Merry Christmas & Happy Eating!

Where has the time gone? Sitting here this Christmas Eve morning it seems almost surreal that we are basically a week away from the start of a brand new year.  Since childhood, the Christmas season has always been my favorite.  Then it was more about the anticipation of what I was expecting to receive.  In my adult years, I am equally, if not more, thrilled by the joy that comes with what I give.  There are few things that compare to the jubilance of bringing a smile, acknowledgement, and blessing to the lives of others.

That being said, I also happen to relish the delicious fare and festive cheer that abounds more during the holiday season.  I wish you your own load of merry making in the ways that are most meaningful to you. 

And in case you're in need of last minute inspiration, we're always here to serve it up whether you're talking food, entertaining, travel or tradition.  There's no need to stress, when we've done the heavy lifting (well, maybe not heavy :)) for you.

Merry Christmas....and Happy Eating!

Link Love: Holiday Gift Guides

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas--and with only a little over a week left until this most merry and blessed holiday, I, for one, couldn't be more thrilled!  I look forward to treasured time with family, friends, some extended R&R, celebrating the foundation of my faith and preparing for the New Year on the horizon. 

Another favorite thing that I relish about Christmas is the spirit of giving that comes alive.  More than any other time of the year, the Christmas season is marked by giving.  And if you're still in search of a few choice gifts for the food and/or style lovers in your life, then I want to share a few guides that can surely aid you in finding that perfect gift...or two.

From snazzy kitchen tools to custom threads to entertaining treasures to delicious eats, and more, these guides are some of my seasonal favorites--and I'm sharing the holiday love with you!

So here's to making any last minute shopping and gifting a breeze...




1. A chic and fun guide for those who love to entertain (Society Social) 

2. A holiday recipe and dessert gift guide that's perfect for the sweets lover (Jem of the South)

3. The ideal Christmas gift guide for the hard core foodie (Flanboyant Eats)

Happy Eating!

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!


   

Merry Christmas + Homemade Biscuits

Holidays and baking go hand-in-hand for me, so this past Sunday, I decided to slow down and finally bake homemade biscuits.  Yummy, right?!  

They truly were, with a savory, herbaceous twist, that makes them great for devouring morning, noon or night (i.e. for breakfast, brunch or dinner).  So with that said, I wanted to share the recipe with you in case you decide to follow my lead and bring them to your holiday eating repertoire.  

I'd actually been eyeing these since I saw the recipe in my November issue of Bon Appetite magazine, so it felt good to finally bring them to life in my kitchen. I'm so thrilled to say that they didn't disappoint.  To the contrary, they came out wonderful--with beautiful layers (the hallmark of a great biscuit, no?) and are easy to bring together.

I baked a few to enjoy and photograph for the blog :) and froze the rest of the batch for homemade biscuits on demand, whenever the notion--or craving--hits.  

So whenever you decide to bake them, I hope you experience the same Happy Eating.

Blessings for a Merry Christmas!

xx, Dawn

Stuffing Biscuits 

Link Love: Easy Holiday How-Tos

Photo Credit: Martha Stewart

With Christmas only a few days away, it's safe to assume that most people have gathered and wrapped all of their gifts, planned their menu(s), and staked some time for creative and relaxing indulgences.  Yes?  No.

More likely than not (if you're like most of us--ahem), there's still more to do.  So to help get you (sanely) through the remaining days of planning and prepping, I'm sharing a few of my favorite "how-tos" for everything from simple finishing touches (read: how do I get my gift wrapping to pop?) to DIY bath and home indulgences, to one fabulous starter (or final) course to round out your holiday noshing.

So relax, breathe, indulge--and enjoy a Merry Christmas.

