D.M.R. Fine Foods: sip

Monday, November 6, 2023

Deck the Halls Mocktail + A Holiday Recipe Exchange!

This year, I'm excited to take part in Eat the Culture’s 2023 Holiday Recipe Exchange: Party Pairings for All the Holidays! Holidays often revolve around communal moments – sharing stories, laughter, and, of course, food. This year's roundup is all about those delightful 'lite bites' and drinks that set the tone for festive gatherings.

I had the pleasure of partnering with Ashley of Pink Owl Kitchen who crafted delicious New Orleans BBQ Shrimp. This dish pairs perfectly with my Deck the Halls Mocktail. Learn more about Eat the Culture and find a complete list of recipes from all participants here. Share these recipes with your friends and loved ones and follow each participant by using the hashtags #HolidayswithETC, #PerfectPartyPairings, and #ETCHOLIDAYS2023 on Instagram.

And speaking of the holidays, they have always represented the time of year where my favorite things combine (faith, family, friends--and food!) and ignite my merry-making. With the backdrop of the world today, I'm anticipating the upcoming holiday season more than ever.

And to celebrate the many special moments, gatherings, soon-to-come memories, and merriment, I'm toasting to this season--and decking the halls!--with a festive, effervescent and beautiful sip. Cue my easy and fun Deck the Halls Mocktail.

I'm talking a worthy signature drink (for easy entertaining) that's adaptable for any occasion from a kids' party, to a Girls' Night, to Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Eve, and beyond. It's the drink that you'll love to sip and serve, again and again. It's been in my holiday repertoire for a couple of holiday seasons now, and I'm thrilled to share and make your holidays all the merrier, brighter and tastier.

A really special wow factor happens to be the festive ice cubes that serve the double duty of both chilling—and adorning—this drink. Like mini frozen ornaments, they boast orange, rosemary, cranberry, and star anise. A beautiful compliment to the gorgeous drink hue, these ice cubes elevate this drink and make it a feast for the eyes.

So now that we’re agreed that this will be making the rounds during the holiday season, let’s cheers to safe, festive…

Happy Sipping!

Deck the Halls Mocktail

Ingredients:

Festive Ice Cubes* (recipe to follow)

Ginger beer

Grenadine syrup

Orange slices

Maraschino Cherries

Festive Ice Cubes:

Ingredients:

Cranberries (frozen or fresh)

Orange Slices

Fresh rosemary sprigs

Star Anise

Water

Special Equipment: Ice cube tray/mold

Method:

Place cranberries, an orange slice, rosemary sprigs and star anise into an ice cube mold or tray compartments. Add water and freeze overnight.

Add festive ice cube(s) to a glass. Pour over ginger beer. Add a splash or two of grenadine. Garnish with orange slices and cherries. Enjoy and cheers to a fabulous holiday season!

Toast With This!: Dalgona Coffee

As weekends go, this past one was a satisfying mixture of productivity and chill. Mind you it didn't come without some internal coaching to remind myself that it's okay to just. chill. at times. The type-A, achiever part of my makeup needs reminders on this sort, occasionally-- remembering that it's self-love in motion when we can be gentle and extend grace--to ourselves!

So somewhere in between a few house chores, indulging in walks outdoors, a training course, Netflix, catching up with family, online worship, cooking, and so on, I decided to finally give a nod to the trending whipped coffee that I've been seeing on social media. Known as Dalgona Coffee, with origins hailing from India, Pakistan and beyond, this simple, but stunning, drink is worth the hype. My rendition included the addition of allspice and cinnamon for a warm, subtle Chai finish. And considering my picky ways when it comes to coffee drinks, I'm glad to report that it's a keeper. :)

Easy enough to bring together (we're talking sheer minutes) and beautifully delicious enough to feel like the special treat you didn't know you wanted, it was a fun Sunday afternoon indulgence that I think you should add to your stay-at-home, quarantine ticking and tocking. Besides giving certain popular coffee shops that will rename nameless a run for their (over-priced) money for similar drinks, this makes for a perfect breakfast, afternoon or dessert indulgence.

