When the world outside is blanketed in snow and the cold keeps you indoors, it’s the perfect time to indulge in a cozy treat that will warm you up from the inside out. Picture yourself wrapped up in a soft blanket, sipping on a mug of hot chocolate topped with homemade icewine marshmallows. These delightful marshmallows will brighten your day and infuse your cocoa drink with a subtle flair! Making these icewine marshmallows is not only a fun activity to pass the time but also a delicious way to elevate your hot chocolate. Ready to turn a snowy day into a cozy delight? Let’s get started! 

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup Missouri icewine 
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 3 1/4 ounces gelatin 
• 2 cup sugar 
• 2/3 cup corn syrup 
• 1/4 cup water 
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 
• Powdered sugar

Instructions: 

1. Boil the Missouri icewine in a small saucepan for about 10 to 15 minutes, until reduced to a thick syrup. There should be approximately 1/4 cup of syrup left. 
2. Pour the cold water into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Sprinkle the gelatin over the water and let it stand for 10 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, mix the sugar, corn syrup, remaining water, to the Missouri icewine syrup. Bring to a boil and cook until the sugar reaches soft-ball stage. 
4. Turn on the stand mixer to a low setting. Slowly pour in the hot sugar mixture, allowing the sugar to run down the side of the bowl. Add the salt and turn up the mixer to the highest speed. Whisk for 12 to 15 minutes, until the mixture is fluffy and soft. It should hold soft peaks. Add the vanilla and beat for a minute longer. 
5. Pour the mixture into a 9x9 inch cake pan that has been greased with oil. Using slightly wetted hands, flatten out the marshmallow. Allow to set for at least 2 hours in a cool dry area. (Do not place in the refrigerator.) Once the marshmallow is firm, remove from the pan. Dust with powdered sugar, cut and serve. 

* Icewine can be substituted with sparkling or your favorite Missouri wine! 

Imagine a chocolate cake that not only melts in your mouth but also leaves a hint of elegance with every bite. Welcome to the world of baking where rich cocoa meets the sophisticated notes of your favorite Missouri Norton wine. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a special night in, this recipe will make you the star of any occasions. Ready to impress your taste buds and your guests? Dive in and discover the magic of creating this chocolate wine cake!

Chocolate Cake

Ingredients: 

• 2 cups sugar 
• 1 cup brown sugar 
• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 teaspoons baking soda 
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ¼ teaspoons salt 
• 4 eggs 
• 1 ½ cups sour cream 
• ½ cup whole milk 
• 1 cup Missouri Norton wine 
• ¾ cup vegetable oil 
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup hot water

Instructions: 

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut out two 9-inch round segments of parchment paper to line your cake pans with. Spray each pan generously – side and bottom – with nonstick cooking spray, then place the parchment paper cut out in the bottom of the pans and spray again. 
• In the large bowl of the stand mixer with paddle attachment, combine both sugars, flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt; mix on low until dry ingredients are thoroughly combined.
• In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, sour cream, milk, wine, oil, and vanilla extract; whisk well until ingredients are thoroughly combined. Pour mixture into the dry ingredients and beat on low speed until just incorporated. Pour in hot water and continue mixing until completely combined. 
• Divide the batter evenly among prepared pans. Bake in preheated over for 30 minutes. 
• Cool cakes in the pans placed on a cooling rack, after 15 minutes remove cakes from pans and finish cooling cakes on cooling racks. 

Chocolate Frosting

Ingredients: 

• 12 oz cream cheese
• ¾ cup butter
• 1 cup cocoa powder
• 5 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk 
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp salt 

Instructions: 

• Beat the cream cheese and butter in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment until light and fluffy. Add the cocoa powder and mix until combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then the milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. 
• Begin frosting the bottom layer sides. Once completed add a thick layer of frosting on top of the bottom layer. Stack top cake layer and repeat frosting steps. 

This isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience that transforms a simple cake into a luxurious treat. Be sure to tag us in your chocolate cake and Missouri wine recipes using #mowine!

Missouri’s wine country offers not just exquisite wines, but also charming accommodations that allow you to immerse yourself fully in the vineyard experience. Here’s a selection of wineries that provide lodging options, ensuring you have a comfortable and memorable stay.

Albonée Country Inn and Vineyards- Independence, MO

Arcadian Moon- Higginsville, MO

Bear Creek Wine Company- Walnut Shade, MO

Belvoir Winery- Liberty, MO

Black Silo Winery- Trenton, MO

Cave Hollow West Winery- Hannibal, MO

Charleville Vineyard Winery & Craft Brewery- Ste. Genevieve, MO

Chaumette Vineyards & Winery- Ste. Genevieve, MO

Durso Hills Winery and Bistro- Marquand, MO

Edg-Clif Farms & Vineyard- Potosi, MO

ElderBlossom View- New Bloomfield, MO

Florida Winery- Florida, MO

Hermannof Winery- Hermann, MO

Jowler Creek Vineyard & Winery- Platte City, MO

Les Bourgeois Vineyards- Rocheport, MO

Luna Umbra Winery- Butler, MO

Mallinson Vineyard and Hall- Sugar Creek, MO

McKelvey Vineyards- Leslie, MO

Prairie Barn Winery and Christmas Tree Farm- St. James, MO

Shamrock Hills Vineyard and Winery- Excelsior Springs, MO

Shawnee Bluff Winery- Lake of the Ozarks, MO

St. James Winery-Branson – Branson, MO

The Rocheport Winery- Rocheport, MO

Triple 3 Vineyard- Washington, MO

Twains Vineyard- Belgrade, MO

Twin Meadows- Madison, MO

Walnut Creek Winery- Holt, MO

White Mule Winery- Owensville, MO

Staying at a winery is a delightful way to enjoy the serene landscapes, taste exceptional wines, and indulge in the local culture. Plan your trip and now your stay in Missouri Wine Country!