Chocolate Red Wine Cupcakes

Happy Monday!

This weekend we visit the winery in celebration of my husbands's birthday. Most of our family members had never been to a winery or wine tasting before. So naturally we, the "wine connoisseurs", had to show them a good time! :)

Everyone had a blast. All of the food I prepared was perfect for a nice warm afternoon in Temecula. I cannot wait for July because I want to do it all over again for my birthday. With more food and people of course.

My mom and I prepared some Chocolate Red Wine Cupcakes. The chocolate cake in this recipe is incredibly moist and has a true chocolate flavor. I used recipes from two different sources (links below) and made a few tweaks. Check out our version:



We used an inexpensive Shiraz.

 

Chocolate Cupcake
Original Recipe from De La Casa
Makes 24

½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
100g dark chocolate (72%) broken into small pieces
½ cup boiling water
1cup & 1 tbsp butter, softened
1 ½ cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 ¼ cup all purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
 ¼ tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
 ½ cup red wine 

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350˚F.
2. In a medium heatproof bowl, combine cocoa powder and chocolate pieces, whisk in the boiling water until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is thoroughly combined.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar. Beat in the eggs until well blended. Mix in flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Mix until just combined. Alternating, add the chocolate mixture and wine, mix until batter is smooth.
4. Divide batter among cupcake liners, filling them about halfway full. Bake for 18 minutes. Allow to cool completely before frosting.

Red Wine Buttercream
Original Recipe from Teacher Chef 

1 cup Butter

1 cup vegetable shortening

6 cups powdered sugar

½ cup red wine reduction

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 tablespoon milk

Instructions

1. Cream the Butter & Shortening together for at least a minute or two.
2. Add about half of your sugar and cream some more for a delicious whipped light frosting. Then add your liquids and cream some more. Finally add the rest of your sugar a bit a time to get the perfect frosting consistency that you like (more or less as you need).
3. Pipe onto your cupcakes and enjoy!

 

 

 Spinach dip and bagel chips.

Bruschetta with toasted French bread and a balsamic drizzle.

 

 

 

Thanks for visiting and enjoy the sweet things!
xo