But what do you do if you want to go beyond the pairing and actually infuse include beers as an ingredient in you dessert? Boston's Samuel Adams is trying to make it easy on people with a recipe it released in honor of the brewery's 25th Anniversary.
Created by Chef David Burke (a well-known restaurant-owner who is currently competing on season two of Bravo's Top Chef Masters), Boston Lager Cupcakes include a half a cup of the brewery's flagship beer - along with other, more typical cupcake ingredients.
Look below for the recipe. And if you want something a little closer to home (and a little easier to make), try Colorado's own Breckenridge Brewery's Vanilla Porter Milkshake: mix four scoops of vanilla ice cream and a half a bottle of Vanilla Porter in a blender until smooth. Pour into a glass and enjoy. Serves 1.
Boston Lager 25th Anniversary Cupcakes (recipe makes 2 dozen) Boston Lager Cupcakes
Ingredients: ½ cup butter 1 ¼ cups sugar ¼ cup cocoa powder ¾ cup all-purpose Flour ¾ teaspoon baking powder ¾ teaspoon baking soda ½ cup water ½ cup Samuel Adams Boston Lager 2 eggs ½ teaspoon salt
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Place butter, sugar and cocoa powder in a large mixing bowl. Add in eggs and mix until thoroughly combined. Pour in water and Boston Lager, then salt. Mix until mixture is smooth and there are no lumps. Line muffin tin with muffin liners. Pour approximately 3 - 4 oz into each cup. Bake in oven at 325 degrees for approximately 12 minutes or until golden brown.
Boston Lager Buttercream Frosting
Ingredients: 3 cups confectioners' sugar 1 cup butter 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 tablespoon whipping cream 2 tbsp Samuel Adams Boston Lager
In a standing mixer with a whisk, mix together sugar and butter. Mix on low speed until well blended, then increase speed to medium and beat for another 3 minutes. Add vanilla extract, Boston Lager and whipping cream and continue to beat on medium speed for 1 minute more, adding more cream if needed. Frost cupcakes and enjoy!
