheeses (1/2 - 3/4 cup more maybe?). Except for the fact that the additional cheese never melted completely (any ideas why cook friends?), it really added dimension and massive flavor to the soup.

See the unmelted cheese? It was almost boiling and wouldn't melt - any thoughts?

I wasn't a fan of the unmelted cheese texture in the soup but the flavor was great. Just enough beer and cheese and the bacon cheese added a hint of smokiness to the flavor, but I wouldn't say it tasted like bacon. I used some whole wheat rolls to dip in the soup (yup - Wisconsinites love their carbs too!) 

I'll try this recipe again and hopefully have all the cheese melt this time and probably use a bit heavier Wisconsin beer.

My 12 Highlights of 2012

Happy New Year!!  2013 is here and the Mayans were obviously wrong, and I am so happy about that. There are so many more things that I want to do with my time on this earth.

Reflecting back on 2012, I accomplished much more than I thought I did and I can't wait to continue and add onto those things this year.

I already gave you the Top 12 most viewed posts of 2012 earlier this week, but now I want to share some highlights that may not be the most viewed or not read at all (as I didn't blog about all of them!). They are what made 2012 so awesome for me.

12. Camping & Dave Matthews Band

Dave on the jumbo screen at Alpine Valley

This summer was unlike any in recent years-- DRY & EXTREMELY HOT. We had drought warnings for well over a month which meant you couldn't grill out with charcoal or gas grills. My cousin and I planned our annual trip to Dave Matthews at Alpine Valley right in the middle of the drought. Camping was HOT and you were awake by 7 am if you wanted to be or not. Swimming wasn't refreshing because the lake was like a hot tub. We had to use extreme caution grilling out at the campsite and NO fires could be made. We even brought cold sandwiches to Dave to be on the safe side.

But as usual, Dave put on an amazing show and I wish I could have gone to both days. I am so in love with his music and him as an artist and I hope he comes back in 2013.

11. Volunteering

I love volunteering and sharing my skills with those that need them. This year, I continued my service to the United Way Marketing Board and #MKEFoodies Cookies for Kids' Cancer Bake Sale. In addition to volunteering for Good Friend Inc., I was also asking to join their board of directors this year! I attended my first board meeting in October and cannot express enough how awesome these ladies are with the message they are out sharing.

I also helped out with the Drug Collection of Waukesha County on a very wet day.

Robin and I freezing for a good cause!

10. Patio Parties

Although I have no pictures of this, there isn't much more to be said than grilling out on a summer night with some cocktails, great friends, good conversations and laughs. I hope that by the end of next summer, I will have a patio of my own to share with my friends and continue this (cross your fingers for me!!!)

9. CityTins

I am glad that I followed through on the use of my CityTin this year. I tried some great new restaurants in the area that I most likely wouldn't have without. I found new food faves that I can make at home this year, including hush puppies from Maxie's Southern Comfort, the potato skins at Cafe Manna, fried goat cheese from La Merenda, and olive tapenade from Cafe Lulu.

Potato Skins at Cafe Manna

I also was able to use the CityTin at Cafe Benelux and Swig. I didn't buy one in 2013 as I am really trying my hardest to save for a new home. 

Beautiful summer night at Swig.

   8. #MKEFoodies

Staying on the Foodie ride, I was able to attend quite a few events with the #mkefoodies group. I am so thankful to Lori and Paul and all of their hard work to make the events absolutely wonderful. Bartolotta's Rumpus Room provided us great food samples,explanations of why they do what they do and swag bags. I found out about the potato skins at Cafe Manna because of the group. I was able to check out Joey Gerard's in Greendale and found out that they make all of their own cocktail mixes from scratch. Ginger was another Milwaukee restaurant I was able to try with friends and baking for the #MKEFoodies Cookies for Kids' Cancer Bake Sale is always a blast.

7. Beerclub & Beer

Mondays nights at 8 pm on Twitter, a group of Milwaukee-area beer lovers get together and share a drink and their thoughts on it using #beerclub. I was able to participate quite a few times this year, even once while tailgating at Miller Park, and enjoyed most of the selections. I hope to be able to participate more in 2013, but I have a boot camp the first 12 weeks of the year that is held from 6-8 pm. I might just have to join late. This club and friends that really enjoy beer, have really opened my eyes to the world beyond Blue Moon and Spotted Cow!

My friend Jacob even had an Oktoberfest Birthday party and had a perfect beer & cheese tasting. I learned so much and have many new faves!

