Brownies for the Wine Lover

Never thought I would be one who would enjoy wine, but after a few quality trips to the California Central Coast, I am in love! It is always fun to strike up a conversation with the servers in the tasting rooms and on more than one occasion the discussion leads to food.  Not just food and wine pairrings but how to cooke with wine beyond just drinking it will preparing your meal.  We all know of some of the norms when it comes to cooking with wine, but who thinks to bake with wine that often?

 One tasting room server shared an excellent recipe for some of the most moist, rich brownies you will ever have but so easy to make.  Take your store bought brownie mix, one that you have to add water and oil to (most you do but there are the occasional odd ones that ask for just oil or just water).  Instead of addding water, add the equal amount of your favorite port wine (I always add an extra splash).  Do everything else according to the package.  You can even drop in some dark chocolate chips after the batter is in the pan, just a little extra chocolate kick. 

Of course here is another wedding treat to add to the list.  Before my sister began her current career in the world of tech PR, she worked in the wine industry, and her and her future husband are wine lovers. So wedding treat #3....

I did these in a mini muffin pan to create simple brownie bites and added a bittersweet chocolate drop in the center. If you serve these from a regular pan top the warm brownies with some ice cream and pour a little of the port over the top... Mmmm