So the next time you're looking to enjoy a cheers or two, toast with this!

Happy Sipping!

Dalgona Coffee
Ingredients:
Two tablespoons instant coffee
Two tablespoons sugar
Two tablespoons hot water
1/8 teaspoon allspice
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
Milk of choice
Ice

Method:
Add coffee, sugar, spices and water to a mixing bowl. Whisk ingredients together by hand or electric mixer until the coffee becomes frothy with a whipped texture. Pour milk over ice and ladle in whipped coffee to top. Enjoy!

Toast With This!: Cider Mimosas

When it comes to stress-free entertaining, one of my hallmark tips is to serve a signature drink--be it a mocktail, cocktail, or whatever suits your sipping fancy. It does the double duty of marking the occasion, while keeping the effort level low, freeing you up to spend more time with your guests--the ultimate reason we gather, no?

So just in time for your Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving, and all around holiday soirees, I've created a delicious, festive sip that's a grown-up twist on one of my favorite seasonal beverages, apple cider. And with only four ingredients, it couldn't be easier to make--and toast with--my cider mimosas.

Happy Sipping!

Cider Mimosas

Ingredients:
1 part Chilled Prosecco
1/2 part Apple Cider
Fresh thyme and rosemary

Method:
Pour prosecco and top with cider. Garnish with fresh herbs and enjoy!

Toast With This!: Elderflower Lemonade Spritz

Only a handful of days back home from my most recent jaunts to London and Paris and everything--including the longing to return--is still fresh and vivid in my memory. As I paused to reflect, I realized that this most recent visit to Paris, in particular, marked the fifth over the past 17 years. And can I let you in on a secret? It's still my favorite all these years later. If you've been following the blog for a while, then you know London is also a fond destination and this third time around was as charming as the first over twelve years ago.

So putting my sentiments to the side, momentarily at least, I want to share an ode to the casual, yet sophisticated, sip that takes many variations among the sidewalk cafes and restaurants throughout each destination: the Spritz.

From the Aperol (which recently underwent a heated review, turned debate, courtesy of New York Times Cooking, but which showed no sign of waning across the pond if my observations are any proof), to the St. Germain, and beyond, the Spritz undoubtedly holds its own as a drink of choice.

I've created a light, effervescent version that's as refreshing as the Summer days are long and the temps are hot--making it an undeniable go-to all season long. Combining Elderflower Lemonade (I like Belvoir's), Prosecco, and Club Soda for an elegant sip couldn't be easier, or more delicious--and the combined bubbly effect is a lovely bonus.

If you can't be cafe-side in Paris or London, you can still enjoy the same joie de vivre--and toast with this.

Happy Sipping!

Elderflower Lemonade Spritz
Ingredients:
Elderflower Lemonade (or Lemonade combined with an Elderflower Cordial), chilled
Prosecco, chilled
Club Soda

Method:
Pour Elderflower Lemonade into a glass, followed by Prosecco, and topped off with a splash of club soda. Stir slightly and enjoy!

Labor-less Labor Day Eats x Atlanta Plugged In

Summer isn't over yet!! I want to (air) scream this every time I cite a mention of Fall food and flavors these days. Don't get me wrong, I loveeee the Fall. It's my favorite season, in fact, but I'm all about celebrating each season to its fullest--and that means relishing the final days of Summer.

Just as Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of Summer, Labor Day tends to mark the unofficial end of this sultry time of year. And with Labor Day in mind (and on the horizon), I have to share a few, fun recipes to make your entertaining over the long weekend anything but laborious. Think effortless!

If you follow me on social media (I'd love it if you did--see the easy 'connect' buttons in the right margin. Shameless plug. ;-) ), then you're likely aware that I had the awesome privilege of returning to my favorite, Atlanta Plugged In, earlier this week to share my tips and recipes for making the most of the holiday.

