North Carolina Beer Month Recipes

In North Carolina April is the month of malts (and ales, wheats, porters, lagers, and Lambics). To celebrate North Carolina Beer Month, The Umstead Hotel and Spa created both a delicious and decedent dessert and a DIY spa treatment that will officially rid your skin of the side-effects of winter. Get both the recipes below!

People’s Porter Cashew Chocolate Cake Recipe, from Pastry Chef Evan Sheridan
Get it in person at The Bar & Lounge!

What you’ll need:

3 oz. butter
¼ cup light brown sugar
¼ cup sugar
2 large eggs
½ cup People’s Porter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup cocoa powder
1/3 cup cake flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup toasted salted cashews, chopped
vanilla ice cream
whipped cream

What you’ll do:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Sift the dry ingredients together and mix until incorporate, careful not to over-mix. Fold in chopped roasted cashews.
4. 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.
5. Finish with whipped cream, toasted cashews and vanilla ice cream.

If you’re more of a beautician in the kitchen try whipping up this body scrub from Spa Director Carolyn Doe! Infused with a local favorite Willow Wit Beer, it literally scrubs away dry winter skin, clears your skin of breakout-causing impurities, and even helps shield against harmful UV rays!

DIY Beer Body Scrub Recipe

What you’ll need:
5 oz. of Epsom salt
1-2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 tablespoon of Weeping Willow Wit Beer, or your favorite beer
2-3 drops of lemon oil
1 basil leaf, chopped finely

What you’ll do:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the Epsom salt and olive oil.
2. Slowly add in the beer and wait until it settles in the bowl.
3. Mix in remaining ingredients.
4. 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.