Link Love: Fall Comfort {Recipes, Getaways, Decor + More}

Photo Credit: Gourmet.com

I happen to love the time of year that is Fall.  With the crisp, cooler temperatures, beautiful foliage, heartier cuisine, high-intensity sports action (aka football), and more, what's not to love?!  And with all the reflections of the Fall season in the air--and on the web--currently, I want to share a few of my favorite Fall comforts.

From scrumptious recipes, to travel getaways, to seasonal decor, and delicious reads, Fall is to be celebrated and relished! 

So here's to the season...and to Happy Eating!

Warm and cozy has never tasted better than Short Ribs Braised in Red Wine (Epicurious.com)

Want a great weekend (or longer) getaway that will surround you with the beauty of Fall, opulence and more?  Then consider a trip to America's largest home, the Biltmore Estate. (Biltmore.com)

Bring elements of Fall into your living space with beautiful centerpieces and entertaining essentials (potterybarn.com)

Curl up with a good (cook)book or two and turn up the heat in your kitchen! (foodrepublic.com)

Warm and Cozy Fall Recipes X Atlanta and Company

On the set of Atlanta and Company

I'm a stickler for riding out a season until the very end, but once it's gone, it's gone--no strings attached. :)  And saying farewell to Summer recently in anticipation of embracing my most favorite of seasons, Fall, was a welcomed transition.  Never mind that the temperatures in my parts have not fully caught on and co-signed on the recent autumnal equinox, Fall is finally here!

For most, Fall is beloved for the cooler, crisper weather, gorgeous foliage, football, tailgating--and the seasonal fare that makes it all delicious.  Warm and cozy seasonal fare, to be exact.

Ready to share my Fall recipes on the set of Atlanta and Company

I provided a head start on Fall eats during my recent segment on Atlanta and Company, where I dished on spices and herbs that make for richly flavored, versatile and, yes, scrumptious, food and drinks to carry you tastefully through the season and beyond.

I featured some of my tried and true favorites, including:
Spicy (Turkey) Chili
Rosemary-Thyme Cornbread Madeleines; and
Hot Mulled Cider.

This menu will suit any weeknight, game day, weekend gathering, or celebration, so be prepared to keep it in constant rotation as the season continues to unfold.

Finally, in case you missed it, you can watch the full segment below for extra tips and fun!

Happy Eating!

{Fall on Display}: Tablescapes, Recipes & More!

To say that I was thrilled to return to Atlanta Plugged In on last week would be an understatement of grand proportions!  A morning of fun, topped off by sharing inspiration from my favorite season--Fall, couldn't have been any sweeter.

WATCH HERE NOW 

 

Bringing the look and feel of the season to the dining table via a Fall-themed tablescape was a highlight of my segment.  Inspired by select pieces from Pottery Barn, the table was styled in copper statement pieces, accented by lush, but rustic, linens, dinnerware, pumpkin touches and more.

And then there was the food.  Because once the table is set, all that remains is to...eat!  So in keeping with our Fall focus, I shared two of my favorite seasonal dishes that bring the tastes of the season alive.  Baked Apple Tarts and luscious, warm and cozy Butternut Squash Soup offer sweet and savory satisfaction that can be enjoyed all season long.

As the season continues to unfold, bring these tips and dishes to life in your home and kitchen and enjoy a personal taste of Fall--on display!

Happy Eating! 

Prelude to Fall

Fall is right around the corner, literally!  Looking ahead to the milder temperatures, beautiful foliage and all that fall typically brings, I can't help but turn my attention to the heartier, soul satisfying foods that seem to scream "comfort!". 

While the Fall season is technically still a couple of days away, I decided to welcome it early by making one of those comfort-imposing dishes that you can easily snuggle up to and relish one bite at a time.  I spent the evening engaged in a labor of love that resulted in fork tender, braised beef short ribs which I served over creamy polenta. 

I already like where this new season is taking me, so to Fall, comfort and more good eats, again I say, "Welcome".

{Atlanta's Westside Market}: Dive into Fall Design

Some of the many Fall inspired wares

The Fall season has finally graced us with its arrival again, bringing along its own special inspiration for design and decor to enliven and infuse living spaces.  Tuesday night I was invited to attend a gathering at the Westside Market, one of the Southeast's premier design and furniture merchants, highlighting their many offerings and abundant inspiration around Fall design.  

From embellished table scapes, to art, to collectibles, to furniture pieces and beyond, the Westside Market proved to offer something for every taste and budget across the design spectrum.  Also serving as a consignment boutique, there are clothing selections sprinkled throughout the expansive venue, as well as the option to consign your valuables.  

I couldn't resist grabbing a few items for my own takeaway and already have plans for return visits in the days ahead.  If you're familiar with the Market, you'll want to drop in to see what's new from last night's seasonal reveal.  And if you're not familiar, then you'll definitely want to get acquainted with all it has to offer.  

So here's to welcoming Fall flair, design, inspiration and... Happy Living!

Westside Market

1530 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd.

Atlanta, GA 30318

(404) 941-3466

{TASTES OF THE SEASON}: D.M.R. FINE FOODS FALL & HOLIDAY POP-UP SHOP!

