MNP Week 20: Smokin Maple Bacon Mac N Cheese Smokes Competition

Monday night witnessed a record-breaking potluck performance. 

Team Brovenyark's Smokin Maple Bacon Mac N Cheese didn't just break records, but shattered them, taking 20th Monday Night Potluck victory with ease in a 61 point effort.  

The nostalgia of classic macaroni and cheese, coupled with a preparation process that included candying bacon in a heavy dose of maple syrup, then pureeing it into a sauce that included pepperjack cheese, cream cheese and most likely a myriad of other cheeses that I couldn't pinpoint as I deliriously scooped handfuls of cheesy, bacony goodness towards my face (um, this didn't actually happen), was almost a surefire way to place at MNP. (Does that sentence make sense? I still can't tell. In other news, I need an editor)

But to obliterate what was once again a delicious field, almost doubling the points of second place Cheesy Jalapeno Grits (which, unfortunately, I did not get to try. Which, in retrospect, is probably a good thing, since intaking any more cheese might just stop my heart immediately), is truly an impressive feat on the level of the 1996 Bulls or the 1929 Yankees. 

Julia and Team's Cheesy Jalapeno Grits' 36 points was good enough for second, while Alli Langley's Orzo With Root Veggies And Goat Cheese rounded out the top three with 32 points. 

A final shout out goes to Kathy Munger's Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake, which finished outside the top three but made this writer's life complete. 

Once again, thanks to all who helped make Monday another amazing potluck. The 18 potluckers and their dishes are as follows:

Braum - Swiss Chicken SQ's
Kathy Munger - Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake (aka one of the greatest dessert's this writer has ever tasted and it's a damn shame it didn't place top three)
Team Brovenyark - Smokin Maple Bacon Mac N Cheese (1st Place)
Sara and Erin - Goat Cheeze Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Bites
Melissa Chiella - Southwest Salad
Julie Meloy - Chicken Chili
Seth Cohen - Chicken Friend Steak Bites With Chocolate Coffee Stout Gravy
Kate Step.....I'm sorry, I just can't read the rest of your name - Cookies And Popcorn
Paul Ahern and Co - Japanese Curry Rice
Warren and Samantha - Poutine Poppers
Jason Lederer - Roasted Veggie Awesomeness
Sam and Elliot - Fluff! (disclaimer, this was not the marshmellow fluff that I grew up making peanut butter and fluff sandwiches with. Yes, I've been eating terribly unhealthily my entire life. Thanks Mom and Dad.)
Julia and Team - Cheesy Jalapeno Grits (2nd Place)
Nancy and Ben Redner - PIZZA
Alli Langley - Orzo With Root Veggies And Goat Cheese (3rd Place)
Nick Schaffer - Red Chicken Curry
Zach - Deviled Eggs
Anna, Alex and Ellen - Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars

Potluck will continue next Monday night (March 16) 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: Team Brovenyark (middle), Julia (left) and Alli  

Prepared potluckers with their own plates

Coconut Porter (and other taplist) update!

Great news for all you beer lovers!

By the end of the weekend, the Broken Compass tap list will once again be as robust as our Chocolate Coffee Stout. 

With the arrival of all 350 pounds of unsweetened, organic, coconut flake Monday night, the long-awaited return of the Coconut Porter is projected for Friday (at the earliest) or Saturday (more likely). 

In addition to the Porter, the Irish Red will be back on tap Thursday afternoon or evening, while the Helles will make its return during the middle of next week. 

For those of you who can't wait until Thursday or Friday for fresh beer (me), the Trappist Trippel, brewed in collaboration with Luminous Brewhouse from Ford's hometown of Sheridan, WY, will be on tap this (Wednesday) afternoon. 

While you patiently wait for our favorite beers to be back on tap, we have tapped one keg of a young version (one month or so) of our Bourbon Barrel Aged FDFH Brown Ale to help keep your thirsts quenched. 

Drink up! 

MNP Week 19: A Heavyweight Clash

For only the second time ever, a Monday Night Potluck came down to a single point.

Brett Lomoro's Spinachoke Dip and Kendall and Mikey's Super Ham Rolls locked in a heavyweight battle at Broken Compass on Monday, easily outpaced the third place winners Very Berry Custard Trifle (made by Maria) and BBQ Chicken Sammies With Red Cabbage Slaw (made by Erin and Jake, who continue to make a habit out of third place finishes. Which, by the way, is nothing to be ashamed of) by more than 10 points. 

Spinachoke Dip was augmented by a lovely presentation that included celery, pita chips and dippable French bread, as well as a healthy disposition that Lomoro said included "lots of garlic and cheese. Like, wayyyyy too much cheese." 

Super Ham Rolls, meanwhile, benefited from the use of Hawaiian rolls, a hand-to-mouth delivery method that has never once been frowned at in the history of, well, probably the world, I guess. With a special sauce that included "butter, sugar, honey mustard and uhhh, more butter," according to creator Kendall, Super Ham Rolls shed any and all attempts at appearing to be healthy (editor's note: a tactic that the author of this post supports wholeheartedly).

Both heavyweights went blow for blow for 15 rounds, mixing in a series head and body blows that left potluckers reeling from deliciousness. But in the end, it was Super Ham Rolls left standing, a 40-39 victor, delirious and soaked in butter, forever a potluck champion.

Once again, a huge thank you goes out to all of you who brought food to the potluck. You continue to amaze with your creativity and general deliciousness. Without further ado, the potluckers and their dishes:

Brett Lomoro - Spinachoke Dip (2nd Place)
Katie Lestrange - Bacon Brussels
Erin and Jake - BBQ Chicken Sammies With Red Cabbage Slaw (T-3rd Place) (Also, wins the award for "best labeled food," which you can view below)
Scott and Daryl - Cheesycake
Amber - Sausage Cheese Dip
Peggi - Kale Salad
Bob - Stuffed Jalepenos
Kathy Munger - PB&J Bars (pretty much like a PB&J sandwich, except if you replaced the bread with a cookie-like substance. Yes, I ate far too many of these)
Wayne Holmes - Hot Pepper Corn Pudding
Nancy and Ben - Pita Pizza With Jalepenos And Chicken
Warren Rixon, Chelsea Stevens and Samantha - Weiner Shrooms
Seth Cohen - Ginger Pale Ale Ice Cream 
Maria - Very Berry Custard Trifle (T-3rd Place) 
Janet Healy - Soooo...Ready For Spring Salad
Angie and Kyla - Nutjobs (Pretzel Pecan)
Kendall and Mikey - Super Ham Rolls (1st Place)
Kathleen and Steve - Peppadews Stuffed With Artichoke Hearts And Goat Cheese (still upset I didn't get any of these)
Emma Montague and Andy McCory - Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
Nick Shaffer - Roasted Veggies

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!)

The winners, from left to right: Maria, Brett, Erin, Jake, Kendall and Mikey

Erin and Jake's awesome label

And...your entertaining vote of the week: 

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.