Chicory - or perhaps you know it as Belgian endive or witlof - is an acquired taste I'll admit. Almost cabbage-like in texture with a slight bitter flavour and rather expensive in South Africa to boot. Add to that the fact that it's not a very well known vegetable either and I can completely understand why it might not feature on the average person's grocery or to-eat list.
It was inevitable really. Food blogger meets master brewer-in-training and the result had to be either a food and beer pairing or even better, beer *in* the food. Don't think I missed those ears perking up there at the back... So far I've added beer to pasta, chocolate cake, mussels, an Irish coddle and now, soup.
As a nod to all my American friends - *wave*- I decided to do a post in honor** of all the 4th of July celebrations happening on your side today. What I wouldn't give for some sun-time and freshly grilled lamb chops right around now... Although, I'm kinda glad I don't have to be braving summer clothes and especially swimsuits at the moment. Silver lining, people, silver lining.