Wine and Cheese Cupcakes

Every year myself and a tightly knit group of women venture out into the mountains for a girls' wine weekend. Yes, it's just as fun as it sounds. We make the trip up to Delaplane,Virginia to pay a visit to some of the best wineries located in our great state. I seriously count down the days until this trip appears on my calendar again. We travel from NOVA, Pittsburgh and Virginia Beach and meet each other for a jam packed weekend of wine. A Tahoe is stuffed with tons of wine tasting grub and we mosey on over to 6 or 7 fantastic wineries. Smashing good time, ladies. I strongly suggest you planning something like this yourself for you and your gal pals!

Me and my lady friends! Martha, Sally, Shawna, Me and Stacy!

This year, instead of bringing Oreos and candy bars (yes, I ALWAYS bring the sugar. Are you surprised?) I wanted to bake a special cupcake for the occasion. So, a boozey cupcake was the obvious choice.  I mean, it's a WINE weekend for cryin' out loud! I decided to go with a cake that had wine baked into the cake. Toss in some creamy Camembert cheese and some walnuts and you have one bad ass cupcake. The frosting on top was a red wine chocolate ganache. I was really proud of these cupcakes because they felt sophisticated. They were rich, delectable, and the walnuts gave it a nice crunch that really enhanced the flavor. The gals liked them. So much, that we have some pretty hilarious pictures as a result.

Finger lickin' good, right Martha? :)

Wine and Cheese Cupcakes:
(recipe adapted from the Cupcake Project)

• 2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup semi sweet chocolate morsels
• 1 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 4 oz Camembert cheese (you could also use Brie if you like!)
• 1 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cup dry red wine (I used Shiraz)
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt.
2. In another medium-sized bowl, beat the butter, cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in the eggs one at a time and beat until incorporated.
4. Mix in the vanilla.
5. Alternately mix the dry ingredients and the red wine into the butter mixture until just combined.
6. Fold in the walnuts.
7. Mix in chocolate morsels.
8. Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full. (you want the batter to rise to the tops are somewhat high to frost)
9. Bake at 350 F for 20 minutes or until cupcakes bounce back when lightly touched.
10. Frost cupcakes with chocolate ganache.

Red Wine Chocolate Ganache

• 2 oz dark chocolate morsels
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 oz red wine (I used  Shiraz)

1. Place the chocolate and the butter in a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Microwave for 10 seconds and then remove and stir.
3. Repeat step 2 until the chocolate is all melted.
4. Slowly pour in the wine and mix thoroughly.
5. Place in the refrigerator until it hardens enough to easily spread (about 10 minutes).
6. Spread on cupcakes.

Stacy took a bite. Anything for a good shot ;)

If you want a grown up chocolate cupcake for your next wine party or wine TRIP (plan one!) these are the way to go. Enjoy!


**The fabulous pics for this post were taken by my best gal and newly engaged woman Stacy from Delightful Dish! Check out what's cooking on her blog!**