Grilled Steak Salad

Although the Summer is winding down, there's still a place for lighter--yet hearty--fare like delicious salads.  My grilled steak salad abundantly showcases the season's bounty of juicy, flavor-drenched tomatoes and peppers, along with the freshness of crisp romaine and hothouse cucumbers, topped with perfectly grilled skirt steak, garnished with blue cheese crumbles and dressed with a classic vinaigrette.

Now that's a salad!  One that's as easy to pull together as grabbing the fresh produce from your fridge, grilling your steak and combining the ingredients into a scrumptious dish that can hold its own as a light and satisfying entree.

So while Summer may be on its way out, delicious and healthy eating is always on the menu.

Happy Eating!




Grilled Steak Salad

Ingredients:
Romaine lettuce
Fresh tomatoes
Red bell peppers 
English cucumber
Fresh jalapeno pepper slices (optional)
Blue cheese crumbles
Grilled skirt steak
Vinaigrette or dressing of choice

Arrange the produce on a large plate or platter, top with the steak, and garnish with the cheese crumbles.  Finally, lightly dress with the vinaigrette (or dressing of choice) and enjoy!

HOW TO EAT: Artichokes

Social graces and dining are common bedfellows.  Admittedly, the dining "do's and don'ts" are not always obvious.  Everything from which fork goes with which course to "how to" eat ______ can confront the conscious eater.  Which is why I'm excited to introduce the "How To Eat" series here on DMRFF.

The series will offer a quick snapshot of some of our favorite foods--and provide mini tutorials on the proper way to eat them, as advised in The Little Book of Etiquette.

First up on the menu are our beloved artichokes.

Happy Eating!




Eating An Artichoke:
Eat with your fingers.  Remove each leaf separately, dip the soft end in sauce, and then pull it through your teeth to remove the edible portion.  Discard the remainder of the leaf on the side of your plate.  Secure the heart with a fork and scrape the thistle away with a knife.  Then cut the heart into pieces and eat with a fork.

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The Perfect Nibble: Blue Cheese and Walnut Crackers

Blue Cheese and Walnut Crackers

The other day I decided to shop my refrigerator.  Translation:  I did (a rather quick) once-over for inspiration and ideas for using up the myriad ingredients that were in store.  Almost instantly, my eyes fell on the blue cheese I had bought a little while back and the walnuts that I typically keep on hand.  And what happened next was pure decadence.

Marrying these two ingredients into a simple, yet indulgent, recipe was about to become a fete accompli--and the spawn of some satiating snacking.  I had been wanting to bake these crackers since I discovered the recipe way back when, and now, with the star ingredients on hand, the time had come.  In a matter of sheer minutes, I had the beautiful, sky blue, walnut-encrusted dough ready for its chill down.  And since it was a late-night start, I baked them off the next day.

I've been trying to pace myself with each salty, tangy, nutty, buttery bite.  While simple to make, these crackers carry a delicious intermix of flavors that makes each bite somehow more delectable than the last.  And to add to their grandness, I serve them with a perfectly sweet offset of fig jam.  It's the salty-sweet, crumbly-smooth, heavenly contrast that yields the perfect nibble.

Easily their own 'cheese and cracker' plate, they are a great addition for cocktail and tea parties, appetizer courses, or my own personal favorite--anytime indulgence.

Happy Eating!

Blue Cheese and Walnut Crackers

Ingredients:
1/4 pound (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
8 ounces blue cheese, crumbled, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 extra-large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
1/2 cup roughly chopped walnuts

Instructions:

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and blue cheese together for 1 minute, or until smooth. With the mixer on low speed, add the flour, salt and pepper and mix until it's in large crumbles, about 1 minute. Add 1 tablespoon of water and mix until combined. 

Dump the dough onto a floured board, press it into a ball, and roll into a 12-inch long log. Brush the log completely with the egg wash. Spread the walnuts in a square on a cutting board and roll the log back and forth in the walnuts, pressing lightly, and distributing them evenly on the outside of the log. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or for up to 4 days.


Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.


Cut the log 3/8ths-inch thick with a small, sharp knife and place the crackers on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Bake for 22 minutes until very lightly browned. Rotate the pan once during baking. Cool and serve at room temperature. Store in an air-tight container to maintain freshness.

Recipe courtesy of Ina Garten 

Happy Blogiversary!: D.M.R. Fine Foods, The Blog, Turns One!

One year ago, today, I wrote my first blog post for D.M.R. Fine Foods.  It was an exciting release for me, after months of thinking about it, but never quite stopping long enough to do it.  And it made so much sense! I was already talking about my food, photographing it, and sharing it as often as I could.  So starting this blog was the perfect outlet for me to share more--with you.

