Let's face it - it's hard to beat chocolate cake. This recipe below would be an awesome surprise for a birthday.

This cake is easy to make and comes out perfect with no special effort. The frosting is excellent (some folks used cream instead of milk).

Balloons...chocolate cake...party. Check. Check. Check.

From a reviewer:
"I bake a lot and this is the BEST chocolate cake recipe I have ever tried! Instead of butter icing, try a chocolate glaze over the cake just before its completely cool so the glaze soaks in YUM! Glaze: 1 cup sifted icing sugar 2 tablespoons cocoa 2 tablespoons milk ½ teaspoon vanilla"

Extreme Chocolate Cake 

Ingredients (credit: AllRecipes)

• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water
• 3/4 cup butter
• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
• 5 1/3 cups confectioners' sugar
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 9 inch cake pans.

Use the first set of ingredients to make the cake. In a medium bowl, stir together the sugar, flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Add the eggs, milk, oil and vanilla, mix for 3 minutes with an electric mixer. Stir in the boiling water by hand. Pour evenly into the two prepared pans.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes in the preheated oven, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to cool completely.

To make the frosting, use the second set of ingredients. Cream butter until light and fluffy. Stir in the cocoa and confectioners' sugar alternately with the milk and vanilla. Beat to a spreading consistency.

Split the layers of cooled cake horizontally, cover the top of each layer with frosting, then stack them onto a serving plate. Frost the outside of the cake.

What wine goes with chocolate cake?

Cabernet Sauvignon: a rich red wine with red fruit mixed with spice

or

Madeira: a sweet wine with caramel, almonds, and hazelnuts

Cheers!

Hello Vino

Have you wanted to try different Italian wine? Maybe you'd like to host a big dinner, or simply try a bottle you normally can't find in stores near you. 

This little package below is great because it gives you a variety of wine. In addition, enjoy the Greet Sheet that includes descriptions of the regions from which the six featured wines hail. The description cards are perforated as 4x5 index cards to be torn off for future reference. Invite some friends over, pour some vino, and show off you wine skills as if you just got back from the old country!

You can also use the free Hello Vino wine app to pair some great food with your Italian wine gift. 

• From our home screen, choose Food Pairings for Your Wine
• Select the type of wine you are opening (color, sparkling, etc.)
• Scroll to the name of your wine
• Viola…recommended food pairings!

Visit Italy for Under $100

Viva Italia! Italian Wine Gift Collection 
Mixed Collection
Price $89.99

From Prosecco to Chianti, Viva Italia combines six bottles representing the best wine growing regions and varieties of Italy. A diverse collection for the Italian wine lover.

Wine Gift Collection Includes:
 

Veneto: Allegrini Palazzo della Torre
Deep ruby-red in color, this wine is brimming with notes of dark, dried cherries, blackberries and hints of dates and mocha. Pairs well with full-flavored pasta and risotto dishes, roast poultry and chorizo.

Sardinia: Argiolas Costamolino Vermentino
Lemon-green in color with intense yet delicate aromas of citrus, pineapple, tropical fruits and honey. On the palate, the wine shows a delightfully zesty acidity, which makes it the wine of choice for many dishes.

Basilicata: Azienda Bisceglia Aglianico del Vulture Gudarrà
Deep ruby-red in color with enticing notes of red cherries, cassis, blackberries, sweet spice and a hint of licorice. This is an accessible, versatile red that pairs beautifully with southern Italian pasta dishes, lamb and grilled or roasted game.

Trentino-Alto Adige: Tiefenbrunner Pinot Grigio
Pale yellow in color with green reflections. It has the pleasant aroma that characterizes the variety, with exotic fruit notes and a trace of meadow flowers. Slightly spicy, well-structured and full in the mouth.

Tuscany: Castellare Chianti Classico
Brilliant ruby red with generous aromas of ripe black cherry, violets and vanilla followed by elegant layers of dark fruit, tobacco and sweet spice on the palate. Dry, full-bodied and firmly structured, this wine makes a great pairing with roast beef.

Veneto: Zardetto Prosecco Brut
Crystal clear with a hearty white foam and fine perlage. Fresh fragrant aromas and a delicately soft and harmonious taste are the hallmarks of this quintessential aperitif wine.

------ Buy Viva Italia! Italian Wine Gift Collection ------

Please note that due to the popularity of this product, Wine.com reserve the right to substitute like wines and vintages of equal or greater value.

Salute!

