MNP Week 18: A Dessertalicious Affair

Monday night was a potluck for sweet teeth. 

With two incredible desserts dominating the pallets and polls and four desserts causing potluckers to return to the buffet line simply for a "dessert plate" (wait, am I the only one who did that?) the sugar highs were real and unchecked.

In the end, it was Michael M.'s Oreo Ice Cream Dessert that came out on top, recording 31 points to narrowly edge out Laura and Jessi's Pumpkin Mousse Dessert and Nick Shaffer's slightly-less-sweet-and-probably-healthier Avo-Eggplant Parmigiano, who tied for second with 27 points. Rick and Maria's Jersey Sliders With Stuffed Mushrooms narrowly missed making it a three-way tie, finishing third with 26 points. 

Oreo Ice Cream Dessert wasted no time pushing its sugary goodness onto pallets, served with a note to "eat fast or I'll melt," but was unable to shake free of the competition. Pumpkin Mousse Dessert, served in mini cups of pumpkin cheesecake, whipped cream, graham crackery deliciousness (and of which at least four mini cups may have found their way into my refrigerator for a short time before being devoured as I wrote this blog because I have no self-control and because they are a true revelation) refused to go quietly into the night.

But in the end, nothing could stop the force that was Oreo's mixed with dairy products, a time-tested combination that will forever hold a place in the hearts of every man and woman who once dipped an Oreo into a cold glass of milk (which, let's face it, is basically everyone).

Michael M. credited his mother with the recipe for his first potluck victory, and was already planning his next dish as he filled up his winner's growler. 

As always, thanks to all who braved the snowy conditions Monday night to join us for another awesome potluck! The potluckers and their delicious dishes:

Laura and Jessi - Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse (T-2nd Place)
Penny, Julia, KT - Self Saucing Chocolate Pudding
Brian Munger - Butternut Squash Lasagna
Benny - Deviled Eggs With Garlic Bread
Michael M. - Oreo Ice Cream Dessert (1st)
Tiernan - Black Bean Salsa
Kathleen and Steve - Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Nick Shaffer - Avo-Eggplant Parmeggiano (T-2nd)
Samantha and Warren Rixon - Cookie Bark
Adam Spencer - Caprese Salad
Rick and Maria - Jersey Sliders With Stuffed Mushrooms (3rd)
Jake - Chicken Parm
John Holdos - Chili Verde

Potluck will continue next Monday night (March 2nd) with eating commencing at or around 7 p.m., but we recommend showing up early to get a table. We can't wait to see what you bring next!

(Editor's note: Broken Compass Brewing's Monday Night Potlucks are popping off every Monday night, with eating starting around 7. We encourage everyone to contribute a dish every now and then, but everyone in the brewery is welcome to sample the food and vote for their favorite dishes. First place wins a 64 oz growler and fill, second place a 32 oz. growler and fill and third place a free pint. See you there!)

MNP Week 17: BLT Bites Bring Glory Back To Bacon

Bacon-related foods have finally battled their way back to victory in 2015.

After spending 2014 systematically conquering seemingly every Monday Night Potluck, Bacon had suffered through an uncharacteristic drought leading up to Monday night, finding virtually no success despite many attempts (see: Candied Bacon, Chocolate Bacon, Plain-ass Bacon). But a breakthrough finally occurred for one of the world's tastiest foods, although in a somewhat unexpected way. 

Bacon returned to its roots, utilizing a reliable food chemistry long-tested, presented with an innovative twist, in the form Kyle and Jen's BLT Bites (what, you ask, is a BLT Bite? A deliciously ripe cherry tomato, somewhat hollowed out and filled with bacon and lettuce and maybe something else that was delicious but I can't quite put my finger on). BLT Bites' convincing 39-point victory proves, as always, chemistry trumps talent.

