Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Dear Carrot Cake,

How do I love thee?  Let me count the ways....

Your moist, luscious cake... Your creamy, decadent frosting... Your...

By now, you're probably thinking, "Really, Dawn?  A love letter to cake?!"  And if I hadn't baked and tasted it for myself many times over, I would be right there in the skeptic's seat along with you.  Just trust me when I tell you that my ode could never come close to being overrated.  It really is that good...and special.

As with most of my favorite recipes, I began baking this cake many years ago and sharing it among family and friends.  We all loved it, so I later added it to my catering menus.  And surprise! My clients also loved it.  The rest, as we say, is history. 

From holiday celebrations, to birthday affairs, to dinner parties, and good 'ole sweet tooth cravings, this Carrot Cake continues to hold its own in the sea of confectionery delights.

I gave it an honorable mention once here on the blog, as I shared highlights from a Thanksgiving Dinner.  Today I've finally come full circle to share a recipe, as well (and if you must know, I took so long because I vowed I would never give up my source for this unbelievable yumminess. And that's still not entirely untrue.) But because I'm a generous girl at heart :), I'm offering up a similar recipe to get your baking--and indulging--underway! 

Happy Eating!

Carrot Cake
(Recipe courtesy of Epicurious)
 
 

Cherry Upside-Down Cake

There will always be certain foods and tastes that whisk me right back to my childhood.  And upside-down cake--of the pineapple variety--is one.  While it was never a staple in my family's baking repertoire, I was always delighted when I happened upon a well executed (or otherwise) taste of this unconventional cake.  Unconventional in my childhood meant sans frosting.  And with cooked fruit.  The only cake in my confectionery world that hit those marks back then was my mom's Christmas Fruit Cake (and, shhh... I was never really a fan.)  Still, the sweet and caramelized pineapple atop decadent, sponge-like cake worked for me.

Fast forward a "few" years, and I happened upon a recent cherry rendition via Bon Appetit.  A one bowl wonder, and the memories of upside-down cake indulgence of days gone by, fueled my resolve to bake. this. cake.  And I'm so glad I did.

A leisure Sunday afternoon provided the perfect backdrop for abandoning myself to the tasks of prepping, baking, "unmolding" (fingers were crossed!), and finally tasting this gem of a dessert.  The sweet, dark cherries, accented with hints of citrus, and the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cake made for a great pairing--and not too few cake, coffee, cake, tea, cake rotations in the days since.

Frozen cherries worked fine, so there's virtually no hassle in assembling your ingredients and getting down to baking business.  Add it to your baking agenda--and your memories will soon thank you, also.

Happy Eating!

Cherry Upside-Down Cake
  

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

Let's just say that my affinity for chocolate and peanut butter combined knows few, if any, bounds.  From childhood, peanut butter has always been one of my absolute favorite tastes.  (I actually have a family member or two who find it totally distasteful, and every so often I have to insert the incredulous side-eye/eye roll to this madness. 😏) 

As I was saying, PB (with, or without, the J) is a delicacy I find scrumptious from cookies (it's my favorite kind and perpetual "go to"), to candies, and beyond.  And while I'm not the world's biggest chocoholic, chocolate peanut butter cups--or any variation of those ingredients--squarely amount to confectionery delights of the grandest proportions.  Translation: it's not safe to keep them around for long...or my hips and waist may be impacted.

Still, everyone deserves a special indulgence (or two or three or more) every so often.  And these homemade goodies more than fit the bill of indulgent, undeniable goodness.   And served to someone special?  There's no denying the love that's involved.  

So for all my fellow chocolate-peanut butter lovers, this one's for you.

