{Be Inspired!}: My New Published Book

 

Throughout the years, I’ve shared the importance of my faith with my DMRFF family. And now I’m thrilled to build on that sharing with an ode to what faith and purpose have made possible in my life, in the way of my new book, Words of Life: Power Devotionals for Successful Living.

Just as I celebrate all the things that represent the good life to me, from cuisine, to culture, to community, to travel, lifestyle topics and more, I had to let you in on the celebration for this wonderful accomplishment and milestone in my ministry journey.

After decades of writing, including ghost writing book manuscripts for others, the time finally came to realize one of my greatest dreams: becoming a published author.  And beyond the goal of becoming an author, is the greater aspiration of imparting the faith, hope, encouragement, wisdom, lessons, and so much more, that have carried me through every season of life in stride with God and His goodness.

I’m so excited for this volume to be out in the world and available to all who will partake of the truths packaged in the 80 devotional messages and companion affirmations (a.k.a. power confessions).  And if that’s you, I’m thrilled for the blessing it will add to your spiritual and personal growth journeys.

I more than welcome you to grab your copy and enjoy loads of…

Happy, Inspiring, Uplifting, Impactful Reading!

*Also available online at Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Walmart and more!

{Be Inspired!}: Summer Reading

A favorite pastime in my local bookstore

Summer and reading have always been a favorite pair for me.  And if I'm being completely honest, it goes all the way back to my childhood. I fondly remember the times when choosing and checking out library books through the mail, no less, brought as much joy and preoccupation as riding my bike and watching my favorite t.v. shows.  It was almost as if I couldn't read the books, mail them back, and order new ones, fast enough. (I'm still in awe at how amazing my county library system was to put books and the love of reading at our fingertips.)

Then there were the suggested (ahem, mandatory) Summer reading lists that would follow in later years.  And I was still sold and fascinated all the same.  I even managed an "advanced for my age" title or two.  Like the Summer I read Alice Walker's, The Color Purple, at the ripe age of 11 and returned to my 6th grade English class in the new school year ready to do a book report on the work.  I don't recall if that went over well with my teacher, but I'll never forget how glad I was to have the full, robust backdrop of the book when the acclaimed movie was later released.

I could go on and on about the many expressions that my love for books, the written word--poetry, prose, history, literature, everything--and reading have taken over the course of my life, but I'll save those for future posts. :)  For now, suffice it to say that I'm eager to get some new titles under my belt as the season unfolds.

I haven't firmed up my selection yet, but with Summer officially arriving this week, I'm motivated to do so sooner than later.  I recently came across this list of 8 Non-Cookbook Food Books curated by Bon Appetit.  A couple of these titles are definitely piquing my interest, so we'll see where I ultimately land.

And what about you?  Do you enjoy a Summer read, or two, or four?  What's your favorite genre? Author(s)?  I'd love to know what's on your list!

No matter your preference, we can all celebrate the gift of books and...

Happy Reading!

{Giveaway}: Marcus Samuelsson's 'Yes, Chef' Memoir

I couldn't wait to get my hands on Marcus Samuelsson's memoir, Yes, Chef, when it debuted last Summer.  Although I had been following the career and culinary star power of this, my favorite, chef for several years by then, I was eager to take in the heartfelt, inspiring chronicle of his amazing life story in the words of the chef, himself.  The unabashed, candid, moving and engaging story of his journey to date, a journey he has characterized largely as "chasing flavors", made for page-turning eagerness from cover to cover. 

And now, I can't wait to share this New York Times Best Selling work with one of my DMRFF's readers--possibly you!  I like to give gifts that I would want to receive--and this is definitely one.  

So now all that's left to do is for you to follow the entry guidelines below to be entered into the giveaway...then stay tuned to see if you are the winner!  

And, as always, Happy Eating!


Entry Guidelines

Enter to win in one of the following ways: 

1. Comment on this post  

2. "Like" D.M.R. Fine Foods on Facebook

3.  Follow us on Twitter   

4.  (After you comment on the post, "Like" us on Facebook, and/or follow us on Twitter ) Get Extra Chances to Win when you:

*Tweet about this giveaway and include @dmrfinefoods

*Comment on our other blog posts

*Blog about this giveaway and share the link via comments 

*Refer your Facebook friends to "Like" our page

Note:  If your username for these entries is different than the one you submitted here, please let us know.

**The giveaway will end at 11:59 p.m. EST on March 1st.  All entries will be put into a raffle and one fabulous winner will be selected at random.  The winner will be announced and notified on March 2nd.  The winner will have 48 hours to respond to claim their prize, after which another winner will be selected.**

Bookshelf: The Thanksgiving Table

Thanksgiving.  As the undisputed biggest cooking day of the year, it's no wonder that cooks everywhere seek out the best advice, tips and inspiration for making their special meal nothing short of fabulous.  And to offer some assistance with this quest, I'm highlighting a few notable cookbooks that will serve you well for your Thanksgiving table--and beyond.

From former New York Times restaurant critic, Sam Sifton, comes A-Z instruction and inspiration on cooking Thanksgiving and cooking it well!

Thanksgiving is all about the classics--the familiar, comforting dishes passed down from generation to generation.  Amanda Hesser's tome of classics are fitting for every day eats and special occasions alike, making The Essential New York Times Cook Book a superb reference for Thanksgiving.

