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ALL RECIPES

Spiced Chocolate Cake with Macerated Berries

  • Pair with Zinfandel
Primary Ingredients

14 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped

1 ¼ cups unsalted butter

2 teaspoons ground cardamom

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground cloves

½ teaspoon ground white pepper

6 large eggs

6 large egg yolks

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3 cups powdered sugar

1 cup all-purpose flour

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 cup fresh blackberries

1 cup fresh raspberries

½ cup St. Francis Port

additional powdered sugar

Primary Technique
  1. Place berries in a small bowl with granulated sugar and port. Gently toss all ingredients together, cover and store in refrigerator for at least one hour. The berries may be done up to four hours ahead of time.
  2. Generously butter eight ¾ cup soufflé dishes.
  3. Stir chocolate, butter, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and white pepper in a bowl, set over steaming water, until melted and smooth. Cool slightly.
  4. Whisk eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla in a large bowl. Add in 3 cups powdered sugar, then the chocolate mixture, then flour.
  5. Transfer batter to prepared dishes, filling to the top and dividing equally. (Can be made 1 day ahead, cover and refrigerate.)
  6. Preheat oven to 425°F. Bake cakes until the batter has risen above dish, top edges are dark brown, and centers are still soft and runny about 15 minutes, or about 18 minutes for refrigerated batter.
  7. Run small knife around cakes to loosen. Allow cakes to rest in dishes for 5 minutes.
  8. Using hot pad and holding dish very firmly, place plate gently atop 1 cake and invert onto plate. Repeat with remaining cakes.
  9. Dust with powdered sugar. Spoon the macerated berries onto each plate being sure to include some of the juices with each scoop of berries.
  10. Add your favorite vanilla ice cream for an even more decadent dessert.
chocolate cake
Executive Chef Peter Janiak

Executive Chef Peter Janiak

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100 Pythian Road at Hwy. 12 Santa Rosa, CA 95409
+1 (707) 833-0242
Open Daily | 10 AM – 5 PM | Holiday Hours
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Seasonal Mezze menu

These dishes are accompanied by a chef-curated 'secret' selection of our award-winning Sonoma County wines.

This is a sample menu. Items are subject to change.

Sweet

Apple & Golden Raisin Compote
Carrot, Cashew & Maple Spread 🥜

Sour/Acidic

Cranberry & Jalapeno Chutney
Whipped Ricotta with Lemon Curd 🥛 🥚

Rich/Fats & Oils

Creamy Brie with Orange & Honey 🥛
Pumpkin Pimento Cheese 🥛

Bitterness

Butternut Squash Hummus
Brussels Sprout & Labneh Dip 🥛

Allergen Key

🥛 Dairy    🥜 Nuts    🥚 Eggs

Seasonal pairing menu

This is a sample menu. Items are subject to change.

2025 Rosé
Sonoma County
– Paired With –
Albacore Ceviche 
Heirloom Tomato & Melon Gazpacho | Basil | Jalapeno  Cucumber | Fried Shallot

2023 Chardonnay 
Martinelli Vineyard, Russian River Valley 
– Paired With –
Sherry & Soy Glazed Mushrooms
Celeriac-Black Truffle Purée  | Herb Pangrattato 
Crunchy Garlic | Sunflower

2023 ‘Caro Santo’ Sangiovese 
Sonoma Valley
– Paired With –
Cavatelli & Smoked Sage Sausage 
Butternut Squash & Tomato Sugo | Roasted Peppers  Parmesan 

2022 Cabernet Sauvignon 
Rockpile 
– Paired With –
Grilled Hanger Steak & Braised Shoulder Croquette
Yukon Gold Mousseline | Red Wine Braised Cabbage 
Beef Demiglace 

2022 Port
Sonoma County
– Paired With –
Toasted Coconut Panna Cotta 
Blackberry Gelee | Chocolate Crumble