Hello Vino

The creator of this recipe states "Pork simmered in root beer makes all the difference. Topped with your favorite BBQ sauce, it's sure to bring rave reviews."

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is so easy, so good. Set it and forget it. This recipe has roughly 2,000 reviews and is rocking the house with 4 1/2 stars.

I'll tell you what...I already pulled out the crock pot for this Sunday, and this is what I'm going after now! Awesome-indoor-tailgate food for the football games too.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Ingredients (credit: AllRecipes.com)

• 1 (2 pound) pork tenderloin
• 1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle root beer
• 1 (18 ounce) bottle your favorite barbecue sauce
• 8 hamburger buns, split and lightly toasted

Directions

Place the pork tenderloin in a slow cooker; pour the root beer over the meat. Cover and cook on low until well cooked and the pork shreds easily, 6 to 7 hours. Note: the actual length of time may vary according to individual slow cooker. Drain well. Stir in barbecue sauce. Serve over hamburger buns.

What wine goes with pulled pork?

Syrah/Shiraz: a great red wine with blackberry, plum, and some jamminess

If you're more of a white wine person, we recommend Chenin Blanc.

Cheers!

Hello Vino

The AFC and NFC Championship games are going to be lighting up TV's this Sunday, and you can throw a tailgate party in your living room. Many folks would argue that you don't hold a wine glass in the stadium parking lot (but they secretly love wine). So, in the comfort of your own living room, take the bottles of wine off the bench and pair them with some regional foods in honor of the 4 teams still standing.

Here are some food choices, recommended wine, and bottles you can order online if you're interested for this Sunday or maybe the Superbowl!

New England: Well, Clam Chowder (of course)

The Wine:

Sebastiani Sonoma Chardonnay 2009 
Chardonnay from Sonoma County, California

This player has a helmet full of flavor. It's delicious and zesty, filled with pineapple, pear, green apple, honey and oak, wrapped into a texture of buttercream and with a long, spicy finish.

Price: $12.99

Buy Sebastiani Sonoma Chardonnay 2009 

Baltimore: Crab Cakes

The Wine:

Castello del Poggio Moscato d'Asti 
Non-Vintage from Piedmont, Italy

Castello del Poggio is a long name for the back of a jersey, but this spicy mos­cato tastes fresh and cool. It feels full and rich, but not sugary—the fruit is what lasts, with hints of nectarine and kumquat. 

Price: $15.99

Buy Castello del Poggio Moscato d'Asti

New York: A Serious Slice of Cheese Pizza

The Wine:

Michele Chiarlo Barbera d'Asti 2009 
Barbera from Piedmont, Italy

The blue shirts roster reads that this wine is ruby red with violet hues. Elegant, with good intensity - you can feel the fruits of berries, and mint leaves. Well structured, fruity and dry.

Price: $14.99

Buy Michele Chiarlo Barbera d'Asti 2009 

San Francisco: Chicken Tetrazzini
(named for famed Italian opera soprano Luisa Tetrazzini)

The Wine:

Castello D'Albola Chianti Classico 2007 
Sangiovese from Tuscany, Italy

This is a "drink now" wine (aka…playoff ready!). This Chianti has plenty of dark cherry and floral aromas and flavors that say Sangiovese. Fresh and fruity.

Price: $13.99

Buy Castello D'Albola Chianti Classico 2007 

Cheers!

Hello Vino

When you have a serious, comfort food - pasta craving...chicken parm is mighty enticing.

The cool thing about this recipe is that there is no frying pan, and no grease-splatttering. This dish is simple carbs, sauce, and a delightful craving killer casserole.

Easy Chicken Parm Bake

Ingredients (Credit: AllRecipes.com)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed and finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste
• 6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• 2 cups prepared marinara sauce
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1 (8 ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 (5 ounce) package garlic croutons

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Coat the bottom of a 9x13 inch casserole dish with olive oil, and sprinkle with garlic and hot red pepper flakes. Arrange the chicken breasts in bottom of the dish, and pour marinara sauce over chicken. Sprinkle basil over marinara sauce, and top with the mozzarella cheese, followed by half the Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle on the croutons, then top with remaining half of the Parmesan cheese.

Bake in preheated oven until cheese and croutons are golden brown and the chicken is no longer pink inside, about 35 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a chicken breast should read at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).

What Wine Goes With Chicken Parmigiana? 

Sangiovese: a red wine with tart cherry, plum, and some spice

Pinot Noir: a nice wine with red berry, cherry and truffles

Merlot: Another red that is lush with plum, black cherry, and caramel

Cheers!

