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April 2nd 2021

THE TOUGH LITTLE RABBIT OF EASTER BEER

BEERS DURING LENT

We started from the idea of creating something good, both in taste and form. We wanted something authentic that would bring the world back to a purer approach, taking inspiration and values from peasant tradition without giving up fun so we could work every day doing something we loved and could be proud of. Starting from all this, we created a beautiful reality that aims to stand above the conventional world and be, precisely, “Oltremondo”. Those who already know us understand: we don’t just produce beer, but genuine moments of conviviality! So, in this historical period, we have a great desire to find new ways to share with you our closeness, passion, and best toasts.
We have many stories to tell you — don’t worry, nothing to drink that you wouldn’t want! This introduction is to tell you that today we start a new project, opening the doors to ... THE OLTREMONDO BLOG! A new opportunity to share stories and interesting tips for lovers of good beer and the good life.
One meeting a month, small insights, light tastings: some chat over a beer with friends. The title might have already revealed it to you — we begin this adventure with some curiosities related to beer and the Easter period, and there are some really good ones!

Immagine

The monks knew: “Man shall not live by bread alone” ... and they wisely strengthened their beer!
In this period, strong beers that satisfy hunger are needed, “like liquid bread.” The monks of Munich created “bock beers”: dark, full-bodied beers, the strongest in alcohol production, so they could satisfy their hunger without breaking the Lenten fast. Along these lines, let’s explore a truly interesting order of friars: the “Paolani,” or as the Germans call them, the Paulaner. Does this name ring a bell? This order nowadays would be called “semi-vegan,” because alongside the three traditional vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience, they added a fourth Lenten vow: to never eat meat, eggs, or dairy unless ill. Fortunately, due to their caloric value, they could drink beer, which in German monasteries was often allowed up to eight liters a day. “liquidum non frangit jejunum“ — liquids do not break the fast!
IMoreover, what the friars did not drink was given as charity to the poor. So, we can say that along with Lenten beer, was born the pleasure of offering and receiving a good beer! In short, this is how the first Lenten beer was born! They started with the classic “Doppelbock,” then “La Salvator,” and not least “La Buronator,” all increasingly full-bodied beers. Drinking beer was never a sin, quite the opposite — a blessed help! In our Lent, in our Oltremondo, we don’t wear a habit nor claim to, but we want to encourage beautiful traditions.. From our farmhouse brewery, for Easter, we suggest our “important beers,” full-bodied, festive beers!
To celebrate the big day with the right energy: La ROLA or, for hop lovers, the BRUGLA or the RIPA

Also, speaking of ROLA, since it’s a celebration, we want to give you a gift — a sneak peek.
We’ve started a wonderful collaboration with two great chefs, with many years of experience in national and international restaurant and catering kitchens — two talented heads and busy hands: “I sotto sale” Their style preserves well in every dish (Danger! Subtle metaphor). If you don’t know them, remedy that immediately because they deserve it! They have many valuable initiatives (home cooking, recipe books for producers, video and photo recipe cooking classes, team building, etc. — ask and you shall receive!). You might be wondering what they’re doing with us, so here’s the answer: they love our territory, its products, and want to help rediscover their potential. Not to mention, they have really friendly faces (see photo for confirmation).

Immagine

Could we not offer them a beer and collaborate?
So, like the best things, with spontaneous harmony, came the idea of a beautiful ... RECIPE BOOK!
A deep love story between cooking and beer. I’m sure you understand the roles: who handles food and who handles beer! It will be published soon, and you will be able to experience the joy of eating healthy while pairing it with the right beer to enhance both dish and glass. A fusion of pleasures!
Food & beer, “what else?” as someone once said! Probably the other ingredient of happiness is good company, but if you’re reading this article, you’re surely a convivial gourmand and will have no trouble finding fellow diners. No more waiting. Here’s our Easter sweet recipe!
Follow every step and the flow of thoughts from our cook — both will help you cook with the right enthusiasm!
Then tell us how it turned out!

MARBLE CAKE WITH ROLA BEER

(Ingredients for one 26cm diameter bundt cake)

Torta al cioccolato

INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Take your time weighing all ingredients in separate bowls and preheat the oven to 180°C (fan-assisted).
    Finally, it’s time, and with the excuse of tasting the quality and caramel notes of the beer, I pour myself the first glass of ROLA.
  2. In a bowl, using an electric whisk, beat the eggs with sugar until they triple in volume.
  3. Slowly, while continuing to whisk, add the sunflower oil.
    Wash the whisk and grab a soft spatula.
  4. In the mixing bowl, add: the sifted flour with baking powder,grated orange peel, orange juoice and ROLA beer.
  5. Gently fold all the ingredients with the spatula, being careful not to deflate the batter.
  6. Once the batter is smooth and homogeneous, divide it into two parts: add cocoa and a splash of ROLA to one part and mix well.
  7. Butter well a bundt pan (no shortcuts — it must have a hole in the middle), then pour alternating the two batters.
  8. Bake at 180° for 40 minutes. While waiting to check doneness with the classic toothpick test, pour yourself another couple of glasses of ROLA.
  9. When the cake is well baked, take it out of the oven and leave it in the pan for another 20 minutes before turning it out onto a nice dessert plate.

AND ... ENJOY! What do you think? Curious? If you’re that good, you can even gift it to your loved ones — instead of giant expensive eggs, make a healthy, economical, handmade gift! There’s still time to order a decent amount of ROLA to start experimenting. We’ve put a new Easter dessert on the table because traditions are constantly evolving, and where there is quality, tradition has added value. Let’s raise our beers high to toast to you, and while sending you our warmest Easter wishes, we leave you with Benjamin Franklin’s words for encouragement: “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” Happy Easter from the entire Oltremondo brewery family.

DISCOVER OUR BEERS!