Desserts

Niagara Cake

This easy dessert is best made with a semi-dry fruity white wine such as Niagara. Adapted from a Widmer Winery brochure.

1 package yellow cake mix
1 package instant vanilla pudding mix
4 eggs
3/4 cup cooking oil
3/4 cup white wine
3/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Mix with an electric mixer for 5 minutes at medium speed. Pour batter into a greased 13” x 9” baking pan or a Bundt pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes (for the Bundt pan, 45-50 minutes), or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then remove to a cooling rack.

When completely cool, place on a large serving plate and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Makes 12 servings.

Sesame Wine Cookies

Finally, a cookie that tastes great and is actually good for you—check out the heart-healthy ingredients! Better yet, this lightly sweet treat goes perfectly with a dessert wine. Adapted from Vegan Cookies Invade Your Cookie Jar by Isa Chandra Moskowitz and Terry Hope Romero, quoted in the 11-30-2011 Democrat & Chronicle.

1/2 cup wine, red or white, sweet or dry
1/2 cup olive oil (we used extra virgin)
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
1 2/3 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sesame seeds

In a large bowl combine wine, oil, sugar and lemon zest. Add flour, baking soda, salt and sesame seeds. Stir with a whisk until smooth and thick. Cover and chill in refrigerator for at least an hour.

When ready to bake, preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Scoop dough with a teaspoon onto non-stick baking sheets. Bake 12 to 14 minutes or until edges start to brown. Transfer immediately to a wire rack and cool.

Makes about 3 dozen cookies.

Melons in Gingered Wine

Chilled fresh fruit makes a perfect summer dessert. This light and easy recipe should be made ahead. Adapted from Chinese Cooking Class Cookbook.

4 cups melon chunks or balls (cantaloupe, honeydew and/or watermelon, seeds removed)
1 cup water
1/2 cup white wine
2 tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. ground ginger

Place melon pieces in a large bowl. Combine remaining ingredients in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves and mixture is hot (do not boil). Remove from heat.

Pour wine mixture over melon. Cover and refrigerate several hours or overnight, stirring occasionally.

Makes 6 servings.

Wine Gelatin Dessert

This is a light way to end a meal and is extremely simple to make. It’s also a good way to use up leftover wine. One caution, though—this dessert is not for children! Adapted from The Frugal Gourmet Cooks with Wine by Jeff Smith.

1 pkg. of your favorite flavored gelatin dessert (e.g., Jello), regular or sugar free
1 cup boiling water
1 cup white or red wine, dry or sweet*

Optional:
1 1/2 cups of your favorite fresh or canned fruit (see gelatin package for fruits to avoid)

Prepare gelatin according to package directions, substituting wine for cold water. Refrigerate about 4 hours, until set. May be made in individual dessert dishes, in a bowl, or in a shallow pan and then cubed. To use a gelatin mold, follow package directions.

Serve with whipped cream. Makes 4 servings.

* We recommend using white wine with light-colored gelatin flavors.

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