Chocolate Cherry Merlot Brownies

Annacia's Note:

Sweeten the moment with this unique, wine lover's dessert. Bursting with merlot-soaked cherries, these fudgy brownies are bound to spark passion.

• Total Time: 53 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 33 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 16

• 6 ounces pkg. dried sweet cherries (1 1/4 cups, chopped)
• 1/2 cup merlot
• 8 ounces dark chocolate, baking bar (53% Cacao, broken into small sections)
• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350º F.
2. Grease 9-inch-square baking pan.
3. Microwave dried cherries and merlot wine in small, uncovered, microwave-safe bowl on HIGH (100%) power for 1 minute.
4. Set aside for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Drain cherries; discard wine.
6. Microwave chocolate in small, uncovered, microwave-safe bowl on HIGH (100%) power for 1 minute; STIR.
7. Sections may retain some of their original shape.
8. If necessary, microwave at additional 10- to 15-second intervals, stirring just until smooth; cool to room temperature.
9. Combine flour and salt in small bowl.
10. Beat sugar and butter in medium mixer bowl until well mixed.
11. Add eggs and beat until light and fluffy. Beat in melted chocolate and vanilla extract.
12. Stir in flour mixture until blended.
13. Stir in drained cherries.
14. Spread into prepared pan.
15. Bake for 33 to 37 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out slightly sticky.
16. Cool completely in pan on wire rack.
17. Cut into bars.
18. NOTE: Sweetened dried cranberries can be substituted for the dried cherries.

Reviews

[BB2011]

I baked these for a restaurant, and they are amazing! I used dried cranberries rather than cherries. The merlot (Copper Ridge) added a delicious "something extra." Definitely use DARK baking chocolate. Wonderful, wonderful, and they will be made and enjoyed again.

[CarsonM]

For me, these were just okay... the batter had a great texture, but the brownies themselves weren't all that chocolatey (amazingly), nor could I detect the presence of the merlot. I did like the addition of the cherries, though. And I was really amused when the bar of baking chocolate that I bought to make these brownies turned out to have this very recipe on the back!

[two - thirds]

Mmmmmmmmm! These will be made again in our house! Rich and chocolatey I don't think I'll be using the boxed mixes anymore! I used 62% cacao instead.