Link Love: Beach Bliss

If bliss had a name in my Summer chronicles of days and years gone by, then it would have to be the beach (as in warm, powdered sands, balmy air, turquoise waters, luminescent sunsets, bright sun rays and the most relaxing of getaways that one can muster).  In fact this year has already caught me in my favorite place to escape, relax and recharge thrice in as many months.  And besides my firmly baked-in tan and Instagram pics to show for it, I have more than a few tips to share to jumpstart your next beach getaway.

No Passport Required
Now before you go thinking that a supreme beach vacation requires that you post up in an exotic destination abroad, think again.  One of my favorite beaches (that can rival the Caribbean seas and sands) happens to be in San Destin, Florida.  And in case you're seeking more options, here's a list of eight of America's Best Beach Towns. (PureWow)

Beach Body Prep
If abs of steel (or something between a flat one pack and six pack) is a part of your beach body goals, then you'll be well served to remember the saying that abs are made in the kitchen. (I try to remember, but even the best laid plans... well, you know.)  But for those who do, here are ten tummy-tightening foods to get your beach bod goals in motion. (Skinny Mom)  And if time is of the essence, here are eight ways to debloat in one day. (Self)
 
Beach Wares
If you're the kind of girl who takes her beach style seriously--and loves options--then these stylish one-piece suits have your name written all over them. (Glitter Guide) And if bikinis are more your speed, not to fret.  The fabulous duo affectionately known as TashandDev have you covered with bikini wear, tips and more via their uber popular bikini brand. (A Bikini A Day)

Now that you're settled on where to stay, what to eat and what to wear, the only thing left to do is to go and revel in beach bliss of your very own.

Happy Travels!

{Love in the Kitchen}: Raspberry Scones

I happen to love scones, although I don't bake them as often as I have in times past.  (And the reason for that is purely to steer clear of the temptation they bring...)  Still, whenever the opportunity for an occasional indulgence arises, like my recent Afternoon Tea fete while vacationing, I pause for the cause of scrumptious eats.  

The recent Valentine's Day stirring got me to contemplating recipes that I could make with a Valentine's twist.  And my beautiful copper biscuit cutters that I snagged during my travels last month, which happened to include heart-shaped ones, became just the inspiration I needed to return to the world of magnificent, homemade scones.  (Heart-shaped, no less.) 

I was drawn to the recipe for Raspberry Scones because, well, it included the traditional 'red-themed' accent that comes along with traditional V-day territory. (A bit corny, perhaps.)  And it read like a dream--although I've only used dried fruits in my scones in the past, so kneading the fresh raspberries into the dough, without making the biggest mess ever, was a feat.  The final look was a bit messier than usual, but taste trumps all, in the end.

So, if you're up for some love in the kitchen (and who isn't?), give these scones a try.  They come together and bake off quickly--and the bright and gorgeous raspberry hue gives them a rustic finish that's quite beautiful, if you agree that less than perfect can still be beautiful.  Finally, pair them with some delicious jam, or whipped cream, or both, for the ultimate breakfast, brunch, and tea bite.

Happy Eating!

Raspberry Scones
Recipe courtesy of Martha Stewart

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for work surface 

1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar  

1 tablespoon baking powder 

3/4 teaspoon coarse salt  

1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces 

3/4 cup buttermilk  

1 large egg yolk 

1 1/2 cups fresh raspberries (6 ounces)

Method:

Preheat oven to 400. In a food processor, pulse together flour, cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add butter and pulse until pea-size pieces form. In a small bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg yolk. Slowly pour buttermilk mixture through feed tube into processor, pulsing until dough just comes together.

Transfer dough to a lightly floured work surface and sprinkle raspberries on top. Knead three times to fold in raspberries (there may be loose pieces of dough and a stray berry or two). Gather and pat dough into a 1-inch-thick square and cut or pull apart into 2-inch pieces. Place pieces, about 2 inches apart, on two parchment-lined rimmed baking sheets and sprinkle tops with 1 tablespoon sugar.

Bake until golden brown, 15 to 18 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through. Let scones cool slightly on sheets on wire racks. Serve warm or at room temperature.  Enjoy!
 


 

Link Love: Easy Holiday How-Tos

Photo Credit: Martha Stewart

With Christmas only a few days away, it's safe to assume that most people have gathered and wrapped all of their gifts, planned their menu(s), and staked some time for creative and relaxing indulgences.  Yes?  No.

