St. Clair Beer and Wine Festival Aug. 5

The 2nd Annual St. Clair Beer & Wine Festival on is coming up this weekend on Friday, August 5. More than 100 craft beers and wines from across the state and around the globe will be available for tasting.

Tickets are now $40 and include 15 sample tickets and a commemorative glass and keepsake photos. Additional sample tickets are available for purchase at the event.

You can get more information and purchase tickets at www.stclairbeerandwine.com. The event is along the river at St. Clair Plaza Park (Riverview Plaza). 

Matt Flynn and Chef Emily from Small Plates join us to give us a sample of the food at the event. You can get their bacon jam recipe below. 

Bacon Jam recipe

1# thick cut Applewood smoked bacon
1/4 bacon fat
1 lg sweet onion peeled & thinly sliced
2 sm shallots peeled & thinly sliced
1 tsp. minced garlic
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Kosher salt
Fresh ground pepper
In a non stick pan, fry the bacon in batches until lightly browned and beginning to crisp.
Fry the onion and garlic in the rendered bacon fat on medium heat until translucent.
Transfer the bacon, onion and garlic into a heavy based cast iron pot and add the rest of the ingredients.
Simmer for 2 hours adding 1/4 of a cup of water every 25-30 minutes or so and stirring.
When ready, cool for about 15-20 minutes and then place in a food processor. Pulse for 2-3 seconds so that you leave some texture to the “jam”