Raspberry-Topped Chocolate Cake (Redux)

Raspberry-Topped Chocolate Cake

After quite some time, here I am again sharing on one amazing recipe that will have bakers--and eaters alike--jumping for joy.  The first time I featured this confection, I shared my inspiration behind baking this recipe and my sheer bliss at the final, beautiful and scrumptious results.  It was my second or so blog post on DMRFF, and I had a tendency to keep it rather minimal in those days, so much so, in fact, that I didn't even include the recipe! I'll just say the inspiration factor was in higher gear than the traditional recipe sharing on that day. (Smile.)

After receiving great feedback, both on and offline, about this beaut, I knew I had to complete the circle and finally share the accompanying recipe for all those who love to bake and/or devour cake as much as I do.

Decadent Chocolate Cake Layer

Baker's Note:  It will require a generous bit of time from start to finish, so plan for when you have some leisure time to spare.  Then enjoy the stimulating escapade of bringing this decadent, rich, chocolaty dream to life in your kitchen.  Finally, finish with the perfect adornment of "snow-capped" raspberries and tell me what's not to love?!

And now, as promised, the recipe, courtesy of Bon Appetit.

Happy Eating!

Postcard From Cannes: A Red Carpet Memory

Photo Memory: Cannes Film Festival

Occasionally, I like to give a window into some of the other passions I enjoy.  And today's post highlights my inextricable love connection with food and travel--with a heavier emphasis on travel. 

With the American 'red carpet season' fully upon us, the memory of a truly special, personal red carpet moment resurfaced.  I was reminded of my very first travels to France some years ago, which included stays in Paris and the French Riviera (Cannes, Nice and Monte Carlo).  

As timing would have it, my arrival in Cannes happened on the last day of the Cannes Film Festival.  In fact, the timing was so perfect that I even witnessed a bit of the movie star convoys arriving before the formal festivities began.  It was as "up close and personal" as I had been to any such affair and set in beautiful Cannes, France only made it dreamier.  The above photo memory is a favorite, showcasing some of the energy of that grand evening.

I eventually left the scene to enjoy an exquisite dinner and live band dedication in celebration of a special occasion.  (Yes, food was a part of this special memory, but not the main attraction, admittedly.)  After a late finish, I headed back towards the previous red carpet scene to surprisingly find it totally abandoned.  The festival had ended--and with it the previous flurry of pomp and circumstance and celebrity and action.  Now all that remained was relative quiet--and that big, red carpet.  Having this possibly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to myself, I happily posed on the carpet for a couple of take-away shots and unforgettable memories. 

Although Nice turned out to be my favorite locale in the Riviera during my stay, and return trips to Paris keep it top-of-list for everything I love about French culture (food, fashion, art, architecture...), Cannes will always have a distinct soft spot in my heart for its unique coastal beauty, flair, cuisine, and oh yes, that red carpet.  

Thanks for allowing me to indulge and share here on DMRFF.

Happy Eating, Travels & Reminiscing!

HOW TO EAT: Sandwiches

There are sandwiches to suit almost any occasion--whether you're hosting a tea party or rooting on your favorite sports team or something in between.  And no matter the occasion, you'll want to know how to eat 'em!  

Here enters our latest "how to eat" installment; a simple, quick tutorial that will have you at your sandwich savvy best.

Happy Eating!

Eating Sandwiches

Tea-type sandwiches and canapes are eaten with the fingers.  (A canape is an appetizer consisting of a piece of bread or toast or a cracker topped with a savory spread.)  Club sandwiches may be eaten with a fork and knife or cut into fourths and eaten with the fingers.  Open faced sandwiches should be eaten with a fork and knife.

Image Source
 
 

Toast With This!: Spiced Milk Tea

It's no secret that I'm a lover of spice--and I love weaving the rich flavors of spice throughout my cuisine, including the world of drink.  The robust flavors of chai tea, touting notes of fennel, cardamom and cinnamon, among others, is one of my favorite drinks to savor.  

This recipe for spiced milk tea from Gourmet brings those flavors home to your kitchen in a delicious and warming drink that will likely become a favorite for you, too.  So open up that spice cabinet and prepare to enjoy.

Happy Sipping! 

Maple Bacon Popcorn

If you're looking for an over-the-top twist to your popcorn revelry, then this recipe for Maple Bacon Popcorn may be just the ticket. I'd likely opt out on the bacon, but the pecan and maple combination is still enough to make it special in my book. In any case, have it your way--with or without bacon, substituting or adding nuts, tossing in extra spice--or whatever suits your tastes! 

I never need an excuse to enjoy this delicious, versatile snack, but in case you do, Happy National Popcorn Day! 

