BeerBorg

last time i went to my lhbs picking out my malt extract for my current batch the guy working there was like next time we should start workin some grains in for ya.... im up for the challenge

any suggestions or tips on making the next step up to working some grain into my brew.i go for a beer that isnt too heavy for sure not a dark beer

also what did u guys do the first time u went from just extract to using some grains too

Check out the "Next Step" post from Screwy in this thread - viewtopic.php?f=11&t=294&p=3971&hilit=schooling#p3971 where he talks about adding some steeped CaraPils to extract brews. CaraPils is a specialty grain that adds body, foam and head retention, without changing the flavor.

From there you can start to look for recipes that add other grains to the steep to bring additional color or flavor to the party.

and from steeping it's just a short step to partial mashing

I think the best thing you can do is what Jim suggested, and just add a little steeping grains for a few batches. This will give you some control over some of the color and also some flavor.
After that, when you're ready, a partial mash would be a good step. You'll notice a big difference in your beer and can learn how to mash but in smaller amounts.

You can review this chart here: http://www.homebrewtalk.com/wiki/index.php/Malts_Chart

I've done steeping on quite a few batches. I found the addition of Carafoam (same as CaraPils) to a batch, 4 oz per LBK batch, to be beneficial. I've added honey malt to a recipe that I would have used honey in before (a little goes a long way), I added 8 oz of Crystal 60 to a batch of Bewitched Red (old Mr. Beer recipe, really made it good along with a pound of LME), and some Crystal 60 to an Oatmeal Stout (old Mr. Beer recipe with 1/2 lb of LME also) which was also good.

After that, I made two clones - Moosedrool and Blue Moon - using LME, hops, and steeped grains. Couldn't be easier, and once I use up my 9 Mr. Beer refills that I bought last Fall, I'll be doing those types of recipes then possibly moving to the next step if I want to.

This is how simple using bulk LME or DME is:

1) Steep any grains your recipe calls for.
2) Add LME/DME to partially heated water off the stove, stirring it in (steeped water temp is perfect, heat water a bit if not steeping).
3) Bring to a boil.
4) Put hops in as per recipe, at appropriate times. Example - add hops A right when the pot starts boiling, add hops B 30 minutes later, add hops C 10 minutes later, boil for another 20 minutes.
5) Remove from heat and coil in sink full of ice, water and salt (for faster cooling).
5) Add to LBK(s), aerate, pitch yeast.

You can Google for extract recipes quite easily, find them on forums like this, on sites that sell supplies (see below), or at your LHBS.

Maybe your LHBS has some clone recipes on hand? At mine, there is a treasure trove of customer written clone recipes using LME & steeping grains to replicate a bunch of popular microbrews.
Fun times!

RickBeer has two great links in his post if you are a new brewer. The grain chart will give you a flavor and color profile for each and show what can be steeped vs. mashed.

He also has the link for How to Brew by John Palmer which is an older edition and available to read online for free, this is a must read for new brewers who are interested in expanding as he breaks down the sections by stages of brewing experience.

Brewbirds wrote:RickBeer has two great links in his post if you are a new brewer. The grain chart will give you a flavor and color profile for each and show what can be steeped vs. mashed.

He also has the link for How to Brew by John Palmer which is an older edition and available to read online for free, this is a must read for new brewers who are interested in expanding as he breaks down the sections by stages of brewing experience.

Actually the link for Palmer's book is to the Third Edition, which is the current one. Yes, the online old edition is free, but it's not as complete or correct.

I guess I am so used to to links from the OLD you I didn't notice. But would still add that the online version is a great primer for a new brewer.

thanks guys