April marks North Carolina Beer Month — and it turns out, there’s more to do with brew than just drink it!

Inspired by their favorite local libations, here are two recipes from the talented pros at The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary. Cheers to creative use of brews!

People’s Porter Cashew Chocolate Cake Recipe

From Pastry Chef Evan Sheridan

This special will be featured on The Bar & Lounge dessert menu at The Umstead starting April 8.

3 ounces butter

1/4 cup light brown sugar

1/4 cup sugar

2 large eggs

1/2 cup People’s Porter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup cocoa powder

1/3 cup cake flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup toasted salted cashews, chopped

Vanilla ice cream, store-bought

Cream the butter and sugars together on medium speed (do not paddle too fast or the cake will fall after it is baked), scraping down the bowl. Slowly add in the eggs one at a time, making sure to fully incorporate each egg before adding another. 

Add in the People’s Porter and mix. Scrape down the bowl again.

Sift the dry ingredients together and mix until incorporated. Do not over mix. Add in chopped roasted cashews.

Scoop the cake batter into muffin tins and bake at 350 degrees F for approximately 20-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean after inserted. Finish with whipped cream, toasted cashews and vanilla ice cream.

DIY Beer Body Scrub Recipe

From Spa Director Carolyn Doe

Infused with local favorite Willow Wit Beer, this body scrub softens dry winter skin, pulls out breakout-causing impurities, and even helps shield against harmful UV rays.

5 ounces Epsom salt

1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon Weeping Willow Wit Beer, or your favorite beer

2 to 3 drops lemon oil

1 basil leaf, chopped finely

In a mixing bowl, combine the Epsom salt and olive oil. Slowly add in the beer and wait until it settles in the bowl. Mix in remaining ingredients.

Prepare a warm shower and gently apply the scrub in circular motions over your legs, exfoliating the skin to a smooth finish. Breathe deeply and absorb the gentle aromas.

If you experience breakouts, apply to your shoulders and back to soothe and remove impurities in the skin. After each use, store the remainder in an air tight container and keep refrigerated.