Soothing Bath Soaks

Transform your home bath into a spa-esque sanctuary with tub teas and let relaxation replace holiday stress. (Martha Stewart)  

By Candlelight

The warmth and glow of candles instantly set a mood for equal parts calm and indulgence--and when they're easy, homemade candles, what's not to love? (Eat Boutique)

    Put a Bow On It

If your gift wrapping skills need a boost, let the finishing touch of a perfectly-tied bow do the trick. (BuzzFeed Life)

Say Cheese

Arranging a cheese plate can be tricky--flavors, textures, etc., etc.  These tips for creating a perfect cheese plate will take away the guesswork and leave you with a delicious spread. (Martha Stewart)  

Blessings & Happy Eating!

Gifts from My Kitchen!

As I gather with family and friends for Christmas and the remaining days of the holiday season, I'm bringing something personal to the table: homemade gifts from my kitchen.

Nothing says, "you're special", quite like a delicious, homemade gift--made with love.  

Chili Spice Blend & Turkey Chili Recipe

I'm gifting some of my favorite things, like spice blends--in adorable spice jars from Anthropologie--along with a recipe in which the blend can immediately be put to use.  I also baked up a generous batch of homemade granola that will make the perfect gift for easy snacking, breakfast cereal, or atop a favorite yogurt or ice cream.  Yum!

Homemade Granola

So if you're still wanting to add something personal to your gift repertoire, there's no better way than with homemade goodness from your kitchen.  Sweet treats, infused oils, flavored sugars, and more, make wonderful gifts that are easy to pull off.

Now off I go with my gifts in tow--and with wishes for you to enjoy a very Merry Christmas...and lots of Happy Eating!

Pretty in Pink: NYC's Pietro Nolita

I discovered Pietro Nolita, the all pink, intimately chic, yet casual, Italian eatery in New York City, on Instagram, amidst all the rave.

So when my travels landed me back in my favorite of cities during the recent Christmas holidays, there was no question that I would be making its acquaintance.  Had I considered its cuisine or food worthiness?  Not really.  Just the fact that it was ALL PINK and a girly girl's dream.

Pietro NoLita's Jewel Box Exterior

And so my plan of action began: decide on the day and time, find something pink to wear...because photos, and paint the town...red pink.  On the last night of my stay, we arrived for an early dinner before heading off to see the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular.  And those who know me best, know that an obligatory photo shoot ensued.  Despite the nightfall and blustery weather, I had to get photos of (and with) the adorable pink exterior before heading inside to settle in.

Once inside, more photos were in order, in between placing our orders and chatting up the staff.  And then there was the food.  Oh yes, food.  The reason you ultimately go out to dinner, no?  Now I was remembering the 'why' behind the 'what' of it all.  And I'm happy to say that my dish (a pan-seared sea bass) was delicious and my return is imminent to take in some of the house pasta.  So see, you really can go for the design thrills and leave satiated and...tickled pink. :)

Make it a place to dine whenever you find yourself in NYC looking for a quaint spot to sip and nosh--and it's okay if you don't want to mimic my all-pink enthusiasm.  I'm certain that you'll be enamored all the same by the cozy space and good eats.

Located in Soho (one of my favorite Manhattan districts), the kitchen opens daily from 11am and goes into the wee hours, serving lunch, brunch, and dinner.  There are no reservations, just loads of atmosphere and...

Happy Eating!

Pietro NoLita
174 Elizabeth Street
New York, New York 10012

{Be Inspired!}: Decking the Halls!

Last weekend I finally began adding Christmas touches to my home.  And although I'm not quite as eager as some (I have a cousin, for instance, whose decorations are always on full display by the second week of November!), I must admit that once everything comes together, I'm in love all over again (and secretly wishing for a way to keep the decor this way throughout the year.) 

From adorned table tops, to embellished topiary trees, to candles, wreaths and other accents, the smallest to grandest touches make for my very own special space that creates the perfect backdrop for this most wonderful time of the year. 

Photo Credit: Architectural Digest

And with that in mind, I've rounded up some seasonal decor inspiration to get your juices flowing with these savvy decorating tips from Architectural Digest--as you deck your own halls this holiday season.

Whatever you decide to do (or not), I hope this festive time of the year brings you goodness from near and far.