Happy Eating!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
Ingredients:
9 ounces milk or semi-sweet chocolate
3/4 cup smooth, natural peanut butter
1/4 cup confectioner's sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Method:

1. Set 18 mini paper baking cups on a baking sheet. Melt 4 ounces of the chocolate either over a double boiler on the stove top or in short bursts in the microwave. Spoon 1 teaspoon of melted chocolate into each cup. Use an offset spatula or a small spoon to spread the chocolate slightly up the sides of each baking cup; make sure you have an even chocolate base at the bottom of each cup. Let cool at room temperature for about 15 to 20 minutes until mostly solid.
2. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, stir together peanut butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract and salt. (Make sure the peanut butter is well-combined in the jar before you measure it.) Transfer the peanut butter mixture to a resealable plastic bag and seal it tightly.
3. Cut one corner of the plastic bag and pipe 2 to 3 teaspoons of peanut butter mixture into the center of each cup. With a very lightly moistened finger, tamp down the peanut butter and make it flat and even, but leave a bit of space between the peanut butter and the edge of the paper cup (you should be able to see a ring of chocolate peeking from below the peanut butter).
4. Melt the remaining 5 ounces of chocolate. Spoon 1 teaspoon of chocolate onto the top of each cup. Use an offset spatula or a small spoon to spread the chocolate evenly over the top and down the sides of the cup. Refrigerate until solid, about 30 minutes.

 Enjoy!
Recipe courtesy of New York Times Cooking
    

{Tis the Season}: D.M.R. Fine Foods Holiday Pop-Up Shop!

At the risk of sounding slightly (or majorly) cliche, it's the most wonderful time of the year.  The holiday season is uniquely one of the most special times of the year--for all the right reasons.  Connecting with friends and family.  Savoring wonderful tastes.  Celebrating new and old traditions, alike.  And that's where my excitement truly shifts into gear...because my 3rd annual Holiday Pop-Up Shop promises to deliver on them all.

SAVE THE DATE and make plans to join me on Saturday, December 17, 2016, from 12-4p.m. EST at the fabulous Pottery Barn in Lenox Square for a time to remember!  Come out and experience festive, holiday cheer, while tasting, savoring and shopping my small-batch, artisan holiday sweets and treats.  From sweet to savory, there will be something for everyone.  Our goodies are wonderful as hostess gifts, for your holiday menus, and for plain 'ole noshing!

It promises to be a deliciously fun afternoon--and, as always, I can't wait to see you there!

Happy Eating and Happy Holidays!

D.M.R. Fine Foods Holiday Pop Up Shop
Venue Details:
Pottery Barn
Lenox Square Mall
3393 Peachtree Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30326
404.812-9726

{Savory & Sweet}: Herb-Truffle + Honey-Cinnamon Compound Butters

If you know me, then you know how I feel about a good compound butter.  Over the weekend, I decided to whip up two varieties--one sweet and one savory--to add extra flair and flavor to my holiday tables.  And what resulted were insanely good butters that will have you feigning long after the holidays have come and gone.

On the savory side, I took to my pantry for truffle salt (because it's the holidays, you know), and garlic, then I rounded up some fresh Italian herbs to create a decadent Herb-Truffle Butter.  This delicacy will take your turkey, chicken, roasted veggies, popcorn, and more, over the top with bold, savory goodness.

On the sweet side of things, I went for the warmth of cinnamon, coupled with the floral sweetness of honey, for a Honey-Cinnamon Butter that will make you forget what you did with your pancakes, waffles, french toast, muffins, baked sweet potatoes, and then some, before it came along. 

Easy to make and wonderful for sharing, these compound butters are the perfect special touches to your holiday fare.

Happy Eating!

Herb-Truffle Butter
Ingredients:
1 stick (4 oz.) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon truffle salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Medley of fresh basil, rosemary and thyme, chopped  

Method:
In a small bowl, combine butter, herbs, salt, garlic and pepper.  Place on parchment paper and roll up into a log.  Refrigerate, or freeze, to firm.  Serve and enjoy!

Honey-Cinnamon Butter  
Ingredients:
1 stick (4 oz.) unsalted butter, room temperature
3 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 
1/4 teaspoon salt
Splash of vanilla extract

Method:
In a small bowl, combine butter, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.  Place on parchment and roll up into a log.  Refrigerate, or freeze, to firm.  Serve and enjoy!

(Cook's Note: Butters can be stored in freezer and refrigerator.)   

Salted Honey-Caramel Sauce

Not all great dishes require extended time and effort to pull off something remarkable and deliciously nosh-worthy.  Take decadent salted honey-caramel sauce for instance.  This homemade treat comes together like a dream in a matter of mere minutes, and from there the sky is the limit on the number of ways to indulge.

From ice cream sundaes, to milkshakes, to cheesecake, to pancakes (you get the picture, no?), a drizzle or two or three of this homemade confection delivers irresistible sweet-salty-caramel-y goodness to your favorite desserts and dishes.

