GUINNESS STOUT GINGER CAKE

* GUINNESS STOUT GINGER CAKE

1 cup Guinness stout

1 cup molasses--not blackstrap!!!

1/2 tablespoon baking soda

3 large eggs

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar

3/4 cup grapeseed or vegetable oil

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons ground ginger

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom

1 tablespoon grated, peeled fresh gingerroot


1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Butter a 9- X 5-inch loaf pan,
line the bottom and sides with parchment, and grease the
parchment. Alternatively, butter and flour a 6-cup Bundt
pan.

2. In a large saucepan over high heat, combine the stout
and molasses and bring to a boil. Turn off the heat and
add the baking soda. Allow to sit until the foam dissipates.

3. Meanwhile, in a bowl, whisk together the eggs and both
sugars. Whisk in the oil.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground
ginger, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and
cardamom.

5. Combine the stout mixture with the egg mixture, then
whisk this liquid into the flour mixture, half at a time.
Add the fresh ginger and stir to combine.

6. Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake for 1 hour,
or until the top springs back when gently pressed. Do not
open the oven until the gingerbread is almost done, or the
center may fall slightly. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

The Last Course: The Desserts of Gramercy Tavern
October 2001
Claudia Fleming
Random House

Now for that perfect finishing touch of a topping. I have
two recommendations....



If your gingerbread is warm, a scoop of dulce de leche ice
cream. This is so fabulous I can't begin to tell you!

And if your gingerbread is room temperature...try a puddle
of lemon curd next to the slice. Lemon curd is similar to
the filling of lemon meringue pie. It comes in a jar,
usually found with the jams and jellies. This is terrific.
Surprising and super.

Now you know you can never go wrong with whipped cream.
This is a reminder. A little brandy or rum in it is out-
standing.