If there’s ever a time for a good slice of cake (besides a birthday, of course) it’s winter. And I’ll have you know— I do pride myself on making a good cake every now and then. Inspiration for the following came from (eh-hem) the glass of red wine I drink every night. Wouldn’t it be delicious drenched in chocolate and baked, with ice cream on top? Although it doesn’t put you to sleep like my nightly friend, this just may hit the spot after a long days work… 

6 tbs. butter

3/4 c. packed brown sugar

1/4 c. white sugar

1 egg + 1 yolk

3/4 cup wine

1 tsp. vanilla

1 c. all-purpose flour

1/2 c. cocoa powder

1/8 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. cinnamon

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.  In a large bowl, whisk room temperature egg whites until they form a peak. In a separate bowl,  whisk together butter, sugars, egg yolks, wine and vanilla with an electric mixer until smooth. Fold in egg whites.

Sift in remaining ingredients and combine. Line a 9” cake pan with spray or butter. Pour batter and bake for 25-30 minutes. Once a toothpick is inserted and comes clean, cool for 10-15 minutes in the pan then another 10 out on a cooling rack. Serve with ice cream! 

NOTES: I’m pretty surprised just how much this actually tastes like wine, given the amount that was actually put in. Very soft, dark and tasty… perfect for a late winter night. I see this being a perfect finish to a stew or soup, with a nice scoop of fruity sorbet or chocolate swirl ice cream. Sweetened mascarpone cheese would be divine!  I’m pretty surprised just how much this actually tastes like wine, given the amount that was actually put in. Very soft, dark and tasty… perfect for a late winter night. I see this being a perfect finish to a stew or soup, with a nice scoop of fruity sorbet or chocolate swirl ice cream. Sweetened mascarpone cheese would be divine!