Make. Drizzle. Nosh. Repeat.  All in a day's... Happy Eating!

Salted Honey-Caramel Sauce
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon honey
1 cup sugar
1 cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons cold, unsalted butter
1 teaspoon Fleur de Sel (or coarse salt)   
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method:
Combine honey, 1/4 cup water, and sugar in a medium saucepan.  Heat over medium, swirling until sugar dissolves.  Bring to a boil; cook until mixture is deep golden brown, 4-6 minutes.  

Remove from heat and carefully whisk in cream, butter, salt and vanilla (be careful, mixture will splatter).  Let cool completely.  Sauce can be refrigerated for up to two weeks in an airtight container.  Gently reheat before serving.  Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Martha Stewart   

{Spring Popsicles}: Coconut x Lime x Rose x Raspberry

I returned from a quickie getaway to the beach over the weekend that left me relishing Spring--and all its vibes--more than ever.  Back home and searching for kitchen inspiration for the blog, it wasn't long before my musings turned to the yummy, refreshing and whimsical world of popsicles.

I've had these darlings on my radar for quite a while, with the boxed popsicle molds sitting at the ready for about a year now, as a testament.  (Baby steps.)  But the moment finally arrived when Spring fever, coupled with my childlike obsession for all things frosty, could no longer be denied.

Enter my homespun (but delightfully scrumptious--and figure friendly) concoction of slightly sweet, tart, floral, and citrus-y popsicles.  The blend of coconut water, freshly squeezed lime juice, rose water, and surprise!, elderflower cordial, with fresh raspberries for their gorgeous aesthetic effect and tart bite, produced my newest favorite snack that's sure to keep me noshing throughout the remaining days of Spring...and beyond.

Happy Eating!

Spring Popsicles: Coconut x Lime x Rose x Raspberry

Ingredients:
2 cups coconut water
Juice of 2 limes
Teaspoon of rose water
2 tablespoons elderflower cordial
Fresh raspberries

Method:
Combine coconut water, lime juice, rose water and elderflower cordial.  Fill popsicle molds halfway with mixure and add fresh raspberries.  Freeze for about 40 minutes.  Remove molds from freezer and fill with remaining mixture and top off with more berries.  Freeze overnight and enjoy! (Cook's Note: Run molds under warm water if difficult to remove.)  
  
 

Strawberry-Basil Sorbet

*Special Post Update* Join me in celebrating Juneteenth by indulging in some delicious fare, including the dishes of my fellow contributors to the 2021 Juneteenth Virtual Cookout, located at the end of the post. In grand jubilee style, 40+ black creators contributed to this collaborative menu as a Freedom Day tribute. Juneteenth marks our country’s second independence day; the final emancipation of those enslaved in the U.S.--whose freedom was ultimately announced in 1865. Join in, share, and help us continue the legacy of celebrating progress. Additionally, you can easily follow each participant by using the hashtag #JuneteenthCookout2021 on Instagram.

As for me, I'm celebrating this year with my contribution of a sweet, frosty, fruity, scrumptious--and ultra refreshing--sorbet treat that's perfect for your Juneteenth celebrations--and beyond.

**********

There has to be a special place in heaven for the person who discovered the incomparable sweet treat known as ice cream.  And let's not overlook  the genius who decided to dubb July as National Ice Cream Month.  Heroes/Heroines in my book, without question.

Now to say that I love frozen, icy, creamy (or not so creamy) treats doesn't do justice to my lifelong obsession.  Truly, if I could savor them everyday, without consequence, I absolutely would. (I've done it for spells, like while traveling in Italy.  The effects of my daily gelato fix remained with me--or should I say my waistline--as a not-so-welcome reminder of my indulgent ways.  There's something about 'holidays' that make you feel calories are a figment of the imagination--or you simply just don't care.) 

More than cake, cookies, brownies, pies, pastries, or any other sweet decadence, ice cream helms my sweet affections.  So adding a homemade sorbet (made with luscious strawberries and sweet, lemony basil, no less) to the menu for my Spring Pop-Up Cooking School was a no brainer.  My class raved over it, and now I'm sharing the easy, four ingredient recipe, so you can get in on the action and savor it, too!

