April is North Carolina Beer Month. To mark the occasion, Pastry Chef Evan Sheridan and Spa Director Carolyn Doe at
The Umstead Hotel and Spa have shared a couple of beer-infused recipes for a chocolate cake, which is currently on the menu at The Bar & Lounge at the Cary hotel, and a body scrub. Put together, they sound like the perfect moms night out at home to me.
Both feature North Carolina beers. People's Porter, made by Foothills Brewing Company in Winston-Salem, is a dark beer. Weeping Willow Wit from Mother Earth Brewing in Kinston is a light beer.
People’s Porter Cashew Chocolate Cake
Ingredients
3 oz. butter
¼ cup light brown sugar
¼ cup sugar
2 large eggs
½ cup People’s Porter
1 tsp. vanilla extract
¼ cup cocoa powder
1/3 cup cake flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 cup toasted salted cashews (chopped)
Directions
Cream the butter and sugars together on medium speed (do not paddle too fast or the cake will fall after it is baked), scraping down the bowl. Slowly add in the eggs one at a time, making sure to fully incorporate each egg before adding another. Add in the People’s Porter and mix. Scrape down the bowl again. Sift the dry ingredients together and mix until incorporated. Do not over mix. Add in chopped roasted cashews and finish. Scoop the cake batter into muffin tins and bake at 350 degrees F for approximately 20-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean after inserted. Finish with whipped cream, toasted cashews, and vanilla ice cream.
DIY Beer Body Scrub Recipe
Infused with local favorite Willow Wit Beer, this body scrub softens dry winter skin, pulls out breakout-causing impurities, and even helps shield against harmful UV rays, according to The Umstead.
Ingredients
5 oz. of Epsom salt
1-2 tbsp. of olive oil
1 tbsp. of Weeping Willow Wit Beer (or your favorite beer)
2-3 drops of Lemon Oil
1 basil leaf (chopped finely)
Directions
In a mixing bowl, combine the Epsom salt and olive oil. Slowly add in the beer and wait until it settles in the bowl. Mix in remaining ingredients. Prepare a warm shower and gently apply the scrub in circular motions over your legs, exfoliating the skin to a smooth finish. Breathe deeply and absorb the gentle aromas. If you experience breakouts, apply to your shoulders and back to soothe and remove impurities in the skin. After each use, store the remainder in an air tight container and keep refrigerated.