WATCH ME HERE

Now that you've watched the segment, I hope you're inspired to try these easy, delicious, and, yes, healthy dishes. Win, win, win.

And to tie it all together with a big bow on top, I'm sharing a bonus "recipe" in the way of a super fun and effortless sip. Because there's so much to cheers to and be thankful for.

Enjoy a delicious, effortless, and safe holiday weekend.

Happy Eating!

Peach Caprese Bites
Ingredients:
Fresh peaches, sliced into rounds
Fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced
Prosciutto, thinly sliced
Basil leaves
Flaked sea salt (optional)
Balsamic syrup, for garnish, (optional)

Method:
Arrange peaches, mozzarella, basil and prosciutto in stacks. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt and drizzle balsalmic, if using. Enjoy!

Roasted Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers
Ingredients:
Shrimp, peeled and deveined
Fresh pineapple
Old Bay Seasoning
Kosher Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Olive Oil
Brown sugar
Cilantro
Fresh limes

Method:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

On a baking sheet, toss together shrimp, seasoning, a light sprinkling of salt, freshly ground pepper and olive oil. Roast in preheated oven for 5-6 minutes. Set aside.

On a separate baking sheet, toss together pineapple, brown sugar, salt, pepper and olive oil. Roast for 15 minutes in preheated oven. (*Cook's Note: Shrimp and pineapple can be prepared a day ahead and served at room temperature, if preferred.)

Add roasted shrimp, pineapple and cilantro to skewers. Garnish with more chopped cilantro and fresh lime juice. Enjoy!

Watermelon with Chili-Spiced Salt
Ingredients:
Fresh watermelon slices or chunks
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or less, to taste)

Method:
Add salt and spices to a dish and stir well to combine. Sprinkle over melon, serve and enjoy! (*Cook's Note: leftover salt can be stored in an airtight container in your pantry.)

Cotton Candy Sparkler
Ingredients:
Cotton candy
Sparkling drink of choice (cider, prosecco, champagne, etc.)

Method:
Pour sparkling beverage in glasses. Top with cotton candy. Toast and enjoy!

{Toast With This!}: Strawberry Spritzer

Enduring the Summer heat is a lot more bearable when you're sipping on a cool, effervescent and refreshing drink that boasts the season's bounty. And with that in mind, I recently added another favorite to my mocktail repertoire.

Inspired by my love for homemade everything, I set about to create a strawberry puree, accented with a hint of fresh lime juice. And can I just tell you--it was sooo good. (Like, spoonfuls in the middle of the day, straight from the container, kind of good. Don't judge me.) From there, the possibilities became endless for how to make the most of the berry-licious concoction.

Freeze into sorbet. Spoon over ice cream. Make into a seasonal spritzer. The latter of these was my immediate go-to, but the other options are still very much alive.

And this "non-recipe", recipe of sorts, couldn't be easier to pull off--or transform with additional or alternate flavors. One technique x endless options = happy cooking at its finest.

So cheers to more of Summer's luscious flavors...and to Happy Sipping!

Strawberry Spritzer
Ingredients:
1 lb. fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
Juice of 1/2 lime, plus more to garnish as desired
1/2 cup sugar
Club soda
Ice Cubes

Method:
Place strawberries in a blender or food processor and blend into a puree. Strain puree through a fine mesh sieve.

Add in sugar and lime juice and stir well to combine. Store in an airtight container for 8-12 hours or overnight to chill mixture.

Mix together 1/4 cup of puree and 3/4 cup of club soda. Pour over ice, serve and enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Bon Appetit

{Cooking for Dad}: A Father's Day Menu

There are few things that compare to the love, care, protection, guidance and affirmation that come from a father (or father-figure). An undisputed daddy's girl, my father represented many "firsts" in my life. He was my first love; the first man to affirm me and see the best in me; the first to lovingly foster the big dreams that he had for me. And although he wasn't perfect, he was perfect for me.

Our earth story ended shortly before my 19th birthday, when he moved to heaven, but there isn't a day, or year, that goes by in which I'm not thinking of him, thankful for the love he gave to me, and wishing I still had him on this side of heaven with me.