Make it now--and thank me later.

Happy Eating!

Strawberry-Basil Sorbet
Ingredients:
1 lb.  fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
3/4 cup sugar
Juice of a small lemon
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
*Special Equipment: Ice Cream Maker

Method:
Combine berries and sugar in a bowl.  Stir to coat fruit, cover and allow berries to macerate for an hour. 

Add macerated berries and their liquid to a blender or food processor, along with lemon juice and basil.  Process until it becomes a puree.  Transfer mixture to a container and chill in the refrigerator for several hours or up to overnight. 

Pour chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and freeze according to instructions.  Once frozen, place sorbet in the freezer for at least two hours to harden further.  Enjoy!

Want More? Indulge in the Full Juneteenth Virtual Cookout 2021 Spread Below:

Watermelon Ice Pops  by A Girl Called Adri

Juneteenth Soul Rolls by Black Girls Who Brunch

Honey Buttermilk Biscuits with Roasted Strawberries by Britney Breaks Bread

Strawberry Collins by Brownbelle

Peach Cobbler Cinnamon Rolls by Butter Be Ready

Red Hot Pepper Shrimps by Chef and Steward

Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins by Chef Curl Ardee

Lemon Sour Cream Pound Cake by Chenée Today

Vegan Ranch Style Beans by Collards Are The Old Kale

Jamaican Jerk BBQ Ribs by Cooks with Soul

Sweet and Tangy Coleslaw by Crumb-Snatched

Strawberry-Basil Sorbet by D.M.R. Fine Foods

Red Velvet Layer Cake with Chocolate Covered Strawberries by Dash of Jazz

Red Velvet Cookies by Dish It With Tisha

Brisket Stuffed Baked Sweet Potatoes by Dude That Cookz

BBQ Baked Beans by Food Fidelity

Black Eyed Pea Salad by FoodLoveTog

Harissa Honey Roasted Vegetable Skewers by Geo’s Table

Gluten Free Peach Cobbler (Vegan) by Good Food Baddie

Crispy Gluten-free Baked BBQ Chicken Wings by Gristle and Gossip

Summer Watermelon Fizz by Handy Chef

Watermelon and Cucumber Salad by Heal Me Delicious

Smoky Party Style Jollof Rice by Immaculate Ruemu

Crab Boil & Garlic Butter Sauce by Jamieson Diaries

Tamarind BBQ Wings by Just Add Hot Sauce

Hibiscus Rum Punch by Kenneth Temple

Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream by Lenox Bakery

Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches by Mash & Spread

Grilled Hot Links & Chow Chow by Meiko And The Dish

Strawberry Lemonade Sangria by Nik Snacks

Brown Sugar Caramel No-Churn Ice Cream by Open Invitation Entertainment

Strawberry Basil Pineapple Mocktail by Orchids + Sweet Tea

Lemon Meringue Tart by Peaches 2 Peaches

Spicy Shrimp Creole by Pink Owl Kitchen

Strawberry Crunch Cake Brownies by Razzle Dazzle Life

Grilled Maque Choux Salad by Savor and Sage

Savannah Red Rice by Seasoned To Taste

Country Style Potato Salad by Sense & Edibility

Deviled Eggs by Slight Kitchen Werk

Rum Punch by Sweet & Sorrel

Mint Julep by Sweet Tea + Thyme

Almond Peach Cake by That Green Lyfe

Strawberry Cobbler Galette by The Dana Renée Way

Strawberry Baby Back Ribs by This Worthey Life

 
 

Holiday Pop-Up Shop {Photo Highlights!}

Last weekend reminded me, once again, of what I love so much about food, as I hosted my Holiday Pop-Up Shop. The thrill of creating--and sharing--food that you love and seeing the delight it brings to those who enjoy it is like no other.  I was so fortunate to share my passion with my customers as they tasted, savored and shopped my select holiday menu of cookies, candies and savory treats.  And I was even more elated to witness their wonderful (if not colorful) reactions to my food, up close and personally.  (Every cook's dream and what makes it all worth it, for sure.)

Westside Market served as the beautiful host location for an afternoon of holiday cheer and scrumptious, festive eats that will always be remembered.  While we weren't able to capture each and every customer who supported us during the event, we definitely captured the spirit of them all and invite you to see our photo highlights from the big day!

