Super Bowl (Or Any Day) Chocolate Cupcakes W/Cabernet

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• 3/4 cup cabernet sauvignon wine
• 1/2 cup dried cherries (chopped)
• 2 cups whipped cream (lightly sweetened)
• 1/4 cup dried cherries (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon (optional) or cocoa powder (as garnish) (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350°F & prepare muffin pans w/paper baking cups.

2. 2

   Into the lrg bowl of an electric mixer, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon & cocoa powder.

3. 3

   Add oil, vanilla, eggs & wine.

4. 4

   Beat w/the electric mixer at low speed for 30 seconds. Turn the mixer speed to high & cont beating for 3 min, scraping the sides occ.

5. 5

   Remove the bowl from the mixer & stir in the dried cherries. Pour the batter into the prepared muffin pans & bake for 20 min or till a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

6. 6

   To Serve: Spoon a dollop of whipped cream on the center of the completely cooled cupcakes. Add 5-6 bits of dried fruit & a dusting of cinnamon or cocoa powder.

7. 7

   NOTE: IMHO dried cranberries may well be a good sub for the dried cherries.