While BLT Bites ran away with the win, a stiff battle ensued for the other podium positions. Killer Beets And Carrots and run-on sentence String Bean Carmelized Onion Portabella Bake Goat Cheese (SBCOPBGC), from veteran potluckers Nick Shaffer and Rick and Maria Galgas, respectively, eventually tied for second place with 28 points after a healthy battle (because they're vegetables, get it? Oh fine, I'll shut up). Heather and Ben's Jambalaya rounded out the podium with 24 points, narrowly edging Fresh Strawberry Sauce With Cheesecake (23 points), Kingcake Pastry (22) and Pistachio Cake (21).

As always, thanks to all who braved the snowy conditions Monday night to join us for another awesome potluck! The potluckers and their delicious dishes:

Kathy Munger - Fresh Strawberry Sauce With Cheesecake
Johnny Nevana - Brownies
Loni and Chris - Kermit & Miss Piggy Go To The Beach
Heather and Ben - Jambalaya (3rd Place)
Sam - Plant Sliders
Jose - Chips, Hummus, Cheese, Dip
Katlyn and Peter - Kingcake Pastry
Kyle and Jen - BLT Bites And Veggie Bites (1st Place)
Warren and Samantha - Buffalo Chicken Mac N Cheese
Rick and Maria Galgas - String Bean Carmelized Onion Portabella Bake Goat Cheese (T-2nd Place)
Kim Haller - Pistachio Cake
Lyndsey and Shervin - Steak Pita Bites with Tzatziki Sauce
Madelaine Tayer - Wicked Wonderlust Wings
Nick Shaffer - Killer Beets And Carrots (T-2nd Place)
Florina and Steph - Chicken Strips
Chantal and Alli - Chantalli's Sexy Chipotle Potatoes
Janet Healy - Super Sexy Sausage (sex and food sells, people)

From back to front: the winners, Kyle and Jen, second place Rick and Nick and third place Heather and Ben

Bourbon Barrel Aged Brown lived young, fast and free

The beer-loving community of Breckenridge and greater Summit County spent the week in remembrance of another dear friend's passing.

Broken Compass's Bourbon Barrel Aged Brown Ale, just four weeks old, passed away last week, a victim of being too damn delicious. Barrel Aged Brown is survived by his father, Jason Ford; his brother-from-another-mother, FDFH Brown; and his many cousins still on tap at Broken Compass (http://www.brokencompassbrewing.com/beers/).

With only two kegs available, Barrel Aged Brown seemed destined from the beginning to be short-lived. And at 8.5 percent alcohol-by-volume (ABV), Brown never shied away from his reputation as a lover of parties, no doubt contributing to his early passing. 

"I definitely had a few crazy nights with Mr. Brown," Broken Compass beertender Dr. Buckets remembered wistfully. "He did that with everyone, every night. He just lived to have fun. That's who he was and nobody was going to stop him."

Even in its short time on tap, Barrel Aged Brown wowed with his eminent drinkability. The undertone of dark oak, a hint of sour, then the sweet bourbon finish often left Broken Compass patrons with tingling toes and taste buds, expressions of joy, love and longing left on their faces for hours. 

The Broken Compass family and staff will remember Barrel Aged Brown fondly, the last remaining drops of beer from the first ever batch brewed on the brewery's large system. Initially born the FDFH Brown, Barrel Aged Brown was separated from his twin at birth, with half the batch kegged and put on tap in the first weeks of the brewery's existence.

Barrel Aged Brown, however, was due for another incubation period. Following fermentation, Brown was left to sit in Breckenridge Distillery Bourbon barrels for eight and a half months, giving him the time necessary to round into his final, delicious self. 

And despite his early passing, Barrel Aged Brown paved the way for other barrel aged beers to make their way to Broken Compass's taps. A dark saison, barleywine and Trappist Trippel are following in Brown's footsteps in bourbon barrels while Coconut Porter is currently aging away in rum barrels. Barrel Aged Brown also left behind the hopes for a son, with multiple barrels still carrying the original FDFH Brown. 

MNP Week 16: Green Chile Dazzles Pallets, Potluck

We apologize for the delay in the posting of this week's potluck recap. The author fell slightly under the weather and had a difficult time thinking (much less writing) about the wealth of incredible food provided on Monday. Without further ado, here are the 27 phenomenal dishes (27! A Monday Night Potluck record!) from the past Monday night. 

