After your brew day is over, the DIY fun doesn’t have to stop there! Grain that was used for your homebrew beer but is no longer required after mashing or steeping is referred to as “spent grain,” a brewing byproduct. Though it’s tempting to simply toss it out, leftover grain has many potential uses, from composting to baking.
Recipes for Repurposing Spent Grain
To help you make the most of your leftover grain and cut down on waste, here are some recipes shared from the Homebrewer Association:
Treats for Dogs made with Spent Grain, Peanut Butter and Bananas
Tossing out used grains seems wasteful. The vast majority of home brewers who save them either compost them, give them to their pets, or grind them into flour to bake with. All of these are wonderful suggestions, but what about something like dog treats?
Just a few things to keep in mind before we get started:
Grain that has been exposed to hops MUST NOT be used for dog treats. It has been established that hops are harmful to canines. After mashing, place the grains in a large pot or bin. If you aren’t planning to use all the grains right away, refrigerate them to prevent mold growth.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups of spent grains
- 6 cups of flour
- 1 1/2 cups of peanut butter
- 3 eggs
- 1 small banana
Directions:
- Throw everything into a big dish and stir it up, you may want to use a stock kettle for this large quantity. You can expect a sticky, thick dough.
- Lightly brush one or two cookie sheets with baking spray and push the mixture into them. You can make as many rows as you desire, but I normally make three rows long for my snacks. You can use cookie cutters to make creative shapes for your dog’s goodies if he or she appreciates that sort of thing.
- Make cuts now so they may be easily broken when baked.
- Bake in a 350°F (176°C) oven for 30 minutes or until they begin to solidify.
- Get rid of the trays and then slice the treats along the scored lines.
- Return the trays to the oven and bake at 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93° C) for another 5-10 hours.
- When the treats are totally dry in the middle, they are done.
If you want to check if the treat is done, cut it in half and see. It should not be mushy inside because this will cause it to mold quickly. Reward your dog’s hard work on brew day by giving them some of the treats you’ve been keeping in a sealed bag in the fridge.
This is just one way to share the love with your four-legged best friend and homebrewing companion. Other recipes include Spent Grain Pizza Dough, a way to make your own Brewers Bread, and even spent grain Flour to add to all your favorite recipes.
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