Charlottesville Area Masters of Real Ale

I'm getting ready to brew my second batch (California Common) via an ingredient kit, but I'm already starting to look around for recipes to use as a base for some "experiments".  Any suggestions for web sites and/or print books?

Are you brewing all grain or extract?

For extract, I've had very good successes with Brewmasters Bible

For all-grain, I really like Beer Captured

If you want to stick to the true styles, check out: Designing Great Beers, by Ray Daniels. For our Appalachian Brewing Supply original recipes, I depend on that book to keep me in line.  Conversion from extract to all grain is easy. It's simply a measure of fermentable gravity based on either extract or a base malt per pound.  The brewing process difference between extract/partial mash and all grain is another story. Mashing and lautering with proper sparging is key.  I would also recommend the ProMash computer program, as it saves you lots of time.  I used to do all my formulations by hand with a calculator, including IBU's and GU bill.  ProMash is awesome.  The only hangup is that it does not take into account the SG from fermentables. For instance, it will add in the gravity from black patent malt, even though it has no diastatic activity (DA) or sugar.  So you will need to study up on which grains have DA and available sugar after mashing.  Some non-base grains have fermentable sugar as long as you get the DA from a base malt. Same thing with using a pumpkin.  If you want to utilize the pumpkin sugars you will need the amylase from a base malt, etc.  Good Luck!

I have been a HUGE fan of Jamil Z.'s book, "Brewing Classic Styles." http://www.amazon.com/Brewing-Classic-Styles-Winning-Recipes/dp/0937381926/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1205812543&sr=8-1  There is at least one recipe for each style and most have one awards.  I have brewed 4 or 5 batches from his recipes so far and they have been great. 

I've used Beer Captured and Clone Brews but after listening to Jamil's podcasts and incorporating his tips and fermentation techniques I think its time to buy his book and give his recipes a shot. I mean, JZ did brew all 80 BJCP styles and has won the most awards of any homebrewer. Of course I won't be able to blame any off-flavors on the recipes any more...  I think www.thebrewingnetwork.com has the book signed and bundled with Palmer's How to Brew and purchasing them directly from the source sends more money to Jamil and John. But then the books cost more than on Amazon. I guess its more rewarding than making a donation to some other do-good cause (at least in my beer-warped brain.)

My current Saison recipe came from Clone Brews although I didn't follow their generic fermentation advice. Good overall recipe though. Radical Brewing has some unique recipes as well. The Dark Night Tangerine Porter looks good.