Becky - S'mores Cupcakes
Zach - Mocha Red Velvet Cookies
Jake - Tortilla Chips And Salami
Bob - Clam Chowder
Amber - Lingonberry/Cream Cheese
Shannon - Green Chile (1st Place)
Tony - Prosciutto And Melon
Sue - Mom's Spinach And Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Ron - Scalloped Potatoes And Ham
Nancy - Stuffed Shells With Parsley
Justin and Angie - Jack-A-Mole
Jake and Erin - Peanut Noodle Spring Rolls With Wasabi Sriracha Sauce  (3rd Place)
Brian Munger - Grilled Pineapple Pork Sandwiches
Sarah - Carnitas Tacos
Stacey - Buffalo Chicken Dip
Rick - Greek Shrimp x Orzo With Feta
Brett - Brett's Meatballs
Sam - Stuffed 'Shrooms
Jessica - Potato Soup
Peter - Rice Krispys
Alli Ellwood and Co. - Dunkaroos
Grant Robinson And Alex Dean - Pasta Carbonara
Melissa Chiella - Guac And Cumin Sweet Potatoes
Tom Hollinshead - Cherry Wood Smoked Chicken  (2nd Place)
C.J. Stock - Seranno Guac (organic)
Austin - Chips
Chris - Grilled Chzez (no, I know, that is not a mispelling, I do know how to spell "cheese") 

Potluck will continue next Monday night (Feb. 16) with eating commencing at or around 7 p.m., but we recommend showing up early to get a table. The blog recaps will return next week as well. We can't wait to see what you bring next!

(Editor's note: Broken Compass Brewing's Monday Night Potlucks are popping off every Monday night, with eating starting around 7. We encourage everyone to contribute a dish every now and then, but everyone in the brewery is welcome to sample the food and vote for their favorite dishes. First place wins a 64 oz growler and fill, second place a 32 oz. growler and fill and third place a free pint. See you there!)

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The winners

Chocolate Pumpkin Pie Stout leaves deliciousness, mouthfeel as legacy

A pioneer in the Broken Compass seasonal line, Chocolate Pumpkin Pie Stout will be remembered for its deliciousness and longevity. 

Pumpkin Pie Stout, three months and five days old, passed away Feb. 4, at home in the Broken taproom with its family. Pumpkin Pie Stout is survived by its father, Jason Ford; its older brother and sister Chocolate Coffee Stout and Coconut Porter, respectively; and its many extended cousins and family members, including Chili Pepper Pale Ale, IPA and FDFH Brown. 

Pumpkin Pie Stout brought autumn joy to the beer lovers of Breckenridge, CO for the duration of its rich life, its subtle pumpkin smoothness summoning fond memories of jumping in leaf piles, trick-or-treating and giving thanks with friends and family over Thanksgiving dinner tables groaning with far too much food for any number of humans to healthily consume without immediately being relegated to the couch for an extended nap.  It was also a fan of run-on sentences. 

Born on Halloween, Pumpkin Pie Stout was immediately loved by both the Broken Compass staff and patrons, a friend to many in need of a delicious, fulfilling, pumpkin-flavored beer. A lesson in perseverance and longevity, Pumpkin Pie Stout continued to please drinkers long after Halloween and Thanksgiving had passed, living to a ripe old age and aging with grace long past Christmas and into the New Year.  

Pumpkin Pie Stout was a true visionary, melding flavors previously only seen in food. Never one to shy from adventure, Pumpkin Pie Stout even mingled deliciously with a splash of Breckenridge Bourbon, a favorite practice of beertender and dear friend Molly Kelly. 

"Pumpkin Pie Stout just loved to hang out with Breck Bourbon," Kelly said. "They were soul mates." 

Ford expressed sadness to see Pumpkin Pie Stout kick, but happiness that it was able to bring quality pumpkin beer into the lives of so many. 

