Dark Chocolate, Red Wine Valentine’s Desserts

Got any Valentine’s Day plans? My favorite date nights/nights in are making desserts at home. It’s fun to brainstorm different combinations, making them with the radio on, and then plopping in front of Netflix. This decadent morsel is fancy enough to really elevate your dessert plans. Plus, you’ll have half a bottle of red left over at the end.

Decadent Mini Cakes
dark chocolate
–
half bottle of Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Merlot
tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 cup sugar
–
pound cake
butter
blackberries
vanilla icecream

You will need a double boiler to safely melt the chocolate. To create one at home, fill a pot a 1/3 of the way with water (make sure the water level does NOT touch the bowl you’ll be putting on top). Bring the water to a boil and place a heat safe bowl on top. Bring the water down to a simmer, and the steam will melt the chocolate.

Prep your chocolate by cutting into small, equal pieces. This will ensure even melting. Transfer to your double boiler.

Once the chocolate is 2/3 of the way melted, remove from heat. Keep mixing until all the chocolate is melted. If you stepped away too long, you can add extra chocolate to the same effect. This method of tempering will give you nice, shiny chocolate with a perfect snap.

Create a smooth chocolate spread on parchment or wax paper and set aside to set. Half way through setting, use your cookie cutter to create small discs.

While the chocolate is setting, time for the fun part- wine! In a large saucepan, bring your half bottle with the sugar to a boil. Once all the sugar is dissolved, take down to a simmer, add the vanilla extract, and stir occasionally. Applying low heat will evaporate off the liquid, leaving you with a perfect syrup. This can take around 30 minutes, so put on your favorite show and standby.

Syrup & chocolate done, quickly brown pound cake discs in some butter. The browning helps hold the layers together.

All together now! Layer up the pound cake, chocolate discs, vanilla ice cream, & blackberry. Watch with satisfaction the red wine sauce pulling it all together.