D.M.R. Fine Foods, The Blog, Celebrates 10 Years! (Pt. 1)

Time flies when you’re having fun and you look up one day to realize that your blog is ten years old and counting.  Ten years (*throws confetti*)!  It’s an amazing milestone for me, personally, as I think back to where it all began.

 

For a bit of catch up, before there was D.M.R. Fine Foods, the blog, there was D.M.R. Fine Foods in its solely food-centric incarnation that was born out of an idea that came to life during the holiday season of 2007.  So we’re celebrating 13 years of existence (woot, woot), with the companion blog having arrived on the scene 10 years ago.  This post reveals more details on my start and food story.

 

So back to the blog, as I’ve shared before, when I began, it was purely out of a passion to share my love for all things culinary, with no idea who would read, engage and find joy in my corner of the world wide web.  It was a disposition that has served me well and allowed me to remain true to the passions that brought the brand, and subsequently, the blog, to life.  To share, inspire, aspire, create and grow, authentically and organically.  And I could not have asked for a more blessed and thrilling journey to date.

 

As I take time to celebrate many of the special moments that have constituted this ride throughout the past ten years, I will be highlighting them here on the blog and on my social media channels and email list, so be sure you’re connected with me!  I believe my story is one of what’s possible when you dare to believe, share your gifts, put your best foot forward, trust God and nurture a growth mindset.  Despite the odds (or number of followers, subscribers, etc., and some of the other vanity metrics that often label “success".)  For me, quality has always outweighed quantity.  I’m proud of the work I produce, whether it’s on my blog platform, as a micro-influencer on my social media channels, an event host, a food writer, brand ambassador, media liaison, and so on.  Please know, if you put our your best (not someone else’s, but your personal best), that someone will feel it.  And quality work will live long beyond the latest trends, fads, etc. 

 

But rather than tell you, I also want to show what’s possible with that ethos in tow.  I’m happy to share that I’ve seen many of my dreams literally come true with D.M.R. Fine Foods, in what felt like serendipitous fortune.  So without further ado, let’s get this party started!!

 

The Early Years, 2010-2012:

 

My first blog post was published on August 15, 2010 and the blog was dedicated mostly to the culinary spectrum at the outset, but would soon expand in scope to embrace more of passions.  Besides my enthused foodie and recipe sharing on the blog, I experienced highlights such as:

 

Meeting and cooking with one of my favorite chefs (2010)

 

Being given my very own monthly food column, For the Love of Food, for a renowned regional publication, Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine, that would run in print publication and eventually also digitally for eight years! (2011-2019)

 

Winning a CookingChannel Recipe Contest and all the amazing accouterments, including having my recipe published on CookingChanneltv.com (2011)

 

Being a Guest Chef at Williams-Sonoma (2011)

 

Expanding my blog scope to include my travel and lifestyle passions (2011-present)

 

Being a featured contributor for Recipe Lion (2011)

 

Meeting, growing and collaborating with my community of fellow food and lifestyle bloggers and foodies (2010- present)

 

Collaborating with and having my work featured on Yahoo! (2012)

 

Being featured in HuffPost Taste (2012)

 

And more!

 

So you see, so much goodness can happen in a very short time span (and this was before Instagram was a boom! ;))

 

I look forward to continuing my celebration over the remaining weeks of 2020 and hope these shares will inspire you to pursue your dreams and passions and embrace wherever they may lead.

 

xo,

Dawn

 

 

Rustic Strawberry Jam Crostini

It felt really good to be back in the kitchen this past weekend.  On Sunday, I decided to spoil myself a bit and whip up a brunch bite to go along with my "in-house" cappuccinos that I've essentially become addicted to lately.  A mound of fresh strawberries-- turned rustic strawberry jam--and an exquisitely scrumptious honey compound butter made for one of the best crostini I've tasted.  And I do adore my crostini.

To describe how it came together, I'd borrow from that hit of yesteryear and say (or sing) that it was easy like Sunday morning.  Corny perhaps, but totally apropos. 

With an emphasis on rustic (rather than a classic gelatin base), the jam came together in about half an hour, and the honey-butter called for little more than a spoon twirl or two.  Not long after, warm, buttery toasted baguette slices, that could easily have stood on their very own as perfection, were toppled with the sweet, yet slightly complex and savory jam (I tossed in a teaspoon of fresh thyme), to form bite after bite of homemade satisfaction. When I finally finished savoring my delicacies, I got an even bigger rush from the fact that I had leftovers--and I could would do it all over again soon.

