feast your eyes on the latest concoction from brew dc otherwise known as my husband james and his bestie brady (or braids as i call him).

it’s a take on a french saison that’s been infused with sumac berries.

if you’re not familiar, sumac has a very lemony taste and is often used in mediterranean cooking.

the result is a crisp, light, refreshing beer with a citrusy spice that goes down easy.

cheers!

I could seriously eat lettuce wraps every day.  I love the whole process of assembling each one.  The fact that you can customize and dress them up any way you please makes dinner time that much more fun!

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1/2 white onion, chopped
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup dried apricots, chopped
• 1/2 tsp sumac*
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp poultry seasoning
• 1 head butter lettuce (sometimes called bib or Boston lettuce)
• 1/4 cups pine nuts, toasted
• handful fresh mint, chopped

Yogurt Sauce:

• 3/4 cup plain, fat free yogurt
• juice of 1 lime
• 1/8 tsp cayenne
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/8 tsp cumin
• 1/8 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp sumac
• salt and pepper

For sauce, simply combine all ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.  It’s best if made a few hours ahead.

Spray your pan with non-stick spray over medium – high heat and toss in garlic and onions.  After about a minute, add in your chicken.  Season with spices, break up the meat a bit with a wooden spoon and then add in your apricots.  Continue to cook until chicken is browned, about 10 minutes.

To assemble, lay a lettuce leaf out on your plate and top with chicken mixture, finish off with a bit of your yogurt sauce, pine nuts and some fresh mint.

These were a big hit as is but I think next time I make them I’ll throw in some golden raisins too for extra sweetness.

*sumac can be found in Middle Eastern grocery stores or at a variety of places online.