"I'd shave my beard to have one more glass of Chocolate Pumpkin Pie Stout," Ford said. "Well, not my whole beard, but maybe a little chunk off the left side."

Memorial services were held over the weekend at Broken Compass, as Pumpkin Pie Stout was remembered fondly by friends and family. 

MNP Week 15

With the clock ticking down and the potluck slipping away, Kathy Munger's Not Yo Mama's Banana Pudding was staring defeat in the face. 

A huge performance by two main courses, Jake Sklanka's Chicken Dinner, In A Biscuit (which, amazingly, is exactly what it sounds like) and Spencer's Leek And Gruyere Gratin, set a high potluck bar. But with the potential potluck-winning drive on the line, Not Yo Mama's Banana Pudding showed the confidence and poise of a savvy veteran. 

Using a time-tested combination of vanilla wafers, gooey, bananaey goodness and a splash of nostalgia, Banana Pudding (33 points) surged into the end zone and past Leek And Gruyere Gratin (32 points) and Chicken Dinner, In A Biscuit (31 points) for the victory in what was the tightest podium finish in potluck history. 

"Banana just looked us in the huddle and said, 'Fellas, we got this,'" Vanilla Wafers said after the potluck. "He's gotta be in the conversation with Montana and Brady as the greatest of all time."

And truly, it was one of the greatest potluck fields of all time, as Not Yo Mama's Banana Pudding conquered not only Gratin and Chicken Dinner, In A Biscuit, but also Monday Night Potluck veterans Rick and Maria's Sweet And Spicy Smokies (which, I might add, were hot dogs wrapped in bacon and brown sugar) and Heather Wickstrom's Parmesan Broccoli Bites, which finished with 28 and 25 points, respectively. 

The victory extended a streak of excellence for Kathy Munger and her husband Brian, who claimed their unprecedented third MNP victory and fifth podium finish, moving them into the conversation with Bill Russell's Celtic teams of the 60s and Michael Jordan's Bulls teams in the 90s as some of the greatest dynasties of our time. 

As always, a huge thank you goes out to all who brought food and good cheer to our 15th Monday Night Potluck. Everyone's dishes, for your perusal:

Bob McCullough - Beef and Mushroom Stroganoff
Kathy Munger - Not Yo Mama's Banana Pudding (1st Place)
Kim Haller - Coconut Curry
Erin and Sara - Caribe Pepper, Bacon And Cheddar Cornbread
Diana and Bradie - Kale Salad With Bacon And Goat Cheese (it's 19 points making it the best performance ever by a salad)
Nancy - Delish Rib Sliders
Kyle Venz - Chili Con Kyle (prepared and delivered by our youngest potlucker ever!)
Melissa Chiella - Organic Gluten Free Brownies
Heather Wickstrom - Parmesan Broccoli Bites
Melissa Chiella - Stuffed Mushrooms
Jake Sklanka - Chicken Dinner, In A Biscuit (3rd Place) (and truly, a revelation)
Clay Stoner and Luminous BrewHouse - 9 Pepper Hot And Spicy Chili
Spencer - Leek And Gruyere Gratin (2nd Place)
Allie Ellwood - Pigs In A Blanket
Johnny Newman - Fruit Salsa With Sugar Cinnamon Tortilla Chips
Diane Ahern - Dulce de Leche Rice Krispy Treats
Bridget Babcock - Buffalo Poppers
Rick and Maria - Sweet And Spicy Smokies (which, I reiterate, were bacon wrapped hot dog morsels of goodness)

Monday Night Potlucks will pick back up next week (Feb. 9), with eating commencing at or around 7 p.m., but we recommend showing up early to get a table. We can't wait to see what you bring next!

(Editor's note: Broken Compass Brewing's Monday Night Potlucks are popping off every Monday night, with eating starting around 7. We encourage everyone to contribute a dish every now and then, but everyone in the brewery is welcome to sample the food and vote for their favorite dishes. First place wins a 64 oz growler and fill, second place a 32 oz. growler and fill and third place a free pint. See you there!)