If my dad were still here with me, I would prepare for him a meal fit for a king. And as you prepare to cook for the special man (or men) in your life, this menu is all you need to make for a delicious and unforgettable meal: Roasted Chicken and Vegetables, Rosemary Popovers, Arnold Palmer Special, and Cherry Upside Down Cake. Now who wouldn't want that for dinner?! (No guy that I know. :))

So here's to a Happy Father's Day...and Happy Eating!

Arnold Palmer Special
Roasted Chicken and Vegetables
Rosemary Popovers
Cherry Upside Down Cake

Toast With This!: Blackberry Ginger Soda

With so much happening in the world today, not the least of which involves addressing the very serious matter of the lingering impacts of systemic racism, there has never been a better time to celebrate and amplify the voices and impact of black people, including our culture, cuisine, businesses and more. And with that comes the (perfectly timed) celebration of Juneteenth on June 19th., which commemorates the final act of emancipation from slavery under the Confederacy, two and a half years following President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation.

My personal celebration will include an exciting collaboration with fellow black culinary creatives for a virtual Juneteenth Cookout. With a bevy of recipes in tow, showcasing the exuberance, flavors, and resiliency of a people destined for freedom, I'm inviting you to join us by raising a glass of my favorite Blackberry Ginger Soda, an ode to the original Juneteenth staple of Red Soda Water.

“Watermelon and red soda water are the oldest traditional foods on Juneteenth,” said Dr. Ronald Myers, head of the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation.

Red represents perseverance and spans much of the celebrated cuisine. So if you haven't guessed by now, it's a delicious, empowering time of jubilee!

See my original post below that includes the easy four-ingredient recipe and join in the celebration with a toast to freedom, joy and better days ahead. You can also grab the recipes of the additional collaborators below for exceptional menu ideas for your very own Juneteenth cookout.
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Original Post:

If last week's solstice didn't carry enough of a bang to convince you that Summer has officially arrived, then this past weekend's sweltering heat offered a not-so-gentle reminder. And almost as fast as I welcomed the season, I began seeking a refreshing sip to usher in a much needed cool down.

While running my Saturday morning errands, I stopped in one of my favorite stores and landed upon the inspiration for this beautiful & ohh so good drink: rich, sweet blackberry syrup and sparkling dry ginger. My wheels instantly began turning and the resulting mocktail was born. I couldn't resist garnishing it with stunning blackberry king ice cubes, for added flair, and topping it off with a couple of splashes of club soda.

The punch from the ginger, coupled with the sweet blackberry essence and fizzy soda, makes this the perfect drink to toast the season--and it should definitely be in rotation in your sipping and entertaining repertoire. It's a casual, pour-as-you-like, non-recipe of sorts so make it your own, leading with the ginger as the base and accented with blackberry syrup and club soda to finish.

Happy Sipping!

Blackberry Ginger Soda

Ingredients:

Sparkling Dry Ginger (or ginger ale), chilled

Blackberry Syrup

Club Soda

Blackberry Ice Cubes

Method:

Fill glasses with ice cubes. Pour desired amount of ginger into glass, followed by a few drizzles of the syrup. Top with a couple splashes of soda. Stir to combine and enjoy!

The Juneteenth Cookout Recipes Round-Up:

A Girl Called Adri | Blackened Catfish

Beautiful Eats & Things | Spiced Grilled Peaches

Black Girls Who Brunch | Brown Butter Sweet Potato Cake

Brazilian Kitchen Abroad | Brazilian Collard Greens with Bacon

Britney Breaks Bread | Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Sour Cream and Honey Sauce

Brownbelle | Watermelon Hibiscus Whiskey Smash

Butter Be Ready | Chicken and Waffles

Chef and Steward | Watermelon and Feta Salad

Chef Curl Ardee | Honey and Butter Cornbread

Chenée Today | Lemon Icebox Pie

Christy Irene | Crawfish Etoufee