And Happy Eating! 

Source: sweetpaulmag-digital.com via Dawn on Pinterest

Well-Stocked: 8 Pantry Must-Haves

Having a well-stocked pantry can mean the difference between drudgery and ecstasy when putting a dish together.  And while "well-stocked" can mean many things to many people, there are some pantry items that never (well, hardly ever) leave my kitchen.  Why?  Because they represent staples in my cooking; ingredients that are in constant rotation, in one form or another, in my cooking repertoire. 

Check out my selection of must-haves....and let me know what food staples you find indispensable.

Happy Eating!

1. Kosher Salt  2. Black Peppercorns  3. Dried Herbs  4. Vinegars  

5. Canned or Dried Beans  6. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil  7. Dried Pasta  8. Garlic

What To Eat When...

Source: thehealthychange.tumblr.com via Dawn on Pinterest

Simply Delicious: Pan-Seared & Oven-Roasted Salmon

In food and cooking, simple tastes and preparations can sometimes be overlooked.  But the truth is, simple--done right--is hard to trump.  Simple, yet exquisite, preparation and execution allows the true tastes and textures of food to take the lead. 

I love the entire spectrum of cooking and, admittedly, I get my share of thrills from taking on--and mastering--involved dishes and techniques.  But I equally appreciate and welcome those dishes that yield the most amazing tastes and results without the big production that can be deemed synonymous with great food.

This appreciation rings true with one of my favorite salmon preparations.  Minimal ingredients--olive oil, salt, pepper, salmon--coupled with some exceptional techniques known for making food taste most wonderful = my pan-seared and oven-roasted salmon.  The perfect sear outside and moist, flaky salmon inside yields what could easily be a restaurant quality dish that's nothing short of simply delicious.

Happy Eating!

Pan-Seared & Oven-Roasted Salmon

Ingredients:

Pan-Seared & Oven-Roasted Salmon

Salmon Fillet
Olive oil
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees F.

Lightly drizzle olive oil on salmon fillet(s) and season liberally with salt and pepper.  Pre-heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.  Add salmon fillet(s) to hot skillet and sear on each side for 2 minutes each.  Place skillet in pre-heated oven and roast for an additional 7-10 minutes, depending on the size of the fillet(s).  (Be careful not to overcook!)  Remove from oven, dress with freshly squeezed citrus juice and enjoy!    

HOW TO DRINK: Water

With the resolutions for healthier living and eating that abound this time of the year, water is sure to be the beverage of choice for those on a serious mission.  And with the upside-only benefits that this liquid powerhouse brings to the table, is it any wonder?  Probably not.  What may be of wonder, however, is that there is a proper way to drink it.

With water (hopefully) on everyone's minds--and in everyone's mouths--more and more lately, I thought now would be the perfect time to introduce it into our "how to eat" series, although today's installment is more accurately titled "how to drink".  

So before your next refill, learn more about this precious resource--how to drink it, that is.

Happy (Water) Drinking!

Drinking Water

Blot your mouth before taking a drink.  Do not drink water while food is in your mouth, roll water around your mouth, or swallow loudly.  If you have taken too hot a mouthful of food, sip a bit of water.  Do not forcefully drain an entire glassful. Hold a tumbler-type glass near the bottom, a small stem glass by the stem, and large goblets at the bottom of the bowl.

Image Source 

Table Setting Etiquette: How To Set (and Navigate) a Proper Dinner Table

As we start the New Year, I thought it would be a good idea to let you in on a little secret:  I have a "thing" for social graces--i.e. manners and etiquette.  For DMRFF regulars, this probably doesn't come as much of a surprise, but I wanted to put it out there, nonetheless, for my long-time and new readers, alike.  Now that my "secret's" out, I hope you can appreciate my passion for making your dining and entertaining experiences more pleasurable.

More than lists of do's and don'ts, at the heart, etiquette is a thoughtful consideration of others.  In fact, my most simple translation boils down to "doing unto others, as you would have them do unto you."  With that said, observing the rules of social engagement, including dining, is something to be appreciated, because, when done in earnest, it (typically) leads to a more civil and enjoyable experience for all.   

Sometimes a picture is worth a 1000 words.  And I think the above diagrams of both formal and informal place settings are great tutorials.  Log them as reference guides and refer to them as often as necessary to keep you sharp.  They're also great learning tools for teaching children the basics of table place settings.  

More than anything, though, just relax and go with the flow.  If someone grabs your bread plate by mistake, follow suit and take the one next to you.  The rotation will make its way around the table and everyone will receive a bread plate, without any embarrassment or hurt feelings coming into play.  It's the gift of good manners.  And the gift that keeps on giving. 

Happy Eating!