Caramel and Chocolate Cheese Cake Paired with a Lambic Beer

When most of us consider the concept of pairing beer with a dessert, the first thought that comes to mind is something tailgate party or football viewing oriented. Our thought of dessert pairings likely doesn't extend past a six pack of Budlight and some homemade Chex Mix to munch on all day Sunday.

It does a body good, however, to contemplate change, and if you like to sample different types of beers from different countries, breweries, etc. then you should also branch out and expand the palette of food groups and food choices that you consume with a brew. In this article I will be discussing my favorite pairing. In my household, I provide the liquid refreshment and my wife, the consummate cheesecake maker, provides the dessert. My personal preference for a beer and dessert pairing is as follows:

The Beer

Cantillon Rose De Gambrinus Bottle, which is available online at Samswine.com is a favorite. This beer, brewed in Belgium, is a rich and deep red that carries through to the taste. The essence of fruit is immediately apparent when drinking but does not overwhelm the senses. It has a sharp aftertaste which makes it perfect (for my palate) to enjoy with my wife's ultra-decadent cheesecake.

The Cheesecake - a Caramel and Chocolate Delight - Yields 2 8" cheesecakes

Ingredients:

4 - 8 oz packages of cream cheese, low fat or regular
1 cup of sugar
4 eggs
1 Tablespoon of vanilla
2 8" crusts either OreoKeeblerssic Keebler graham cracker crusts
Caramel bits or caramel pieces chopped into small sections (pen top size) - 6 ounces
Your favorite variety of chocolate chopped into small pieces. Milk chocolate is my favorite. - 6 ounces

Directions:

Blend together your sugar and cream cheese then add in the 4 eggs and the vanilla. Add in your caramel bits and your chocolate, gently folding them into your cheesecake, not beating them.

This cheesecake is baked at 400 degrees for 12 minutes. Then you reduce your oven to a more moderate 250 and bake for thirty-five to forty minutes. The middle is not going to be 100% solid. Residual heat will ensure that it sets.

I do not add a glaze or any type of topper to this cheesecake when serving it with alcohol.

The sweetness of the cheesecake provides an excellent contlambico the lambic beer, in parCantillonhe CantilGambrinusDe Gambrinus. Your taste buds will enjoy the journey of contrasting textures and flavors while not being overwhelmed.