As a retailer of boutique wines, half fun is finding small producer, who is often making fewer than a thousand cases. These vintners are more willing to take risks, to be flexible and innovative. Our passion is finding these unknown, boutique wines and introducing them to our friends and customers. Parador is a perfect example. Winemaker Steve Ventrello makes only 38 barrels of Parador Red Blend, an unorthodox blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (originally a French varietal), Sangiovese (the most famous grape from Italy) and Tempranillo (the grape you’ll find in Spanish Rioja). He even went so far as to travel to Europe to clip some of vines from their country of origin and bring them back to Napa. Ventrello says, “Small lots allow for complete control in winemaking and blending. And, you can have a more maverick entrepreneurial approach, breaking out of Merlot, Cabernet, Chardonnay rut.” Given quality and richness of these boutique wines, wineries such as Parador, Ramey and Reverie will never be in a rut. http://www.bacchusandvenus.com/cgi-bin/shop/shop.cgi?action=specs&&item=1108849943&choice=Cabernet%20Sauvignons%20&%20Bordeaux%20Varietals

For more information on or to order these wines, contact Bacchus & Venus at (415) 331-2001 or www.bacchusandvenus.com

I like to think Edith’s version is better than Betty Groff’s, because that recipe says to “frost with vanilla or chocolate frosting if desired.” Whereas Edith’s gives a recipe for chocolate frosting MADE WITH BUTTER. And in my view humblest frosting made with butter is better than fanciest frosting made without. I’m not implying that Edith’s frosting is humble. It isn’t. It’s purely wonderful, as is her cake.

Edith Kennedy Glidewell went to be with her Lord in March 2002, but before that she gladdened many hearts in many ways, this applesauce cake not least of them.

EDITH’S APPLESAUCE CAKE

Cream together 1/2 cup room temperature butter or shortening and 1 cup sugar. Add 1 egg and beat together. Mix in 1-1/2 cups applesauce.

Sift together 2 cups flour, 1 tsp. baking powder, 1 tsp. soda, 1 tsp. salt, 1 tsp. cinnamon, 1/2 tsp. allspice, 1/2 tsp. nutmeg, and 1/4 tsp. cloves. Add to applesauce mixture, along with 1 cup raisins and 3/4 cup chopped walnuts.

Lightly oil a 9" x 12" pan and dust with flour. Add cake mixture and bake at 350 degrees 50 to 60 minutes, until top of cake’s center springs back when touched. Frost with chocolate frosting when cool.

Chocolate Frosting: Combine in a heavy saucepan or double boiler 1 square baker’s unsweetened chocolate, 1 cup sugar, 1/4 cup butter, and 1/3 cup milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and cook 1 minute. Cool and beat until frosting has a satin finish.