The winners: Spencer, Kathy and Jake

Cody and JJ perform to a packed potluck

MNP Week 14: A Potluck Fit For A King

It was a potluck of epic proportions.

(And we are not just talking about the size of my swollen stomach in the potluck's aftermath. What's that? No, stop it. You definitely did not see three plates of food in front of me at the same time.) 

Tables creaked under the weight of a record-setting 25 dishes. Stomachs stretched to capacity from the valiant attempt to sample every dish once (and some multiple times. I'm totally not talking about myself here). Minds blown by the sheer difficulty of choosing three dishes to vote for from the aforementioned incredible 25. 

But when the dust settled, it was Shervin Aghili's Saffron Chicken With Jeweled Rice that claimed the top spot with 28 points, outlasting Sam Heindel's Fruity Fluff (17 points) and Nick Shaffer's Pad Thai (16 points) as well as 22 other excellent dishes. Tatonka Tater Tot Casserole and Grandma Dororthy's Cheesecake (which is a recipe that I desperately, desperately need. Please Grandma Dorothy, call me) narrowly missed the podium, finishing with 14 points apiece. 

On a night when the votes were spread evenly among the masses of food, Saffron Chicken With Jeweled Rice refused to be denied. Facing an onslaught from 24 foods (quite literally. Saffron Chicken's manager, Aghili, expressed concern when he saw the amount of food jostling for spots on potluckers' plates and mixing in with the delicately prepared Jeweled Rice), Saffron Chicken simply executed on a higher level than the rest of the competition, its chemistry with Jeweled Rice honed over years of collaborating in foods more apparent than ever. 

"I don't know what I'm eating anymore, it's all ******** delicious," a delirious potlucker said. "But this Saffron Chicken is a dish fit for kings."

I could ramble on for pages about the qualities of all the foods at the table (no literally, for pages. All my foreign friends think Americans think and talk about food all the time because of me. And we haven't even started discussing desserts), but I'll turn it over to the foods themselves and let them do the talking. 

Once again, thanks to all you terrific potluckers for all the terrific potlucking. Everyone and the dish they brought:

Mason Kelley - Chocolate-Covered Bacon
Brian Munger - Spanish Cocktail Meatballs
Linsey Kach - Veggie Pizza 
Shervin Aghili and Lyndsey Brozyna - Saffron Chicken With Jeweled Rice (1st Place)
Sam Heindel - Fruity Fluff (2nd Place)
Joe Napolitan - Southwest Burrito With Beer
Seth Cohen - Chocolate Coffee Stout Pulled Pork Sliders With Breck Bourbon Chipotle BBQ Sauce
Janet Stanley - Chili
Michael Meloy - Graham Cracker Dessert
Rob Clay - Chops And Cheese
Janelle Hess - High Country Cornbake
Rory, Fish and Alysa - Chunky Funky Munkey Cookies
Sarah Paris - Tatonka Tater Tot Casserole
Matty Ice - Crackers and Cheese
Samantha - Sweet And Spicy Potato Crusties (sorry for the spelling errors, handwriting semi-unreadable)
MIke Macri - Texas Caviar
Shira Ellenson - Fried Rice
Nick Shaffer - Pad Thai (3rd Place)
Johnny P - Dank Drizzle (not nearly as gross as the name sounds, in fact, delicious)
Diane - Grandma Dorothy's Cheesecake (a winner in my book. Anytime a recipe with "Grandma" in the name doesn't manage to win, you know it was a good potluck)
Johnny N. - Nachos
Austin H. - Man Dip
Evan N. - Sloppy Joe's
Dave J. - Chicken Enchiladas
? - Dark Chocolate Milk Chocolate S'More Bars

Monday Night Potlucks will pick back up next week (Feb. 2), with eating commencing at or around 7 p.m., but we recommend showing up early to get a table. We can't wait to see what you bring next!

(Editor's note: Broken Compass Brewing's Monday Night Potlucks are popping off every Monday night, with eating starting around 7. We encourage everyone to contribute a dish every now and then, but everyone in the brewery is welcome to sample the food and vote for their favorite dishes. First place wins a 64 oz growler and fill, second place a 32 oz. growler and fill and third place a free pint. See you there!)

