Leffe Blond Spice Cake

11/16/09

Serves 6

Ingredients

1 cup dried cherries
zest of 1 orange
1 bottle LEFFE BLONDE
2 1/2 cup cake flour
1 cup light brown sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 tbsp five spice blend
1 tsp double acting baking powder
5 tbsp butter
1/4 tsp salt
1 egg
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

For icing: Mix 2 to 3 tablespoons of fresh orange juice with 1/2 cup confectioners sugar to form the icing.

Method

Preheat oven to 350°. In a saucepan, combine the cherries, Leffe Blonde, light brown sugar, spice blend and butter; bring to a boil for 3 minutes. Remove from heat, place in a medium size bowl and set aside to cool.

Beat the egg and mix in orange zest. In another bowl, sift the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Sift again into the wet ingredients, stir until smooth then stir in the walnuts. Pour batter into an 8-inch greased bundt pan and bake 45 minutes in a 325° oven and test for doneness. When cool, drizzle orange icing over cake.

Leffe Brune Chocolate Tarts

The end of the year is full of festive possibilities. The posts below will inspire you with clever tips, menu suggestions, and fabulous pairings as you plan everything from casual weeknight suppers to blowout New Year's celebrations.

Whether you're toasting a special occasion or simply looking for a flavorful touch to add to your meal, consider beer. It is a natural accompaniment for fine foods - both savory and sweet - and also acts as a wonderful ingredient. Think spicy, briny bivalves paired with a crisp, dry Stella Artois or a bright, citrusy shrimp and couscous salad with a fruity, frothy Hoegaarden. Take dessert to the next decadent level by making rich Leffe Brune the secret ingredient in your chocolate tarts or adding smoky caramel notes of Leffe Blonde to your holiday spice cake.

There is always a perfect beer for every setting and every meal; experimenting with different combinations is the key to great cooking, and to making sure your guests are always coming back for more!

ALWAYS ENJOY RESPONSIBLY.