Untappd

If you like to experiment and try new beers, like I do, then you definitely need a way to track what you liked and didn't like for future reference.  For me, there is no better way to do that then by using Untappd!

Untappd can be used a few different ways.  You can use the free mobile app for smartphones or go directly to the website.  Either way you get the same experience and it's all free.  You do need to create a login.  It is a type of social network but it is what you make it.  If you don't want to be social about it and 'friend' people then don't.  If you do, it can be fun to see what your friends like to drink and follow other breweries.  Another fun aspect about it is earning badges.

Untappd can be used to:

• Discover the most popular local bars and beer wherever you go.
• Share your beer reviews and photos with your friends
• Personalized beer suggestions help you find your favorite brew.

Personally, what I like about it is how it's a way to keep track of what I've had to drink.  Not in an 'I'm an alcoholic type of way' but in a 'Hey, what was that beer I got in Ohio that I liked to much' type of way.  I usually only check in when I'm drinking a new beer so I can track it and review it.  

Untappd is also very home brewer friendly.  I've been able to add our little home brew company to Untappd so even when we, or our friends, have some of our home brew we can add it on there as well.

If you are interested in following me on Untappd and seeing what I like to drink you can find me at: KellyMiller

Beer Lovers Unite!
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"Too busy 'tasting' to be social.'

Ale and Cheddar Soup

Now that we all survived the 'polar vortex' and are in the heart of winter the idea of soup is really appealing! As an avid Pinterest user, more often than not I pin something but never get around to actually doing it.  This past fall, with the weather turning colder I was in the mood to make soup for dinner.  I mean I love soup!  I have a whole board on Pinterest devoted to it.  So at the end of my work day I went online to find what recipe I wanted to make, made a grocery list and hit the store on the way home.

From Closet Cooking Blog Post

So what did I end up making?  Ale and Cheddar soup of course!  Beer and cheese...how can you go wrong?  This was the perfect choice since I knew we had some beer in the fridge that no one wanted to drink.

Not only was the soup delicious it was a GREAT way to use up some gross beer we didn't really want to drink...we are talking to you Natty Boh Ice!

Lesson Learned: Gross beer is undrinkable but great to cook with!




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"You can make this soup whenever you wish!"

Chemistry of Beer MOOC

With my real job being an instructional designer for online courses in higher education I was really intrigued when I came across a Chemistry of Beer MOOC.  Having just finished leading our own institutions first MOOC in forensics I know how much time and effort comes with an endeavor like this.  For those who haven't heard this buzz word before, MOOC stands for Massive Open Online Course.  Basically this means that it's a free course that anyone in the world can take for fun but no credit.

This particular MOOC is being offered by The University of Oklahoma, starts on January 13, 2014 and lasts 16 weeks.  It does look interesting but also sounds like it might be pretty hard...I mean it does have the word chemistry in it.

If you have any interest in this MOOC I can tell you from experience it is worth it for you to check it out.  It's very common in MOOC's for there to be a big enrollment with participants serving many roles.  Some people are in it to totally complete the course fully, some are voyeurs and just like to observe what is going on and others sign up and do nothing.  All of these roles are totally fine and you aren't hurting any feelings.  So if you are curious...check it out!
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"I'm down!"