Happy Decorating!

{In Case You Missed It}: 2021 Highlights

 

I gave myself the grace to remain in a Happy New Year state of mind for the entire month of January.  And so, here I am on the final day (my how time flies!!), sharing my perennial recap of the year gone by.  So before January is a distant memory, let me get on with the D.M.R. Fine Foods highlights of 2021, despite it being another challenging and fulfilling year-in-one.  

I embraced every wave of energy, inspiration, occasion and celebration to make the most of my passions and share them with you.  I’m always grateful for each and every person who shares this journey with me and appreciate every opportunity to make it worth your while.

So without further ado, here are some of my favorite highlights of 2021:

Food

2021 brought more home cooking, as I relished long-time favorites and new recipes, alike. From Creole Jambalaya, to Peach Shortcakes, Peach Crisp, Skillet Cornbread, Stuffing Biscuits, and more, it was nothing short of happy eating on full display. 

Travel

I eased back onto the travel scene with a mix of staycation/short road trips, to quickie flights to Ft. Lauderdale and NYC, a Caribbean getaway to Aruba, and a final jaunt to Las Vegas, replete with the Christmas aura I love to experience during holiday season travels. You can check out my quick and fun travel recap here.

Lifestyle

One of the biggest highlights of the year was being selected as a 2021 Better Homes and Gardens Stylemaker! Can you say awe-mazing?!  It truly was and no less exciting being honored a second time around, following my 2018 BHG Stylemaker selection.  An exceptionally curated two-day event, marked by the best brands and authorities across the lifestyle spectrum, the BHG Stylemaker team and my fellow Stylemakers made for another unforgettable hallmark in my journey to date and a welcomed nod that my contributions matter.

Collaborations

Finally, I enjoyed the privilege of once again collaborating with fellow culinary creators as we hosted the Juneteenth Virtual Cookout, replete with a bevy of recipes, stories and celebration around the theme of freedom and what it means to Black Americans.  I additionally enjoyed the honor of sharing more about what Juneteenth means to me on the Stasherbag instagram platform for the (now federal) holiday commemoration. Other collaborations with high fashion brand Marcell Von Berlin and America's Test Kitchen were also a delight.

All in all, I remain grateful for the blessings God continued to bestow on me, even as we continue to navigate the “new normal” in food, hospitality—and life, as a whole.  As a final reminder, the archives are always available for you to dig in and devour D.M.R. Fine Foods through the years. :)

Thank you again for being here and here’s to a blessed, healthy, and prosperous 2022!

xx,

Dawn

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
  

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!

Rosemary-Thyme Cornbread Madeleines

I'll be honest.  There was a moment (or two or three) when I wondered if any semblance of a real winter would ever surface.  70+ degree temps through Christmas bode less than favorably for this Southern girl who longed for the more characteristically cooler weather that winter dreams are made of.  (And to finally be able to sport my new coat that I snagged in eager anticipation of some serious stylin' and profilin'.) :)

And then there was this past weekend.  Winter decided to dust off any remaining cobwebs from last year and finally make its entrance--accompanied by a blizzard effect in some parts of the country, and a milder, yet welcomed, cold snap in my parts.  Fleeting snowflakes made for warm and cozy inclinations, including whipping up some chicken soup for the soul--and baking a batch of homemade, herbed cornbread madeleines.  Life was as it should be.

Starting with my trusted cornbread recipe, I gave a savory twist to these delicacies--replete with fresh rosemary and thyme--and the yield was just as scrumptious as my sweet renditions.  And just as gorgeous.  Although the temps have already begun their ascent back to milder days of yore, I'll continue to relish my soup and cornbread combo--made all the better in the beautiful little package of madeleines.  

Happy Eating!

Rosemary-Thyme Cornbread Madeleines
Ingredients:
1 stick (8 ounces) unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups yellow cornmeal
1 cup flour
1/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/2 cups milk
2 large eggs 
2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
2 teaspoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
Heavy drizzle of honey (optional)

Special Equipment: Madeleine Baking Pan

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.  Grease and flour the baking pan.  Melt the butter in a small saucepan, pour the butter into a large bowl and set aside to cool.