The winners, and some photobombers

The busiest potluck yet

MNP Week 13: Bacon Crashes and Burns

An unlikely hero emerged from potluck Monday night, laying claim to the 13th Monday Night Potluck title. 

In a shocking victory, Madeleine Tayer's Breck Brussels vanquished challenges from 17 other excellent competitors, including three separate bacon dishes, on its way to 38 points and a potluck victory. Brussels eked out the win over another healthy dish, Nick Schaffer's Yammyons (sliced sweet potatoes with onions and (maybe other vegetables?) on top), who finished with 37 points. Perennial potluck power Brian Munger's Sticky Wings finished third (26 points), preventing a never-before-seen sweep of the potluck podium by healthy, vegetable-based dishes. 

It was a classic David vs. Goliath tale, with 2014's potluck king, Bacon, throwing everything it had at Breck Brussels. But when the smoke settled, neither Candied Bacon, Chocolate-Covered Bacon (yes, this exists) or Open-Faced Jalepeno Grilled Bacon Cheese was able to mount any type of comeback in what may be the end of a bacon-flavored era. 

"I think we just witnessed history," one anonymous potlucker said. "This could be a changing of the guard that forever changes the potluck landscape."

In a remarkable performance, Breck Brussels (which I'm not entirely sure how they were cooked since I was shoveling each delicious bite into my mouth too fast to think. But I think there were cranberries involved. Definitely cranberries) also defeated various deliciously unhealthy options like Buffalo Chicken Dip, Sausage Dip, 7-Layer Dip and Tres Leche Cake on its way to title (the carnivore inside me is crying right now).

It remains to be seen whether Vegetables can continue this run of potluck supremacy, but for one week at least, Breck Brussels and Yammyons earned the glory and adoration of potluckers everywhere. 

Broken Compass would once again like to thank every awesome potlucker who brought food this week. It was another epic turnout, with 18 dishes tying a potluck record. Here's the awesome people and the food they brought. 

Brian Munger - Sticky Wings
Jake and Erin - Turkey Sandwich Bites
Jake and Erin (these awesome potluckers brought two things) - Blueberry/Pumpkin Muffins
Mason Kelley - Chocolate-Covered Bacon (which, again, exists)
Dave and Rob - Fudge-Brownie-With-White-And-Milk-Chocolate-Chips-Peanut-Butter-Chips-And-Oreos (this...this was amazing)
44-Red Feather (I think that's what the sign-in sheet said?)- 7-Layer Dip (we had 5-Layer Dip last week. I'm expecting at least a 9-Layer Dip next Monday)
Nick Schaffer - Yammyons (2nd Place)
Arjun - Candied Bacon
Madeleine Tayer - Breck Brussels (1st Place)
Redner - Open Faced Jalepeno Grilled Bacon Cheese
Seth Cohen - Grown-up Cracker Jacks With Coconut Porter And Bacon
Warren and Samantha - Puffy Pesto Pocket Pillows (easily wins the award for best named dish)
Rick and Maria - Penne With Breck Distillery Vodka Sauce
Andy and Hannah - Buffalo Chicken Dip
Kaitlyn and Marc - Sausage Dip
Lyndsey and Vin - Tres Leche Cake
Katie and Christina - Cornbread
Mark Stone - Garlic Chicken And Couscous

Monday Night Potlucks will pick back up next week (Jan. 26), with eating commencing at or around 7 p.m. We can't wait to see what you bring next!

(Editor's note: Broken Compass Brewing's Monday Night Potlucks are popping off every Monday night, with eating starting  around 7. We encourage everyone to contribute a dish every now and then, but everyone in the brewery is welcome to sample the food and vote for their favorite dishes. First place wins a 64 oz growler and fill, second place a 32 oz. growler and fill and third place a free pint. See you there!)

The victorious potluckers: Madeleine (middle), Nick (left) and Brian