Red Wine Chocolate Cake

• 2 cups fresh raspberries
• 1 1/2 cups salted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
• 9 cups powdered sugar
• Sprinkles
• Chocolate for shaving

Instructions:

For the Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Prepare three 9-inch cake pans by lining the bottoms with parchment paper and spraying the sides with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the red wine, milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and eggs until well combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a smooth batter forms. The batter will be thin.
5. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans and bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few crumbs.
6. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Frosting:

1. Puree the fresh raspberries in a blender or food processor until smooth. Strain the puree to remove the seeds, resulting in approximately 1/2 cup of raspberry puree.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the salted butter and vegetable shortening together until smooth and creamy.
3. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
4. Add the raspberry puree to the frosting and beat until well combined.

Assembling the Cake:

1. Once the cakes have cooled completely, use a serrated knife to level the tops of each cake layer.
2. Place one cake layer onto a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of frosting evenly over the top.
3. Add the second cake layer on top, followed by another layer of frosting. Repeat with the third cake layer.
4. Use a piping bag fitted with an 808 icing tip to pipe dollops of frosting around the edge of the cake, working your way inward.
5. Decorate the top of the cake with sprinkles and chocolate shavings using a vegetable peeler.

Additional Tips:

• For an extra decadent touch, consider adding a layer of chocolate ganache between the cake layers.
• Experiment with different types of red wine to find one that complements the chocolate flavor of the cake.
• Garnish the cake with fresh raspberries or chocolate curls for an elegant finish.

CONCLUSION : 

As our culinary journey draws to a close, we bid farewell to the enchanting world of Red Wine Chocolate Cake with hearts full of gratitude and palates lingering with delight. Each slice, a testament to the joy of indulgence, and every bite, a cherished memory in the making.

With our aprons hung and mixing bowls set aside, we reflect on the moments shared around the table, where laughter mingled with the aroma of freshly baked delights, and friendships were forged over plates adorned with decadent slices of cake.

As you savor the last remnants of sweetness, may the memories of this culinary escapade linger on, reminding you of the simple pleasures found in the art of baking and the joy of sharing a slice of happiness with loved ones.

So, until we meet again in the realm of delicious creations and culinary adventures, may your days be filled with sweetness, your gatherings infused with laughter, and your hearts warmed by the magic of homemade delights.