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!

  

Chocolate Truffles (& A Food Story)

Ten years. TEN YEARS!

I recently came up for air and realized that, indeed, it has been ten years since I first "went public" (read: beyond doting family and friends) with my food passion and journey.  I had been cooking, baking--and sharing--well before then, but ten years ago (the holiday season of 2007, to be exact), I decided to take my love of creating and sharing great food to another level.  And it was then that my inaugural Holiday Sweets and Treats Menu was born.

When I set about this whirlwind task of developing the menu (the easy part--and 100% inspiration) and subsequently fulfilling 35 orders that first Christmas (yes, 35!!!--and more in the queue that I had to decline as the word spread), I didn't have any more immediate plans on this front.  Because let me tell you: that. was. some. work.--100% perspiration.

Still, I took immense pleasure in the fact that people responded to my food--and wanted to pay me for it! (A sensation I imagine most creatives and entrepreneurs experience.)  I made everything from scratch (the purist in me is still alive and well all these years later.)  I had personalized ribbons with my new chosen name, D.M.R. Fine Foods, designed to adorn the delivery boxes.  And, finally, I personally packaged--and delivered--every order to each precious customer across the Metropolitan Atlanta area (the majority of whom were...strangers!)  It was the ultimate labor of love--and one that has brought me to this very moment in time...in grateful retrospection.

This has been one of the best surprises and journeys of my life so far--replete with blessing after continual blessing.  I'm so grateful to God for the gifts and talents He's graced me with and for allowing me to share them with those who cross my path in real life or virtually.  And THE BEST IS YET TO COME!

As an ode to that first menu and the abundant memories, I'm sharing a delicious, indulgent confection that has been with me since that initial launch: my rich Chocolate Truffles.  And because they're so easy to pull together, you can make them now and enjoy them in time for Christmas--and beyond!

Here's to ten years and counting, a Merry Christmas....and, as always, Happy Eating!

Chocolate Truffles
Ingredients:
8 oz. semisweet (good quality) chocolate --some of my favorites are Lindt and Ghirardelli 
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Confectioner's Sugar
Dutch (Unsweetened) Cocoa 

Method:
Finely chop chocolate and set aside in a heat-proof bowl.  

Add cream to a heavy saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.  Stir in vanilla.  Let cool for 20 seconds.

Pour hot cream over chocolate and stir to melt chocolate completely.  (Cook's Note: If chocolate still has lumps, place bowl over a pot of simmering water--being careful that the bowl doesn't touch the water--and continue to stir until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.) 

Refrigerate for at least two hours and then using a small ice cream scoop or teaspoon, scoop out the truffles.  They don't have to perfect; it's meant to be rustic as a mimic to the real (savory) truffles.

To finish, roll truffles in powdered sugar and cocoa (and any other coatings you prefer.)  Serve and enjoy!


   

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)
 
 

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

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

POPSUGAR MUST HAVE BOX: Indulge, Pamper, Celebrate

Earlier this week a wonderful package arrived to my sheer delight and excitement.  And as soon as I opened my October 2014 POPSUGAR MUST HAVE BOX, I knew I had every reason to feel the way I did.  

Indulgent, delicious, and filled with goodies made for pampering, I couldn't keep this all to myself.  From candles to candies to beauty and bath and more, there's really something for everyone.  So here's what's inside:

Happy Socks

Warm and cozy leopard-print socks perfect for the cooler temps now (happysocks.com)

butter LONDON  

A blendable WINK Eye Pencil in Earl Grey that's great for achieving an effortless look for day or something more dramatic, like a smokey eye, for night. (butterlondon.com)

Isaac Jacobs International  

An acrylic frame that's durable, chic--and great for displaying your special memories. (isaacjacobs.com)

Mine Design 

A supremely fragrant Chalkboard Candle.  Made out of soy, it's reusable and rewritable, so you can send the perfect message every time. (minedesignhome.com)

Dean & Deluca 

Pumpkin Spice Balls made with real pumpkin spices and dipped in dark chocolate; they perfectly capture the flavor of Fall. (deandeluca.com)

Nailed Kit  

Nail art decals that are fun, festive and easy to apply. (nailedit.com)

Bonus!: K. Hall Designs

Shoreline Shea Butter/Olive Oil Bar Soap--the moisturizing and refreshing treatment your skin will love, especially as the colder months approach. (khalldesigns.com)

And not to fret.  You can get your own MUST HAVE BOX subscription at a special discounted rate from now through November 2, 2014. Simply go here and enter the code OCT10Select to save $10 off a 3-month subscription. 

Happy Indulging!

Disclosure: POPSUGAR provided me with a complimentary POPSUGAR Must Have box. The opinions I have shared about the box are my own and POPSUGAR did not tell me what to say or how to say it.