More likely than not (if you're like most of us--ahem), there's still more to do.  So to help get you (sanely) through the remaining days of planning and prepping, I'm sharing a few of my favorite "how-tos" for everything from simple finishing touches (read: how do I get my gift wrapping to pop?) to DIY bath and home indulgences, to one fabulous starter (or final) course to round out your holiday noshing.

So relax, breathe, indulge--and enjoy a Merry Christmas.

Soothing Bath Soaks

Transform your home bath into a spa-esque sanctuary with tub teas and let relaxation replace holiday stress. (Martha Stewart)  

By Candlelight

The warmth and glow of candles instantly set a mood for equal parts calm and indulgence--and when they're easy, homemade candles, what's not to love? (Eat Boutique)

    Put a Bow On It

If your gift wrapping skills need a boost, let the finishing touch of a perfectly-tied bow do the trick. (BuzzFeed Life)

Say Cheese

Arranging a cheese plate can be tricky--flavors, textures, etc., etc.  These tips for creating a perfect cheese plate will take away the guesswork and leave you with a delicious spread. (Martha Stewart)  

Blessings & Happy Eating!

Link Love: Summer Travel

If ever there was a time to pack a suitcase and head out into the world, Summer has to be it.  And for good reason.  The days are longer, the weather is warmer, and if you've been in hibernation, you're likely eager to emerge and explore.  

Whether your penchant is for solo travel, top foodie destinations, luxury getaways, or you're seeking tips for making the most of your journey, I've rounded up my favorite inspirations from around the web to get you on your way.  Now all that's left to do is...just go!

Have Food, Will Travel

I've been known to arrange my travel around a destination's food offerings, so I understand this foodie inclination.  If you can relate, then you'll appreciate--no, welcome--this list of the best American cities for foodies. {Conde Nast Traveler}

Party of One

I've definitely expanded my horizons as a solo traveler over the last several years.  Not that I mind the splendored benefits of companionship (I adore them, actually), but I find equal fulfillment in striking out for solo adventures and the excitement they bring.  Whether you're seasoned at going it alone or looking to take the leap, you'll be well-suited with this list of the world's best destinations for solo travel.  {Huffington Post}

Plane, Train, Automobile

Who said luxury travel was reserved for the jet-set, cruise-set or road-trippin'-set?  Taking to the rails can--and most definitely does--include travel of indulgent proportions.  These luxury vacations by train will help you redefine the art of travel. {Pure Wow}

Before You Go

No matter how often the travel bug strikes, you can never be too prepared.  And that's where savvy travel tips from how to pack to navigating airfare purchases to savings tips to getting the most out of your journey with the proper travel etiquette, will leave you in good stead and ready to focus on what matters most: enjoying the journey. {Travel + Leisure, Creative Native, The New York Times, D.M.R. Fine Foods}

So here's to a Summer filled with adventure, relaxation, new memories and...

Happy Travels! 
P.S. Need more inspiration? Visit our Travel page!

Photo Credit

Link Love: New Year Jump Starts

Photo Credit: Goop

The start of a new year is often a great time to recharge, refocus and revamp many areas of our lives.  From healthier cuisine to fitness goals, in particular, there's definitely a lot to be excited about.   With this in mind, I'm sharing some of my favorite links from around the web for getting your new year off to a great start.

Go For an Upgrade

Not looking for a major overhaul, but could likely benefit from some small, healthy food upgrades with major payoffs?  Then you'll want to check out these quick and easy tips. {Birchbox}

Give Your Body Some Love

We all know that some foods do more for our bodies than others.  But did you know that there are at least 9 that deliver fat-blasting, metabolism-boosting umph?!  That's right.  So show your body some love and bring these super foods to the table more often. {Cosmopolitan}

Rev Up Your Fitness in 5,4,3,2,1

No gym membership.  Short on time.  No home equipment.  The list of reasons 'why not' to exercise can be endless.  This year take the lead on your fitness with this simple plan that crosses all of those excuses off the list. {Your Nutritionista}

Nosh, Nourish & Detox

If you're looking for nosh-worthy eats that do overtime on the "good for you" front, too, then you'll want these warming winter bites that serve up loads of nourishment and detox power--and make for truly good eats. {Goop}

Happy Eating...and Living!

