Cereal For Dinner Recipe

1. Measure beer

Pour 6 cups (about 1.4 L) of the blonde/golden ale from the tap into a clean pitcher. Chill to about 40°F / 4–7°C if not already cold.

2. Stir in 1/2 cup light pilsner malt syrup until fully dissolved. This lightly increases body and malt backbone so the cereal adjuncts integrate better.

3. Toast and steep cereals

Preheat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the 1 cup crushed corn cereal and 1/4 cup rolled oats (and 1/4 cup crushed graham cracker if using). Toast, stirring frequently, for 2–4 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly golden — do not burn. Remove from heat and let cool 2 minutes.

4. Place the toasted cereal mix into a clean, heatproof jar or infuser bag. Pour 1 cup of the cold beer over the cereal to steep for 10 minutes, gently pressing the cereal once or twice to release flavors. This extracts cereal flavor without over-suspending solids in the final beer.

5. Strain the steeped cereal through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth back into the pitcher with the remaining beer, pressing gently to extract the liquid while leaving most solids behind. Discard solids.

6. Warm 2 tablespoons demerara sugar with 1 tablespoon orange zest and the split vanilla bean (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract) in a small pan over low heat for 1–2 minutes just to help dissolve and bloom the aromatics. If using vanilla extract, stir it in off heat.

7. Add the warmed sugar/vanilla/orange mixture to the beer pitcher. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt and stir gently but thoroughly to combine. Taste and adjust: add up to another teaspoon of sugar or additional orange zest if you want more sweetness or brightness.

8. If you want a slightly richer, creamier finish (cereal-milk vibe), stir in up to 1/2 cup cold milk or milk alternative to taste. Note: adding milk will create turbidity and may reduce head retention.

9. If desired, add ice to individual glasses. Gently pour the finished beer over the ice or into chilled glasses, leaving about 1/2 inch headspace. Serve immediately.

10. Garnish optionally with a light dusting of crushed cereal or a thin strip of orange zest on the glass rim. Recommend serving in small pours so drinkers can enjoy the cereal aroma and prevent warming too quickly.

11. Store any leftover beer refrigerated and consume within 24–48 hours for best flavor. Re-stir gently before serving if components have settled.