Thanks again to everyone who supported this event and helped to make it a success!!

Happy Eating & Holidays!

 

{Taste. Savor. Shop.}: D.M.R. Fine Foods Holiday Pop-Up Shop!

This holiday season I'm going back to where it all began--my Holiday Sweets and Treats Menu.  Only seven years ago, I rolled out a holiday menu that featured the best in confectionery sweets and savory treats and D.M.R. Fine Foods was officially born.  The response was great (if not overwhelming) and my small-batch, artisan quality food business would continue to later include private dinner parties, customer appreciation events, and yes, more holiday catering, alongside my role as a culinary instructor, the start of my companion blog in 2010 and, most recently, the launch of my Pop-Up Cooking School.

I have loved watching my vision grow over the years and my commitment to bringing my clients the best is as strong as ever.  So, for one afternoon only, I'll be featuring select items from my holiday menu at my first-ever holiday pop-up shop, hosted at the fabulous Westside Market!

It's the perfect opportunity to taste, savor, shop and bring a taste of the holidays into your home--without any of the fuss. 

And now, for the menu.

Mark your calendars for December 13th from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. EST and make plans to drop in for these holiday goodies for your own noshing, holiday parties, hostess gifts, and more!  I look forward to seeing you there!

Happy Holidays and Eating!

D.M.R. Fine Foods Holiday Pop-Up Shop

Venue Details:

Westside Market 

1530 Ellsworth Ind. Blvd. 

Atlanta, Ga 30318

404.941.3466

www.westsidemarketatl.com

{Star Ingredient} -- Balsamic Done Savory and Sweet

Balsamic vinegar is a wonder.  Its tangy brightness, characteristic of vinegars, generally, and undeniable sweet notes, make it a versatile, star ingredient that should be resident in every gourmand's kitchen.  And while I first became acquainted with the savory, more traditional, ways of bringing balsamic into my cuisine, I have long since welcomed its ability to elevate and transform sweeter offerings into something truly special.

Today's post offers the best of both worlds, serving up easy, yet indulgent, recipes that will leave you forever convinced about why this pantry staple is a star ingredient, indeed. 

Balsamic Chicken

On the savory end, I'm sharing a recipe for Balsamic Chicken that will steer you away from the "we're having chicken again" doldrums. And for my sweet take, a little balsamic goes a long way.  Starting with the best aged balsamic I can find, it stars as the perfect finish and accent to luscious, roasted pears.  While these dishes are a cinch to pull together, they equally score as courses elegant enough for special occasions.  So whether you're in the mood for sweet, savory, or both, balsamic will give you something to relish.

Balsamic Roasted Pears

Happy Eating!

Balsamic Chicken

Ingredients:
1.5-2 lbs. skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Freshly parsley, roughly chopped (optional)

Method:
Season chicken with salt and pepper and place in a resealable bag.

In a small bowl, add vinegar, honey, soy, garlic and chili flakes, stirring or whisking to combine.   Pour marinade over chicken and reseal bag.  Massage chicken with marinade to coat well and place in the refrigerator for at least two hours or up to overnight.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Remove chicken from bag and place chicken on a foil-lined baking sheet, skin side down.  Bake for 30-35 minutes.  Reserve marinade.

Turn on broiler and turn chicken skin side up.  Place chicken under the broiler for 3-5 minutes or until the skin becomes crisp, keeping a close eye on it. 

Pour the marinade into a small saucepan and bring to a boil.  Stir frequently and allow sauce to cook until reduced and thickened.  Brush sauce over cooked chicken and garnish with fresh parsley, if using.  Serve and enjoy!
Recipe adapted from Just a Taste
 

Balsamic Roasted Pears

Ingredients:
Bosc pears, halved and cored
Brown sugar
Butter
Aged balsamic
Ice cream

Method:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Place pears in a baking dish, flesh side up.  Place a pat of butter in the hollow of each pear half, where the core once was.  Sprinkle brown sugar over the pears (as much as you please).  Place pears in heated oven and bake for 30 minutes, until pears are tender.

Remove pears from oven and place over ice cream.  Finish with a generous drizzle of balsamic over the ice cream and pears.  Serve and enjoy!