Bourbon County Stout - The super rare one!

6. Storm the Bastille

Again, with the summer being extremely HOT, running at night was about the only time I could get in a run without feeling I would pass out. So when my friend suggested that we Storm the Bastille, I was in. Some bars and stores even turned their hoses on us to cool us down. This will definitely be in the mix for 2013.

 5. The Color Run - Chicago

I hadn't been to Chicago in years prior to this run and man was it a blast. The weather was picturesque, we ran on the beach and I have never participated in such a fun event that involves fitness since I was on the Poms Team at Mukwonago (Go Indians!!). I was instantly hooked and signed up for Milwaukee one with my friends (and Mom) right after.

Color Run - Chicago

4. New Waukesha Restaurants

New stores and restaurants opened in Waukesha in 2012 and I was able to visit quite a few of them and enjoy a decent meal. I still haven't eaten food at Montecito, but they know how to mix good cocktails. I highly recommend the Huckleberry Lemonade.

O' What A Day Cafe has some scrumptious cupcakes in very unique flavors and now serves lunch--Best Butternut Squash soup I have had yet!

Bernie's Tap Room is really doing all it can to become a staple in Waukesha, and I think they have figured it out - gourmet bar food. The Duck pizza and beer cheese soup are sooooooo good.

Beer Cheese Soup at Bernie's Tap Room

Maid-Rite is really getting out there in the social media world to advertise the daily specials and suggest different options for lunch and dinner! I have to get back there for some soup.

I can't wait to try some more new places in 2013!

3. Green Bay Packers Game

I went to my first Packers Game in nine years this year and the icing on the cake....I won the tickets in an office drawing! My friend Tory had never been, so we met up in Appleton, drove in together and took it all in. I am ADDICTED to seeing in live and can't wait to go back. We are hopefully going to make it an annual trip!

2. Nephew Time

Little Alexander has completely stolen my heart and every time I see him, our buddy bond gets stronger and stronger. He turned one this year with a cookies and milk party and I think next year he will be out on the boat with his dad and grandpa fishing up a storm. He already wants to drive the boat as you can see.

Let's go people - I'll steer!

Family is so important to me and being able to spend time with my little buddy is something that I cherish sooooo much. I can't wait to see him so much more in 2013.

1.  Brewers Games

This year, my friend Tiffany and I bought a 10 pack of tickets that included Opening Day tickets for free in the pack. So my dad and I bonded while making the Jumbo Jenga for such an occasion as Tailgating on Opening Day. The game was a huge hit with all our neighboring Brewer Fans and for some cookouts I brought it too throughout the summer. I haven't found the right sized tote to carry it in yet as my trunk is small and the blocks are big, but I still love it.

And after Opening Day, Tiffany and I were able to enjoy some great food at Miller Park and some food  that was just ok.

Miller Park Poutine - AH-MAZING!

I even ran the Brewers 5k and Color Run, both held at Miller Park. I love my brew crew and the stadium appeal.

Brewers 5k - pre-race

Note To Self: Chalk drifts in the wind, watch where you park :)

Tiffany and I didn't purchase another 10 pack this year as we are both choosing to travel more in 2013, starting with a trip to LA for her for her 30th bday, and then we are both going to Salt Lake City in mid-February. After that....who knows!? Suggestions welcome!

Well that is all of them - whew what a year to review!! Of course there were other great things that happened this year (Grant Park, Foodie Penpal, Runner groups and cooking), but no one wants to read that much about me! Coming up later this week, I will give you my 2013 goals as I'm still tweaking them, but I want to thank all of you for the blog support in 2012 and hope you continue to read in 2013. If you have suggestion, lay them on me. I'm always up to making the reading more enjoyable!!! :)

Happy New Year!

Couch to 5K Run #4

Getting ready to run with the weenies

Example of Racing Sausage Shirt from Brewers Blog

Last year was the first that I had heard and paid attention to the talk about the Famous Racing Sausage 5K Run/Walk at Miller Park. If you know anything about Milwaukee, you know that we love our sausages - brats, hot dogs, chorizo - we love our meat! At the 6th inning of any home Brewers game, there is a Klement's Racing Sausage race where people dressed as the racing sausages race from 3rd base to 1st base. This is definitely something that Brewers fans enjoy watching and place friendly wagers on with their game seat neighbors. I am partial to the Polish because of my heritage but its always a race to the finish.

