Beer and dessert: A match made in heaven
Often people overlook beer when it comes to dessert. Whether we are talking about pairings or as an ingredient, beer gets snubbed in the dessert world. In my efforts to introduce more people to the joys of beer and food, I offer you my recipe for chocolate cheesecake:
Chocolate Silk:
1 chocolate cookie crust – follow your favorite recipe, or do the easy thing and buy the pre-made ones from the store
16oz marscapone or cream cheese – room temp
6oz semi-sweet chocolate
12oz dark beer(dark Belgian or scotch ale) reduced to 1/4cup
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. In a small pan slowly reduce the beer down. Too high a heat can scorch the beer leading to unwanted burnt flavors. In a double boiler melt the semi-sweet chocolate. Remove from the heat and add the cheese, sugar, and beer reduction. Let mixture cool a bit then add the eggs. Pour the mixture into your cookie crust. Set the pie in a baking pan with high walls. Fill the pan with water about halfway up the the pie, creating a water bath. Bake for 50-60 minutes until just set. Remove cheesecake from the oven and set in the fridge to cool.
