Mainely Martha

On this first day of February and the eve of Groundhog Day there is the hope of an early spring. But regardless of when spring comes, we can be sure that it will come…early, late or on time, but it will in fact come. In the meantime, if we are faced with six more weeks of winter we can look forward to enjoying it with the help of wine. Aside from the breaking news on the health benefits of wine, it pairs so wonderfully with comforting meals and desserts that warm us as we near the end of winter. Thus, I look forward to the coming weeks filled with cooking, baking and wine.

To kick this month off, in addition to Groundhog Day, the 2nd is also my mother’s birthday. And while she is no longer with us, her recipes live on and we will celebrate her with them; specifically for me with her chocolate cake. How better to pay homage to her and her birthday than to bake and enjoy this cake. Growing up, I loved the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. But as an adult, my taste has evolved to enjoying the cake with with a nice red wine. While the cake is outstanding on it’s own, the pairing with the wine enhances and magnifies the essence of the cake. And what can genuinely elevates the pairing is sharing the experience for the ultimate pleasure.

It is said that drinking good wine with good food in good company is one of life’s most treasured pleasures and I truly believe this.  The memory of the chocolate cake made with love by my mother is not simply that of a delicious cake, but the memory of enjoying it with others and how much we all collectively enjoyed it and our time together. So whether a large gathering of friends and loved ones or a quiet dinner at home, it is company in addition to the food and wine that memories are made of.

So as we head into what may be another six weeks of winter, wine a little and laugh a lot.