Hello Vino

Have you been soaked with shipping charges when sending some wine to your home, a friend, or a family member? Maybe you tried to stuff your suitcase with a couple bottles of juice hoping they wouldn't break and ruin your clothes. Perhaps you purposely purchased only a couple bottles when you would have loved to bring a case back home with you.

Well, if you're purchasing wine after visiting a winery, while on vacation, or you want to bring some vino with you on a trip…here's a simple way to travel with your favorite bottles.

We just stumbled upon The Wine Check, and I have to say, I may use this thing (and it's a FAA-approved package).

Don't Ship It......Check It!

The Wine Check is a safe, convenient, and economical way to transport up to one case (12 bottles) of wine to and from the airport, and check the bag with a full 12 bottles intact, while staying under the 50lb airline weight limit for luggage!

When full, The Wine Check weighs in under the typical 50-pound airline weight limit for checked bags. Obviously, if this is an extra checked bag when hopping a flight, odds are the airline with charge you. I guess you'll have to determine if it's better to pay for an extra checked bag, or ship the package to your house. Also, when The Wine Check is empty, you can collapse it for storage or easy transport. Not bad.

This seems so simple…just curious what costs you more - standard shipping to your door, or drop $59.00 for The Wine Check, and pay to check it at an airport.

We are curious, would you use a wine carrier like this?

Cheers!

Hello Vino

No need to order out for Thai food this weekend…just whip up some noodles with a little chicken and some crisp vegetables!

You can impress your friends, or a date with this dish as it tastes like it was made in a high-quality Thai restaurant. In addition, this is a great meal to offer someone in your circle that is shy with new foods. Open a bottle…wine and dine…have some fun.

Vegetarians: we recommend substituting the chicken with Quorn Chicken Style Pieces (meat free, soy free).

Thai Noodles

Ingredients
(credit: AllRecipes.com)

• 1/2 pound dried rice noodles
• 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• 1 dash soy sauce
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cucumber, coarsely chopped
• 1 carrot, grated
• 10 mushrooms, halved
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger root
• 1 1/2 tablespoons red chile sauce
• 3/4 cup peanut sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Directions

Cook rice noodles according to package directions.

Slice chicken breasts into strips. Marinate in soy sauce for about 1/2 hour.

In a large saucepan or wok, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Cook chicken until no longer pink. Add garlic, ginger, and onions; cook until onions are tender. Add mushrooms and cucumbers; cook until mushrooms are tender. Add peppers, carrot, peanut sauce, oyster sauce, and hot chili pepper sauce. Heat through.

Toss cooked rice noodles with saute. Garnish with sesame seeds

Reviewer's Tip (on cooking the vegetables): onion in first, when it just barely starts to soften, throw in the mushrooms. Cook for only 1 or 2 minutes, then add the peppers and the sauces. Continue to cook till the peppers are tender-crisp, by then the mushrooms will be succulent, and the onions will be softened

What Wine Pairs with Thai Noodles?

Riesling: a dry version with flavors of peach and orange blossom

Barbera: an acidic, juicy red wine with flavors of black cherry

Sparkling Wine: a Brut bottle of bubbly

Cheers!

Hello Vino

Wine Spectator released its annual roundup of the year's most exciting wines, and we wanted to pair some great food for each. 

If you are going to splurge and purchase a bottle of wine for a special occasion, or for a nice gift, the Top 100 is a good list to check out. In fact, you can find many of these bottles on popular websites such as wine.com, and try to score some deals. 

Let's take a closer look at the top 5 on the 2011 list, and see what foods may be worthy of being its dance partner.

5. Dehlinger
Pinot Noir from Russian River Valley 2008

Critical Acclaim:

"Aromas of plum and blackberry jam turn firm and intense on the palate, gaining depth, nuance and traction. Finishes with a strong burst of flavors. Drink now through 2018. 1,050 cases made."

Wine Spectator: 95
Robert Parker: 93
International Wine Cellar: 92

Price: $50.00

Wine Pairing: Smoked Salmon Bruschetta

4. Campogiovanni
Brunello di Montalcino 2006

Critical Acclaim:

"Licorice, sweet spices, toast, smoke and sanguine aromas and flavors envelop a kernel of raspberry in this intense, extroverted red, which is complex, focused and structured, with an expansive finish. There’s fine potential, but needs time. Best from 2014 through 2027."