Apparently I'm a little out of the loop because fourteen years ago the Brewers started hosting the Racing Sausage 5K at Miller Park to raise money for the Brewers Community Foundation that helps many local organizations annually. I say apparently because I have only known about it for two years. But with my new found love of running and my home team Brewers pride, I knew that this race would be a blast.

I signed up with two of my friends months and months ago. It was good that we did because between the runners and walkers, this run did sell out - 4,000 spots! I drove with my friend Tory and we arrived to the Miller Park parking lots about an hour before the race started to make sure that we wouldn't feel rushed. Apparently an hour is a bit too early unless we needed to pick up our race packets (which Shauna nicely did for us earlier in the week). We had plenty of time to stretch out and see the die-hard runners getting in their pre-runs.

This race start was well organized by pace. Volunteers held signs that read different paces and the pace that you fell into, you went by. This is a better way to do it than just runners/walkers and helps keep the runners a little more organized and less likely to trample each other.

The 5 taller blobs at the front are the Racing Sausages

I was towards the back with a pace in the 12 - 14 min mile area and Tory stayed with me. Shauna is an 8 - 10 min/mile runner so we said bye and wished her luck. It was a much smaller cattle call this time because we were organized but my adrenaline was pumping greatly when I stepped on the timer mats and took off down Canal Street.

The horn sounded and the runners started

The route headed east and then north around the general parking lots. We then followed the road towards the stadium and went over the Milwaukee River. It was just west of this river that the winner passed me heading towards the finish already. He was followed by two others but not super closely. I couldn't believe how fast he was. I then went under the bridge to the first water stop. I was very happy for water at that point because I had done 11:13 for my first mile and was pretty parched.

Preferred lot heading into the shade

It was a little bit of an uphill from the bridge and we still continued around the outskirts of the preferred parking lot. I got pretty warm at this point because I was running with the wind and the sun was pounding on my head :( As soon as I made the turn over by the I-94 entrances/exits to the stadium, I felt the wind against me and cooled down a bit. There was a little girl running in front of me on her tippy toes and I just couldn't imagine the pain that I would be in if I ran a whole race like I was in heels. Then I thought that another child was coming up on my left and was about to cheer both of them on to keep up the pace. When I turned to cheer, I realized that it was actually a really, really short woman in her 70s with her poofy permed hair. I just smiled and continued on. That would have been embarrassing.

Serenaded by Navy men at Miller Park

Miller Park Tunnel

I was pretty excited to get around the side of the stadium because I knew we were heading onto the field soon. When we got to "right field" on the outside of the stadium, there were four Navy guys sitting in chairs playing music for us to motivate us. A few people stopped to take pictures by them, but I was too excited heading onto the field to stop there. We entered the stadium through a tunnel that smelt of hot dogs and headed onto the field.

Everyone taking in the view at Miller Park

I was instantly thrilled to be on the warning track and as much as I wanted a good time for the run, I wanted to enjoy my time on the field and take it all in. I pulled out my phone and took a ton of photos as you can see. People were stopping by the bases and behind home plate. Brewers players and staff were talking to us on teh jumbotron motivating us and saying things like "hey you in the red, this is a race - pick up the pace." It was some good humor.

Brewers dugout

Setting homeplate

DO NOT RUN ON THE FIELD

looking at my 10-pack seats WAY up there

Time to leave the field - that was fun

I left the stadium in left field, went through the tunnel and back under the bridge where we got the water stop on the other side. Again a welcome relief. Here is where I started setting mini goals - run to the tree, run to the port-o-potty, run to the dumpster, run to the turn in the road. By breaking it down, I was able to continue running and not focus on how far I still was from the finish line.

When we turned into the middle of the lot, I took some nice deep breaths and prepped myself to run to the finish. I started about 3/4 of the way back in the lot and ran up the sidewalk and over the bridge to finish.

After run party

The finish was mass chaos as the water and food wasn't far enough away and large crowds looking for people were everywhere. I found my friend Kathy while trying to get water and then followed them to get a beer. My stomach wasn't ready for food, so I gave my hot dog ticket away to Jack and just enjoyed my water and sipped my beer. 

Red Faced Runner

All in all it was a good time and I finished with a time of 40:33:18. The goal was under 40 and well I stopped to take those pictures so that's why I wasn't under 40. I was number 2,076 of 4,000 so I'm pretty much the middle of the pack. Too bad there were only 2,500 runners and the rest were walkers. I still didn't come in last and I have another run under my belt. Gotta love my Red Face after I was done - but that smile is pure joy and runners high!  Any something I learned after the race - the sausages ran the whole thing in costume!