Savory Thyme-Parmesan Cookies

Over the weekend I dropped into one of my favorite stores for everything girly, girl, Anthropologie.  As these things usually happen, I saw (and couldn't resist) adorable little 'extras' like this that I love to bring into my kitchen.  One of my favorites, however, was a clever cookie stamp, replete with a fun recipe and message that resonates through all of my cooking: Made With Love.  And I was sold (again!).  

Rather than the sweet cookie variety (that we all love), the recipe serves up a savory, crispy cookie-cracker of sorts that's perfect for serving as an appetizer or paired with either fruit, cheese, fondue, or along with a great sip.  To add a bit more savory flair, I tossed in some freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano and within the hour I had homemade crackers for the noshing.

Happy Eating!

Savory Thyme-Parmesan Cookies 

Ingredients:
3/4 cup flour
3 tablespoons butter, semi-cold
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan

Method:
Combine flour, butter, salt and cheese in a bowl.  Mix quickly with your hands, adding drops of ice water as you go to bring the dough together and make it smooth.  Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F.

On a well floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness, cut out the cookies (and stamp them if using a cookie stamp).  Bake the cookies for 25 minutes in the pre-heated oven and enjoy!
Recipe adapted from Yvette Van Boven, Copyright 2013
   
  

Link Love: Fall Comfort {Recipes, Getaways, Decor + More}

Photo Credit: Gourmet.com

I happen to love the time of year that is Fall.  With the crisp, cooler temperatures, beautiful foliage, heartier cuisine, high-intensity sports action (aka football), and more, what's not to love?!  And with all the reflections of the Fall season in the air--and on the web--currently, I want to share a few of my favorite Fall comforts.

From scrumptious recipes, to travel getaways, to seasonal decor, and delicious reads, Fall is to be celebrated and relished! 

So here's to the season...and to Happy Eating!

Warm and cozy has never tasted better than Short Ribs Braised in Red Wine (Epicurious.com)

Want a great weekend (or longer) getaway that will surround you with the beauty of Fall, opulence and more?  Then consider a trip to America's largest home, the Biltmore Estate. (Biltmore.com)

Bring elements of Fall into your living space with beautiful centerpieces and entertaining essentials (potterybarn.com)

Curl up with a good (cook)book or two and turn up the heat in your kitchen! (foodrepublic.com)

Link Love: A Southern Living Summer

While visiting my mom for Mother's Day weekend, I indulged in my usual habit of leafing through her decor and lifestyle magazines.  At some point along the way, I landed on a Southern Living issue that seemed to transport me right into the middle of Summer -- a scrumptious, mouth-watering, refreshing Summer to be exact.  

It's true that we eat with our eyes first. (At least that's true for me.)  And page after page presented recipes that spawned an inner excitement followed by the exclamation, "Oooh, I'm going to make that!"  It's the raw inspiration that keeps me excited about the joys of cooking and eating.

To make sure I could follow through on my new found excitement, I asked my mom if I could "borrow" her magazine and bring it home with me. :)  She graciously obliged and as the days of Summer unfold, I look forward to making many of the vibrant dishes that will make this one of the tastiest seasons yet.

While I have my mom's August 2012 hard copy edition on hand, I wanted to share the love with these links to some of my favorite recipes from that issue via SouthernLiving.com.

Here's to a Summer of Happy Eating...Southern Living Style!

Sip:
Iced Hibiscus Sweet Tea 

Nibble:
Chipotle Shrimp Cocktail 

Grilled Watermelon with Blue Cheese and Prosciutto 

Salad:
Three Sisters Salad

Main Dish:
Chicken Enchiladas 

Beef-and-Watermelon Stir-Fry

Sweets:
Icebox Butter Cookies

Mexican Chocolate Ice-cream Pie

Photo Credit

Gifts from My Kitchen!

As I gather with family and friends for Christmas and the remaining days of the holiday season, I'm bringing something personal to the table: homemade gifts from my kitchen.

Nothing says, "you're special", quite like a delicious, homemade gift--made with love.  

Chili Spice Blend & Turkey Chili Recipe

I'm gifting some of my favorite things, like spice blends--in adorable spice jars from Anthropologie--along with a recipe in which the blend can immediately be put to use.  I also baked up a generous batch of homemade granola that will make the perfect gift for easy snacking, breakfast cereal, or atop a favorite yogurt or ice cream.  Yum!