Wine Spectator: 96
Wine Enthusiast: 92
Robert Parker: 90
International Wine Cellar: 90

Price: $59.99

Wine Pairing: Duck with Garlic

3. Domaine Huët
Vouvray Moelleux Clos du Bourg Première Trie 2009

Critical Accliam

"The nearly 15-acre Clos du Bourg vineyard features a mix of clay, silt and pebbles over limestone subsoils, producing this Loire Valley domaine’s richest expression of Chenin Blanc. If weather permits, as it did in 2009, beneficial Botrytis cinerea (noble rot) dehydrates the late-ripening grapes, whose fresh acidity counterbalances the resulting sweet wine’s concentrated fruit and spice notes. This Première Trie represents Huët winemaker Noël Pinguet’s top selection of hand-harvested grapes."

Wine Spectator: 96

Price: $69.00

Wine Pairing: Fresh Fruit & Cream

2. Hall
Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Kathryn Hall 2008

Critical Acclaim:

"The 2008 Kathryn Hall Cabernet is a blend from four of the sites. Winemaker Steve Leveque added a splash of Merlot to round out the texture and heighten the aromatics. The wine captures the essence of Napa Cabernet yet is distinguished from other great 2008 Cabs by its seamless texture, wonderful focus, purity of flavor and persistent finish."

Wine Spectator: 96

Price $90.00

Wine Pairing: Filet Oscar

1. Kosta Browne
Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2009

Critical Acclaim:

"Ripe and deeply flavored, concentrated and well-structured, this full-bodied red offers a complex mix of black cherry, wild berry and raspberry fruit that's pure and persistent, ending with a pebbly note and firm tannins. Drink now through 2018. 5,818 cases made."

Wine Spectator: 95
International Wine Cellar: 91
Connoisseurs' Guide: 91

Price: $52.00

Wine Pairing: Mushroom Risotto

Congrats to the 2011 winners, and here's to 2012!

Cheers,

Hello Vino

Here are two great appetizers to serve on New Year's Eve in 10…9…8...

Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Ingredients (credit: AllRecipes.com)

• 1 pound fresh mushrooms
• 7 ounces crabmeat
• 5 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon ground savory
• ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

In a medium bowl, combine crabmeat, green onions, herbs, and pepper. Mix in mayonnaise and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese until well combined. Refrigerate filling until ready for use.

Wipe the mushrooms clean with a damp towel. Remove stems. Spoon out the gills and the base of the stem, making deep cups. Discard gills and stems. Fill the mushroom caps with rounded teaspoonfuls of filling, and place them in an ungreased shallow baking dish. Sprinkle tops with Parmesan and paprika.

Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven, and serve immediately

Cajun Appetizer Meatballs

Ingredients (credit: AllRecipes.com)

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 1/2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup fresh bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup barbeque sauce
• 1/2 cup peach preserves

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a medium baking sheet.

In a large bowl, mix thoroughly the ground beef, hot pepper sauce, Cajun seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, onion, bread crumbs, milk, and egg.

Form the mixture into golf ball sized meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until there is no pink left in the middle.

In a small bowl, combine the barbeque sauce and peach preserves.

When meatballs are done, place in a serving dish and cover with the barbeque sauce mixture. Toss to coat.

Wine Pairings:

For the Crab Stuffed mushrooms…

Champagne: a dry (Brut), light sparkling wine that is refreshing and food-friendly

For the Cajun Meatballs…

Zinfandel: (a spicy red wine with blueberry and blackberry 

Cheers!

Hello Vino

Looks like your cheesecake just got a little festive!

Not too sweet, great eggnog flavor, and full of delicious holiday spirit. People will rave about this dessert if you grace their table with it.

Eggnog Cheesecake 

Ingredients (credit: AllRecipes.com)

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup eggnog
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons rum
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg

Directions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).

In a medium bowl combine graham cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons sugar and butter. Press into the bottom of a 9 inch spring form pan.

Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes. Place on a wire rack to cool.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).

In a food processor combine cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, flour and eggnog; process until smooth. Blend in eggs, rum and nutmeg. Pour mixture into cooled crust.

Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes.

Reduce heat to 250 and bake for 45 minutes, or until center of cake is barely firm to the touch. Remove from the oven and immediately loosen cake from rim. Let cake cool completely before removing the rim. 

Wine Pairing:

Moscato d'Asti: a sparkling wine made with Muscat grapes

Champagne: a sweet, but light bottle of bubbly will be refreshing with this rich dessert

Cheers!

Hello Vino