Use Beer Instead of Water

If you are going to make a batch of chili, don't use water or stock for the liquid. Use beer. For me, I used to make the mixture with the veggies and beef, add the tomato sauce, then add water to fill up the pot (I like a soupy chili). But thesed days, I use beer as the liquid. Again, it's just one of those things that makes sense. Beer is mostly water, but it has all these other flavors as well.

Beer also works well in any kind of hearty soup or stew that requires a large amount of water. A few years ago, I made this recipe called Dark and Sticky Stew from Jamie Oliver. There was not a hint of water in the entire thing. The liquid came from an entire tall boy can of Guiness Stout.

Next time you decide to whip up a batch of beef stew with veggies, substitute 12 ounces of beer for 12 ounces of water. Just remember that the darker the beer, the more complex the flavor will be. And be sure not to put fruity beers in your food, unless perchance you are making a margarita.