Bobs Zinfandel Dark Chocolate Cake

Bob Dunning • April 18, 2025

Oven to 350 degrees. Spray a rectangular 13x9 pan with non stick spray. Assemble the following dry ingredients: 

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 3/4 cup flour
  • 3/4 cup Hershey's Natural unsweetened Cocoa
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • Pinch salt

In a large mixer bowl combine above dry ingredients. 

Then add to the mixer bowl the following:

  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Beat on Medium speed for 2 minutes.


Combine 2/3 cup water and 1/3 cup Dunning Zinfandel Wine and microwave till comes to a boil. Add to the bowl and stir well. Batter will be thin. Pour into prepared pan and bake 25-35 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean


Dust with powdered sugar 


No need for frosting as this cake is rich and moist!



Serves 12 people


Restaurants
By Garrett Dunning April 18, 2025
BL Brasserie 1202 Pine Street Paso Robles, Ca (805) 226-8191 Chef-Owner Laurent Grangien's offers traditional brasserie style fare with a casual feel in an elegant setting, utilizing local ingredients paired perfectly with both local and French wines. Buona Tavola 1037 Monterey Street San Luis Obispo, Ca (805) 545-8000 943 Spring St. Paso Robles Ca. 805-237-0600 Authentic Northern Italian cuisine, impeccable service in a friendly, warm atmosphere makes this the "hidden Secret" of San Luis Obispo. Open for lunch and dinner the selections of antipasti, soups and main entrees are made fresh daily. Alfresco dining is available on the outside patio terrace at the San Luis location. McPhee's Grill 416 Main Street Templeton, Ca (805) 434-3204 Ian McPhee's very popular grill in Templeton serves fine selections of steaks, seafood and pastas. The open-air kitchen provides a great atmosphere along with friendly service. McPhee's also has a full service intimate bar. Located in downtown Templeton across from the
BRUSCHETTA
By Joann Dunning April 18, 2025
10-12 Fresh garden ripe tomatoes 4 Garlic cloves finely minced 2 Tablespoons minced shallots 1/2 Cup fresh basil leaves 2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar 1/4 Cup extra virgin olive oil Salt & coarsely ground black pepper 8 Thick slices of crusty country bread Cut the fresh garden tomatoes into 1/4 inch dices and place in a bowl. Toss with the minced garlic and shallots. Chop the fresh basil coarsely and add to the tomatoes. Add the balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Toast the crusty bread and cut in half. Spoon the tomato mixture over the bread and serve immediately. Makes 8 portions Recommended wine: Any Dunning Vineyards wine!