beer and honey spice cake

The first thing I do when I arrive in a foreign country is head to the nearest grocery store. Not only to you almost always avoid your annoying fellow tourists, it is the quickest way to feel the pulse on what “the locals” are doing. Plus, people running errands in other countries are entertaining because they aren’t YOUR errands. You are on VACATION. Ha!

It’s also good to remember that no matter where you go, you still have to wait in line for a half of a pound of smoked Gouda while a little grandma behind you complains about the Deli man.

The best of my grocery store finds come home. In Mexico, I got these glasses at a fancy gas station. Not the most sturdy of souvenirs and unfortunately I found them early on in the trip. Trekking across Mexican countryside with four champagne coup glasses is high up there on my crazy-lady-in-training list.

We picked up this honey in the Czech Republic. Also, not the smallest and most portable of objects. It made it back to Brooklyn fine, but baked into this cake even better.

There is way more than just beer, honey and spices in this cake. There is browned butter. There is a hint of curry powder but there is a whole lot of awesome. It also only calls for a cup of beer, so what’s that you say – 4 ounces of a baker’s reward?

I most definitely did not drink it at 10:45 in the morning.

Beer and Honey Spice Cake
Makes 1 loaf

Inspired by Allrecipes

1/2 cup butter
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon curry powder
pinch of nutmeg
2/3 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup beer
1/3 cup honey

Preheat the oven to 375. Line a loaf pan with parchment and butter the paper. In a small saucepan brown the butter, and let it cool in the freezer. Meanwhile whisk together the flour and spices. Measure out the beer into a large measuring cup, add the honey, and stir until it dissolves. In another bowl, mix the cooled butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the egg and vanilla and mix until combined. Alternate with the flour and the beer in three additions to the sugar mixture. It will look a little lumpy and not very appetizing but don’t worry, just drink your 4 ounces of beer and forget about it!

Pour into the loaf pan and bake for 60 minutes or until a tester comes out clean.