Berry Wine Cake, Honorable Mention, Merlot Cook Off

Recipe by Greta, Carmel Valley, CA.

Serves: 6-8

Sumitted by Greta from Carmel Valley, the merlot cook off entry was a favorite among the family. Extra points for using fresh berries.

Ingredients:

3/4 cup blackberries, rinsed and drained (divided)

3/4 cup raspberries, rinsed and drained (divided)

1 cup MacLeod Merlot

1 cup + 1 Tbl sugar (divided)

1/2 cup butter, room temperature

1 cup flour

2 large eggs

1 tsp baking powder

Directions:

Pre heat oven to 350F.

In a bowl gently mix 1/2 cup each of blackberries and raspberris, add merlto and 1 Tbl of sugar

Butter and flour a 9 inch cake pan

In a bowl with mixer on high speed, beat sugar and butter until blended

Add eggs and beat until fluffy

Add flour and baking powder, stir to combine and then beat into a stiff batter

Scrape batter into cake pan and smooth.

Drain wine marinade from berries, reserve wine. Spoon berries and 2 Tbl of wine over batter

Bake at 350 for 50-55 minutes (cake will pull away from pan sides when done)

Cool and then plate cake. Sprinkle with remaining berries and a little more sugar.

Cut into wedges, moisten wedges with some of remaining wine.

Serve with butter, whipped cream, or ice cream.