Homemade Granola

So if you're still wanting to add something personal to your gift repertoire, there's no better way than with homemade goodness from your kitchen.  Sweet treats, infused oils, flavored sugars, and more, make wonderful gifts that are easy to pull off.

Now off I go with my gifts in tow--and with wishes for you to enjoy a very Merry Christmas...and lots of Happy Eating!

Link Love: Holiday Gift Guides

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas--and with only a little over a week left until this most merry and blessed holiday, I, for one, couldn't be more thrilled!  I look forward to treasured time with family, friends, some extended R&R, celebrating the foundation of my faith and preparing for the New Year on the horizon. 

Another favorite thing that I relish about Christmas is the spirit of giving that comes alive.  More than any other time of the year, the Christmas season is marked by giving.  And if you're still in search of a few choice gifts for the food and/or style lovers in your life, then I want to share a few guides that can surely aid you in finding that perfect gift...or two.

From snazzy kitchen tools to custom threads to entertaining treasures to delicious eats, and more, these guides are some of my seasonal favorites--and I'm sharing the holiday love with you!

So here's to making any last minute shopping and gifting a breeze...




1. A chic and fun guide for those who love to entertain (Society Social) 

2. A holiday recipe and dessert gift guide that's perfect for the sweets lover (Jem of the South)

3. The ideal Christmas gift guide for the hard core foodie (Flanboyant Eats)

Happy Eating!

Link Love: Thanksgiving's Best (Recipes, Tips & More)

Thanksgiving = the official arrival of the holiday season in my world.  And each year I'm inspired by the bounty of recipes, sage advice and all-around inspiration that fuels this time of the year. 

To help make your celebration the best (and most delicious) that it can be, I'm sharing some of my favorite links from around the web. From recipes to cooking tips to table decor inspiration and more, you'll surely find a reason--or two--to be thankful.

Happy Eating!

Quick, video turkey tips galore! From unwrapping the big bird to the final finish, it's all here (nytimes.com)

A holiday baking guide that will have you ready to present your yummiest confections (wholefoodsmarket.com)

Swoon-worthy hostess gift ideas (marthastewart.com)

Thanksgiving table settings to dress up your table in style (countryliving.com)

Link Love: Cinco de Mayo

Food and celebration go hand-in-hand for most occasions, and the celebration of Cinco de Mayo is no exception.  Mexican cuisine happens to be one of my favorites, so I couldn't let this opportunity to share some great recipes from around the web sit idle.

Whether you're looking for a hearty tamale pie, the perfect taco, a sweet treat, or something wet to wash it all down, this edition of Link Love has you covered for the best in Mexican fare--and entertaining.

So here's to freedom, celebration--and Happy Eating!
 



Taco Recipes for Every Appetite (Bon Appetit)

Hearty Tamale Pie to Please a Crowd (Williams-Sonoma)

A Refreshing Sip: Tamarind Cooler  (Gourmet)

Mango-Chile Ice Pops (Saveur)

Festive Decor via DIY Pinatas (Refinery 29)

Link Love: St. Patrick's Day Fare

Festive holidays have a way of getting us to think about good food and drink.  St. Patrick's Day, usually marked by its own unique fare that's centered around Irish tradition, is especially festive.  Known for classic dishes like corned beef and cabbage (my mom's is quite delicious), as well as eats accented with green goodness in keeping with the green-themed holiday, there's surely something for even the most fickle taste buds to relish.  

In today's linkery, I'm sharing the St. Patrick's Day love with a few delicious recipes from around the web for your enjoyment during the holiday--and beyond.

Happy Eating! 

Corned beef remixed with Grilled Corned Beef and Fontina Sandwiches (Bon Appetit)

Luscious, melt in your mouth goodness ala Zucchini Carpacio Salad and Green Tea Ice Cream (Epicurious)

And to wash it all down, Refreshing Lime Soda (Saveur) 
Image 

Link Love: The Valentine Edition

There's no dearth of Valentine's Day inspiration during this time of the year--and for good reason.  It's the one day when it's not only excusable--but expected--that we pull out all the stops for those who are special to us. 

I've happened upon my own batch of inspiration from around the web and want to share the love with you.  So here's to link love with a Valentine's twist!

1. A Valentine's Day Gift Guide (for The Food Freak in Your Life)

2. Recipes for Romance + More!

3. Valentine's Day Playlists

4. Date Night: Cooking Classes

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!