I didn't know who would care to share in my new journey, but hoped it would offer up the same infectious love for the world of food that I possess and, as I shared in that first post, "the endless possibilities that it affords".  Now, one year later, I believe this blog has added a greater dimension to my expression as a foodie, writer, home chef, teacher, student, advocate and visionary.  It has given enormously to me, the greatest gift being the opportunity I have to share with you again and again.

From recipe contests to blogger conferences to new business partnerships to exciting professional connections--and so much more--it has truly been a special year in food for me!  And I'm looking forward to greater things to come.

I'm thrilled that I finally picked up my proverbial pen one year ago and fulfilled yet another measure of my passion for sharing the joys of all things culinary.

Happy Eating!

P.S.  For a peek at that first post click here.

When Food Speaks for Itself: Grilled Cheese, Thyme Honey, Figs

Beautiful Food Photography makes a bold statement in and of itself.  I'm ever inspired by, intrigued and in love with the world of food.

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Food Love

NOTE:  This post was my very first D.M.R. Fine Foods blog post--originally published on Sunday, August 15, 2010.  I tweaked it slightly today to add my great-grandmother into my homage to my family food heritage and thought the post would remain as the original when saved, but alas, it moved it to the top of the queue today, so play along with me and you can follow the content below. :)

XO, Dawn

Inaugural Post from 8.15.10
My earliest memories of food were associated with family and love.  Food, eating, cooking and the entire culinary spectrum thrills me.  I LOVE food--cooking it, eating it, learning about it, and to cap it all off--sharing it! 

Food has always been a central part of my life--whether with family (I come from a long line of great cooks, starting with my great-grandmother), friends, clients, and even strangers, on occasion.  It has always represented love and sharing and enjoyment, along with sustenance. 

My personal love of food has grown exponentially over the past several years leading me to devour food tv, publications, incorporate it into my travels, study it, host dinner parties, launch a catering business, teach culinary courses, photograph my food on every turn--and now, blog about it.  All of this allows me to share about one of my truest passions.  Admittedly, I am 'that' foodie!

With this blog, I hope you'll be just as inspired as I am to dive into the 'world of food' and all the endless possibilities it affords. 

Happy Eating!

P.S.  Tuning in to the 'Next Food Network Star' finale!

Taste Makers: The Artisans' Market at Williams-Sonoma

Honey from Savannah Bee Co.

Last weekend I dropped by the Artisans' Market at my local Williams-Sonoma and enjoyed some delicious bites from some of Atlanta's talented local artisans.  Not only was it a pleasure to sample the tasty fare, but equally to my liking was the opportunity to meet the people behind the food.

From the Italian delicacies of Bella Cucina to the exquisite chocolates of Cacao Atlanta to the Southern delights of Phickles Pickles--and many more--it was a true foodie haven.  Between sharing our passions for food, snapping pics, and hearing about all the new and exciting ventures that these taste makers have on the horizon, it was an indulgent way to spend a portion of my Saturday afternoon.  And it felt good supporting our local producers so that they can continue to pursue their dreams and so that we can continue to enjoy the fruits of their labor.

I'm excited to see what's next for the many and varied local artisans who are making bold, delicious food statements.  I'll be watching because surely it will fuel my Happy Eating!


More photo highlights from the Market:

Delicious teas from Braswell's

The ladies of Bella Cucina

Posing with culinary icon, Chef Virginia Willis

Click here to see all of the great photos from that day!

GAGA FOR GOURMET!

When I began subscribing to food periodicals years ago, Gourmet instantly became my favorite of the lot.  Getting my magazine each month was like unwrapping a beautiful gift filled with endless treasures that were nothing short of yummy, eye-pleasing and INSPIRING!  The best the culinary world had to offer.  In fact, when I would go on to launch my catering business in the fall of 2007, it was largely Gourmet, along with Bon Appetit, that served up the infectious desire to cook, bake, eat--and share--many of the confectionery delights from its pages to form my inaugural 'Sweets and Treats' Holiday Menu.  

Therefore, it was no small rub when, instead of receiving my monthly treasure in the mail, I received the publisher's notice that my Gourmet subscription would be no more.  What did they mean?  Surely there was some mistake?  But unfortunately, there was no mistake.  And Gourmet was indeed retired as the beautiful, culinary icon and staple that it had been for decades prior.  I truly missed it.

Sometime later I discovered the re-incarnation of the Gourmet brand, and I once again felt that spark of excitement that had been my monthly ritual in times past.  I downloaded the entire Diary of a Foodie Series (that was a happy day!), bought (and continue to buy) the special edition collections that Gourmet publishes as an ode to the many delicious recipes of past issues, and most recently delved into the brilliant Gourmet Live blog and apps.  What can I say?  This foodie girl's gotta have it.

While I'll forever miss those monthly trips to wonderland (via my mailbox) from days gone by, I am embracing the new faces of this iconic brand--and all the wonderful delights it has been faithful to deliver--without interruption.

Happy Eating!

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