In a medium bowl, add the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt, and stir to combine. To the large bowl, add the milk, eggs and honey (if using). Toss in the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

Spoon the batter into a madeleine pan(s) using a tablespoon measure.  Bake for 15-20 minutes, until madeleines are light brown and the edges are browned (don't overbake!).  Remove to a cooling rack and allow to cool for 10 minutes.  (Repeat as often as necessary with remaining batter.) Serve warm and enjoy!



 

A Mother's Day Celebration

I've often said (jokingly) that Mother's Day is the most important holiday, right after Christmas and Easter.  Although I've said it in jest, there is a large measure of truth to it.  And for good reason:  we're celebrating our moms and those who have brought motherly love and influence into our lives.  I don't suspect that there is any argument that this is one of the most precious gifts we can receive in life. 

So when celebrating the icon, who is mom, there's nothing quite as heartfelt as celebrating over a delicious meal.  I'd like to share a few recipes from the DMRFF archives that you can bring to the table for your most delectable Mother's Day celebration yet.

Wishing all moms a Happy Mother's Day....and Happy Eating!   

BREAKFAST/BRUNCH:

Herbed-Baked Eggs 

LUNCH:

Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Warm Cider Vinaigrette 

Basil Lemonade

DINNER:

Crostini with Lemon and Oregano 

Roasted Chicken and Vegetables 

DESSERT: 

Apple Turnovers

Photo Credit: Williams-Sonoma

Homemade Granola

I had been planning to make a batch of homemade granola for what seemed like forever, but somehow I never got around to it.  Instead, I would default to grabbing a mix at the store, while keeping that "I'm going to make some homemade granola" song going in my head.  

Well, recently--finally--I made good on that promise to myself.  With the holidays in session and my normal pace slightly slowed, I made a scrumptious batch for the eating (and sharing) on Christmas Eve morning.  I was thrilled with the results of my inaugural batch and now there's no turning back!  With wonderful crunch, the perfect hint of maple and honey, a subtle cinnamon bite that balances the sweetness, and loads of healthy goodness, it's already become my go-to snack, cereal and topping. 

It's true that the simple things can make for really satisfying moments that you want to recreate again and again.  Homemade granola that's as easy to make as it is delicious is definitely one.  Now you've got to make it and taste for yourself.

Happy Eating!

Homemade Granola

Ingredients:
3 cups old-fashioned oats (not instant)
1 cup sliced almonds, roasted
1 cup pumpkin seeds, roasted
1 tablespoon flax seed
1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon raw honey
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup raisins

Method:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Roast almonds and pumpkin seeds in preheated oven for 8-10 minutes.  Remove and reset oven to 325 degrees F.

In a large bowl, combine the oats, almonds, seeds, flax, cinnamon and salt.  In a small bowl, stir together the oil, maple syrup and honey.  Pour the liquid over the dry mixture and coat thoroughly. Spread the mixture evenly on a lined baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes.  Remove and let cool completely on a wire rack.

Finish by stirring the cranberries and raisins into the cooled granola.  Store in an airtight container to preserve freshness.  Enjoy!
Recipe adapted from JoyofBaking.com
        
    

{Be Inspired!}: Winter Wanderlust

There are few things more inspiring than traveling to beautiful, breathtaking locales--and when it's done instep with a winter getaway, they become all the dreamier.

As we look ahead to the upcoming holidays and soon-coming winter season, these amazing destinations are inspiring heaps of wanderlust in this globetrotting girl and keeping me busy dreaming of where I'll land next.  Enjoy the (virtual) view from the Alps to Prague to Rome and more...and let them inspire you, too!

The Carousel in Paris

The Alps

Ireland

Christmas in Rome

Prague

Happy Inspired Living!

Image Source: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5