Still makes me want to sing.  Make it for yourself and we'll start a band.

Happy Eating!

Rustic Strawberry Jam Crostini

HOW TO EAT: Tortillas

Photo: Cooking Channel

The thought of warm tortillas filled with all kinds of goodness always brings a smile to my face.  A staple in one of my favorite cuisines, Mexican, they serve as the perfect bed for almost anything you can dream up and pair well with favorite meats, as well as in vegetarian preparations.

With Cinco de Mayo celebrations preparing to kick-off,  I'm excited to share our latest "how to eat" tutorial on this delicious Mexican staple that yields itself to great recipes--and just in time for the party!     

Happy Eating!

Eating Tortillas

Place plain tortillas flat on your hand or plate.  Fill, roll up, and eat from the end.  Baked tortillas covered in cheese and sauces are eaten with a fork and knife.

Check Out My Cooking Channel Webisode....& More!

After springing the news of my contest win on you earlier this week, I'm happy to share that my webisode is now available for your viewing--and sharing--pleasure!  I had my first peek on yesterday and it took me right back to that awesome day I experienced in the Food Network/Cooking Channel Studios.

(As a note, all the winning webisodes are located in a single video file, so you'll not only have the chance to see my taco webisode, but the other 12 category winners also.  They are posted in the order of the category air date on the The Perfect 3 television series that debuts today at 4 p.m. EST on the Cooking Channel.  Mine is 3rd in the bunch, following cakes (which airs today) and pancakes, which airs next Saturday.)  I just wanted you to know what to expect... UPDATE: Click on the 'Videos' tab and they're individually listed--or watch right here on DMRFF.  Just visit our new Videos page!

And speaking of air dates, The Perfect 3 taco episode will air on Saturday, August 6, 2011 and footage from my webisode will be linked to the show towards the end, so be sure to TUNE IN!!! (or set your DVRs.)  Check your local listings for station/channel details in your area.

Thanks again for all the kind and heart-warming feedback and congratulations that you've poured on me since my announcement.  It has meant so much to me.

Final marching orders:  watch the webisode, watch the taco episode, make the recipe, share the news with family and friends--and let me know what you think! 

Happy Eating!

About That Recipe Contest....I Won!

Perfect 3 Host, Kelsey Nixon, and Me on Set

You might remember some rumblings from me a couple of months back about a recipe contest I had entered--and more than a couple of solicitations for votes.  Well the day, the hour, has finally come when I can share what has felt like the biggest secret for the last while:  I won the Cooking Channel's Perfect 3 Recipe Contest!  The contest was divided into thirteen categories, each of which produced a winning recipe.  My category of choice was tacos--and my recipe for Grilled Steak Tacos with Chipotle Cream and Chimichurri was the ultimate winner. 

The winning dish

You can likely imagine the sheer thrill I experienced upon receiving the news.  I was so honored and excited and couldn't wait to spread the news far and wide, but it would be a while yet (now to be exact) until I was able to scream my delight into the blog and social media sphere.  My competition had included the likes of professional, seasoned chefs and food authorities, so this was no small feat in my eyes.  And I know that the support of the many who took the time to vote for me/my recipe in the final days of the competition surely played a part in my win.  So to you--each and every one of you--I say THANK YOU!!  Your support has meant so much to me, truly.

If you'll indulge me, I'll give a bit of background on the contest, before I came knocking for votes.  It all started with me entering my recipe into the contest.  A few weeks or so later, I received a notice that my recipe had been selected as a finalist.  There were three of us, however, so more work remained.  I then had to create and submit a short video of me demonstrating my recipe.  Once my video was done and submitted, I then realized I needed to solicit some votes!  So I hit my loyal networks and asked for support--which I obviously got.  In the end, everything came together to make mine the winning recipe.  Glory to God!

Now onto the prize...(my favorite part!)

The grand prize for each winner was to be flown to NYC to film a webisode of our recipe at the Food Network/Cooking Channel studios with Kelsey Nixon, the host of the soon-to-premier The Perfect 3 Cooking Channel television series.  Can you say, Awe-mazing?!  If you asked me what my dream prize would be, I couldn't have planned it any better.  NYC, Food Network/Cooking Channel and me.  It doesn't get any better!  And the Cooking Channel team made it the dream experience I was expecting.  From the time I arrived in NYC--car awaiting at the airport of course :)--until I returned home three days later, it was one of the grandest, most special experiences I have ever had the privilege of enjoying.