If there was ever a food authority who consistently dishes delectable and home chef friendly recipes, it would be my food icon, Ina Garten (aka the Barefoot Contessa).  And just in time for Thanksgiving, Ina's newest cookbook promises the same FoolProof offerings that will make you the superstar of your kitchen.

So, here's to joyous, scrumptious cooking for Thanksgiving (and beyond)...and always to Happy Eating!

Happy Birthday, Julia Child!

You may have heard by now that today marks (what would have been) the 100th birthday of the incomparable food icon, Julia Child.  Incidentally, today is also a special day for D.M.R. Fine Foods, as we celebrate our 2nd blogiversary!  And we're honored to share such a special date with a woman who taught Americans how to cook and embrace food in new and exciting ways.

Like countless others, I possess the treasure, "Mastering the Art of French Cooking, The 40th Anniversary Edition" in my cookbook collection.  Of it she says, "it's for both seasoned cooks and beginners who love good food..." And in recent years, I've loved watching the repeats of her original cooking shows where I soak up the wit, humor, personality and, of course, the cooking prowess, of this remarkable food pioneer. 

 

Julia gave us the delightful gift of food--not only French food--but the world of food.  And it's a gift that keeps on giving, generation after generation.

PBS has long brought the 'world of Julia' to the American public, and in honor of her 100th birthday, they've amassed a wealth of recipes, video footage, tributes and more!  So join in on the fun, make a yummy recipe and celebrate an unforgettable woman--who happened to love food!

Happy Eating and Happy Birthday, Julia Child!

'Yes, Chef' Author Dinner with Marcus Samuelsson

Yes, Chef Author Dinner with Chefs Hopkins and Samuelsson

From the moment I learned of Chef Marcus Samuelsson's plans to publish his memoir (about two months or so prior to the release date), I was eager to dive into the life journey of the ever-inspiring and dynamic chef.  Yes, Chef: A Memoir hit the market on June 26th and, thanks to a pre-order sale, I had my copy in hand a day later.  My anticipation had steadily risen as I took in select excerpts and interviews by the Chef/Author, but nothing prepared me for the truly engaging and heartfelt story that I would encounter between the covers of this book.  

A tale of life in its fullness--chronicling family, food, sacrifice, triumph, failure and renewal--this memoir delivered more than just an inside look into the demanding, often brutal, world of food and fine dining, but, more significantly, it shared, in very personal terms, the astounding journey of Chef Samuelsson.  A journey that, at times, seemed equally impossible and probable, giving a face and pulse to the universal experience of pursuing a dream and passion, with all the joys and pitfalls that accompany such noble pursuits. 

So when the Yes, Chef book tour landed in Atlanta via the sold out Author Dinner at Restaurant Eugene, hosted by James Beard Award Winning Chef, Linton Hopkins, on this past Monday night, I was eager to see, hear and taste.  To see the camaraderie and fusion of two culinary masterminds who are devoted to their craft and communities.  To hear from Chef Samuelsson about anything and everything that has impacted his remarkable journey to date.  And to taste the flavors of Sweden, Ethiopia and America beautifully mastered by Chefs Samuelsson and Hopkins.  And what I actually saw, heard and tasted--experienced--went far beyond.

The Dessert Course: A Land of Honey

I had the privilege of being seated at Chef Samuelsson's table, along with two other guests, and we reveled in the "up close and personal" benefit of talking with him about everything from family reunions, to his mentor, Leah Chase, to the thrust of Red Rooster Harlem, to his visit earlier in the day with young teens and aspiring chefs at the Atlanta City Council, and much more besides.  But we didn't keep him all to ourselves.  In between courses the Chef made rounds to visit with the guests at other tables and have similar exchanges.  

Breaking bread with culinary greats, meeting new people who share my passion for food and cooking, taking in an exceptional meal in a beautiful restaurant, and creating lasting memories rarely occur all at once, but that night they did. 

My autographed book and menu (keepsakes!)

Thanks to Restaurant Eugene, Chef Hopkins and, of course, Chef Samuelsson, for a foodie night to remember!

Click here to see more photos from the special evening.

Happy Eating!

Bookshelf: My Summer Reading List

The longer days of Summer beckon us to slow our pace a bit and take more time for the people, places and things we enjoy most.  And for me, books and reading top the list of simple, yet indulgent, pleasures that I turn to again and again.  Whether it's a fascinating biography, a compelling novel, a delicious and inspiring cookbook, poetry, or other, I have always maintained a love affair with words--the stories they create and the knowledge they impart.

For this Summer, I've pegged some amazing titles for my reading list, including a few "foodie-centric" reads that will surely offer big doses of inspiration, information and entertainment to keep the pages turning.

  

Inspiration: The new and highly anticipated memoir from acclaimed Chef, Cookbook Author and Restaurateur, Marcus Samuelsson.  Discover his personal journey from truly humble beginnings to his heralded place in today's food world and beyond.

Information: From America's First Lady comes her first ever cookbook that will take us inside the White House and its gardens and narrate the compelling story of the importance of healthy and sustainable eating. 

Entertainment: This one is no newcomer to my bookshelf, but is begging to be dusted off and consumed anew.  A cheeky, engaging and delicious read from the original Domestic Goddess, I can't wait to rev up my foodie juices with Nigella leading the way.

So here's to a blissful Summer of simple pleasures and....Happy Reading!

P.S. what's on your bookshelf?