Cheesecake bites with Red Wine Chocolate Sauce for #SundaySupper

The holidays are right around the corner. When I think of the days ahead, I shop, decorate and get into the holiday mood by thinking of family, food and great memories that are going to be made. Since having children I feel like the holidays are just different for me. Different in a good way. I try my hardest to make each one so very special for them. However, it is also a personal goal of mine as a parent to teach them the meaning behind each and every holiday. I believe it’s never too early to start showing kids the importance of giving and appreciating every thing we have.

Today the Sunday Supper family is partnering up with Gallo Family Vineyards. This month marks one year of working with Gallo for Momma’s Meals and I think that’s something special. I’ve always loved that they have the word “family” in their name. I’ve also have enjoyed reading Gallo’s history on how they got started and how 80 years later, they are still family owned.

Use Gallo’s Store Locator if you can’t find a certain wine near you, I’ve used it a few times now! Before you take off don’t forget the coupon they are sharing with you! Connect with Gallo now so you can always be kept in the loop with coupons, recipes and more!

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Have you ever heard of “Every Cork Counts”? Gallo helps stop hunger by donating $1 to the  Meals On Wheels Association of America for every one of their wine corks that people send to them (up to $50,000). I think that’s pretty amazing and it’s a great way to help such an amazing cause. That brings me to today’s theme. Comfort Foods. I love nothing more than sharing a great dish with a loved one, whether it be for a new Mom, a sick family member or even a new neighbor. Today I want to inspire all of you to cook your favorite comfort food dish and share it or donate to a wonderful cause you believe in. You can still help if you don’t enjoy cooking or baking like I do. Toys for Tots is a great organization I love to take part in each year, I will be having my daughter help me donate a few toys this year so she can start to learn that not all kids are as fortunate as she is and that holidays can be a tough time for some. We also have a local grocery store that helps feed hunger by giving in three ways. One, purchase a giving box full of items that they will deliver to local food pantries. Two, Buy one, Give one. There are certain items labeled throughout the store that are marked, if you buy one, they will give one. Lastly, Donate. Simply donate at the register. Three great ways. Check your local stores around the holidays they are bound to be helping those in need in some way.

I always go savory when I cook with wine, I’m a better cook than a baker but comfort food to me sometimes means a little bit of sweet! I kept it simple by making them no-bake cheesecake bites. However the topping……it just gives this easy and comforting dessert new meaning! I used Gallo’s Cabernet Sauvignon because when I originally searched on how to make chocolate using wine, I found that any full-bodied wine with a tad bit of a berry taste to it would work great! Well that goes perfectly since this Cabernet Sauvignon has a taste of blackberry in it.

Cheese Cake bites with Red Wine Chocolate Sauce

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons sugar
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

1 cup heavy cream
16 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
2/3 cup sifted confectioners’ sugar

For the chocolate sauce:

1 Cup of Gallo Cabernet Sauvignon
2 Cups of dark chocolate, roughly chopped
1/2 Cup of light corn syrup

What to do:

To make the crust, line 10-12 muffin tins with plastic wrap. Take the graham crackers and run them through a processor roughly chopping them into crumbs.  In a small bowl, combine the sugar and graham cracker crumbs. Stir in melted butter and stir to combine. Divide the graham cracker mixture among the prepared muffin tins. Press mixture forming a small cup. place in freezer to chill while preparing filling.

To prepare filling, in an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the heavy cream on medium-high speed until medium-stiff peaks form. transfer whipped cream to another bowl and set aside. return mixer bowl to mixer, switch to paddle attachment and beat the cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar on medium speed until combined. Carefully fold whipped cream into the cream-cheese mixture until combined. spoon filling into crusts and freeze until firm, about 30 minutes.

To prepare chocolate sauce, in a small pot boil the wine. Reduce the heat just a little and continue to cook for 10-12 minutes until the wine reduces to less than 1 cup. Reduce the heat to a slow simmer and add the chocolate and corn syrup. Whisk as it all melts together. Once it’s all melted continue to cook or 2-3 minutes just until it thickens slightly. Let it cool before topping it on the cheese cake bites.

I decided to top each one with a raspberry because I thought it would be a good touch but feel free to use any fruit. There will be leftovers of this amazing sauce so refrigerate and use on your next ice cream sundae!

Time to see what what other comforting dishes are being shared today!

Comforting Appetizers and Beverages:

• Acorn Squash Cheese Spread with Spinach and Artichokes by Ruffles & Truffles
• Pomegranate Mulled Wine by The Messy Baker

Comforting Entrees, Soups, and Stews:

• Beef and Mushroom Pot Pie by Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
• Beef Goulash by Magnolia Days
• Beef Stew with Puff Pastry by Peanut Butter and Peppers
• Cheesy French Onion Soup by Life Tastes Good
• Chicken and Corn Chowder by The Girl In the Little Red Kitchen
• Chicken Parmesan Panini by Casa de Crews
• Classic Swiss Fondue by Kudos Kitchen by Renee
• French Onion Soup au Gratin Stuffed Meatloaf by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
• Johnny Marzetti by NeighborFood
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts Flatbread by Family Foodie
• White Wine Cream Sauce Poached Shrimp by A Mama, Baby & Shar-pei in the Kitchen

Comforting Side Dishes:

• Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Parmesan and Dates by Shockingly Delicious
• Stuffed Acorn Squash by Jelly Toast

Comforting Brunch, Desserts, and Sweets:

• Baked Pumpkin French Toast by Alida’s Kitchen
• Cheesecake Bites with Red Wine Chocolate Sauce by Momma’s Meals
• Dark Chocolate Red Wine Cake with Red Wine Raspberry Sauce by Daily Dish Recipes
• Gooey Autumn Spice Brownie Cups by Desserts Required
• Pear Streusel Coffee Cake by That Skinny Chick Can Bake

Compensation was provided by Gallo Family Vineyards via Sunday Supper, LLC. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author, and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Gallo Family Vineyards.
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