My three day, expense-paid trip included a stay in the fabulous Meat Packing District--home to Chelsea Market--which is home to the Food Network/Cooking Channel.  Sweet, huh?

My shoot was perfectly arranged for late afternoon of Day 2 of my visit.  I arrived to the studios and took that step I had always wanted to take--into the doors of the Food Network studios.  After being greeted by my guide and right-hand woman so-to-speak, I was given the privilege of touring the studio, including a stop by the Food Network kitchens, themselves, where chefs were making my recipe in preparation for my shoot!  Check out some photo highlights from that grand day below.

Home of the Food Network/Cooking Channel

The Next Food Network/Cooking Channel Star...

Those kitchens!

Meeting the chefs who were preparing my recipe; we're holding the marinated steak!

One Happy Girl!

After my tour, I was escorted to the green room where I had finishing touches done by the resident make-up artist and waited for a bit while the pie category winner wrapped her shoot.  Then...it was showtime!  I was mic-ed up (and down, frankly) and entered the set where I met Kelsey and the team on-hand who were directing our shoot.  Kelsey was the best.  She was so warm and friendly, so I was able to relax and feel at home during the shoot.  And I even had my own "kitchen genies" who would come and replace food or clean-up items, etc., on cue.  (Now if I can just find a way to duplicate that at home.)  It was a fun shoot, that I'll never forget, and I'm so excited to see--and to have you see--the final version once it's published online.  I also can't wait to see all the other winning recipe webisodes.

After the shoot, I grabbed an ice cream cone and took a stroll at the beautiful High Line Park to watch the sunset and take it all in.

So I'll keep you posted on when it's finally available to watch.  Late summer is my likely guess.  But, I'll let you know, don't worry.  In the interim, you can check out The Perfect 3 television series for yummy inspiration.

Finally, you have to make the recipe and let me know what you think.  P.S. If you love steak and bold, delicious flavors, you'll LOVE these tacos!

I think success is sweetest when shared, so thank you for allowing me to share this very special honor with you.

Happy Eating!

My Whirlwind Week in Food: A Recipe Contest, Food Bloggers' Conference and Oodles of Inspiration

WHAT A WEEK!

Last week around this time, I had just recently completed the edits for my cooking video submission for the Cooking Channel's Perfect 3 Recipe Contest.  It was a simultaneous rush of relief and excitement: relief for getting it done and keeping myself in the running for the amazing grand prize and excitement that my recipe for Grilled Steak Tacos with Chipotle Cream and Chimichurri qualified me as a finalist!  I have to admit that I'm still on a high from that one and eagerly awaiting the final verdict on the matter. 

I hope you'll take the time to make the recipe and drop me a note letting me know what you think.  It comes together easily, so with a little advance preparation, you can enjoy it as a quick, weeknight meal--or anytime you fancy.  And if I say so myself, it's quite good!  Finally, a big 'thank you' to those who took the time to support me by voting for my recipe.

I rode the momentum and excitement from the recipe contest into the latter part of the week and the kickoff of the BlogHer Food '11 Conference.  My first blogger conference, I wasn't totally sure of what all it would entail.  The session titles and descriptions sounded compelling, yet practical enough to have true relevance for my benefit.  The added bonus of having it in my own backyard/hometown was the final "sign" that this was a not-to-be-missed event.  While I only had one day to spare for personally attending, I will definitely soak in the live blogging session recaps that BlogHer Food wonderfully provided. 

Me (on the right) and Fellow BlogHer Food Attendees

I looked forward to personally meeting fellow food bloggers, whose talent and professional generosity continue to inspire, along with industry leaders and great brands.  And my experience didn't disappoint.  I did all of the above--and them some--enjoying instruction on everything from working with media and brands, to vlogging, to advice on taking the mobile leap, while also soaking in personal stories of triumph and making great connections.  All of this with great noshing sprinkled throughout the day, no doubt.

My natural high exploded exponentially as the day drew to a close, and I relished what a great one it had been.  As I made the trek home, I reflected on the great impartation I had the good fortune to receive.  Now I must do a deep dive into all I learned and be a good steward of this treasure.  I'll also be sharing some nuggets here on DMRFF, so stayed tuned.  Beyond that, the weekend brought personal blessing and inspiration as I witnessed a dear cousin fulfill his dream of becoming a medical doctor. 

So as I wind down and prepare for the start of yet another week, I wish you Happy Eating and your own boat load of inspiration.