For my entire childhood, I thought I was more than 50% Irish. My mother’s maiden name is Burke, and her father’s family had emigrated from County Mayo to Boston before he was born. My father claimed to have roots in Ireland as well, but the details were a little fuzzy. Turns out they were more than a little ambiguous, because when I participated in a DNA analysis a few years back, it turned out I am a whopping 6% Irish.

No matter my actual heritage, I identify as a very fond connoisseur of Irish-style stout. After each of my three children were born, it was one of the first things I craved (for strength!), and it’s an ingredient I always have on hand for cooking.

Stout is great in chili and hearty braises, but where it really shines is in a decadent chocolate cake. I’ve been making a version of this chocolate stout loaf cake for years, even after my minor identity crisis. It mixes up quickly by hand in one bowl and is topped with a Baileys glaze that improves the texture of the cake as it sits.