What's Fall and the holiday season without seasonal and festive goodies to eat, drink and make merry?  I asked myself the same question over the last while and couldn't resist answering with a delicious Pop-Up Shop to savor some of the season's best tastes.

I'm thrilled to be teaming up with the fabulous Westside Market once again to present an afternoon of fall and holiday inspired fare for tasting, savoring--and yes, shopping! It will be the perfect opportunity to grab delicacies, star ingredients, and more, in time for the holiday season that's around the corner. 

And did I mention that this year's Pop-Up Shop will be amidst Westside Market's Holiday Baazar?  Translation: there will be other artisans available for you to browse and shop for your holiday gifting and decor needs.

Mark your calendars for next Saturday, November 21st from 12 - 4p.m. EST, and make plans to drop in and kick start your holiday season with our goodies that are perfect for your kitchen, as hostess gifts, and more!  From warm spices, to hearty herbs, to bright citrus, sweet confections, and more, there will be something for everyone--and every taste.  It promises to be a deliciously fun afternoon, as always--and I can't wait to see you there!

Happy Holidays and Happy Eating!

D.M.R. Fine Foods Fall & Holiday Pop-Up Shop
Venue Details:
Westside Market
1530 Ellsworth Ind. Blvd.
Atlanta, Ga 30318
404.941.3466
www.westsidemarketatl.com

{Be Inspired!}: Fall Beauty Is Here

"Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself." ~Coco Chanel

For me, the allure of Fall extends well beyond the captivating foilage and invigorating weather into the world of beauty.  Rich hues for nails and lips are especially gorgeous and seem to match the cozier elements of the season with a natural flair.

Also not to be forgotten are the earthy tones that lend warmth and a subtler punch, but read equally beautiful.

So whether you prefer bold, or less so, Fall is the season to let your inspiration lead the way into a more beautiful you.  For more beauty-liciousness, go here.

Happy Inspired and Beautiful Living!

{Fall Eats}: A Guide to Apples

Fall has finally graced us with its presence once again and that means many things on the culinary spectrum, not the least of which is the prime season for apples.   As you prepare to head to the orchards, markets, and kitchen to indulge, you'll want this handy primer from Williams-Sonoma, featuring nine varieties, to keep you on your cooking, baking and eating toes.   Whether you're talking cider, applesauce, apple butter, and more, you'll know which apple perfectly fits the bill.

Photo Credit: Williams-Sonoma

Happy Eating!

{Easy Fall Baking}: Apple Crisp

 

There’s something about Fall that turns up my love for baking.  If I had to put a pulse on it, I’d say it’s the cooler, crisp weather coupled with warm and cozy fare that gets me every time.  Oh, and apple season.

Since forever, apples have been one of my favorite fruits, so it’s a no-brainer that combining them with scrumptious flavors like fragrant spices and citrus make them a star-ingredient in my kitchen.  From tarts, to crostatas, apples and baking are a winning combination for me.

 

As much as that is true, it was somewhat ironic that I had never baked an apple crisp until this past weekend.  I say ironic because it was a favorite dessert treat growing up.  In fact, I was introduced to apple crisp as a part of the occasional dessert round-up for my school lunches, and although I found most of the lunches to be not so great, and happily farmed mine off to my eager classmates (my mom didn’t appreciate that, lol!), apple crisp was one of the few dishes (along with peanut butter cookies, pizza and burgers) that elicited excitement.  Sounds like a child’s palette, no?

 

Despite having a grandmother who turned the apples from the apple tree in my grandparents' backyard into decadent homemade apple pies that food dreams are made of, I still fell for those little servings of apple crisp on the lunch trays. And this past weekend, I revived those childhood memories and tastes in my own kitchen, discovering, to my delight, that apple crisp will always do it for me.  (I baked a peach crisp over the summer that was addictively good, so I was biding my time for apple season to finally arrive, so I could recreate the goodness all over again.)

 

Beyond the memories and delicious indulgence, the ease in which this dessert comes together makes it star-worthy.  With the toss of a few ingredients, it’s oven-ready and primed to be baked to perfection with the bonus of that “something delicious is baking aroma” wafting through your kitchen. 

 

Served hot from the oven, topped with ice cream for extra decadence (yes, please!), it’s baked perfection in a dish and the best kind of…

 

Happy Eating!

 

Apple Crisp

 

Ingredients:

¾ cup flour

¼ cup light brown sugar

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold, and diced into cubes

1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

3 lbs. apples (I prefer Granny Smith)

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 teaspoons cinnamon

 

Method:

Preheat oven to 375° F.

 

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, salt, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar.  Cut butter into flour, using a pastry blender or two knives, until mixture is the texture of coarse meal.  Add oats and use your hands to toss and squeeze mixture until large, moist clumps form.  Place in freezer to chill while you prepare the apples.

 

In another large bowl, toss apples with lemon juice, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ½ cup granulated sugar.  Transfer to a 2-quart baking dish and sprinkle with the oat topping mixture.  Place in preheated oven and bake until golden and bubbling, 55 to 65 minutes.  Let cool slightly before serving—and enjoy!

 

Recipe adapted from Martha Stewart

{In Case You Missed It}: 2017 Highlights

Happy New Year! Embarking upon another year has always been a source of excitement, hope and anticipation for what's to come.  As 2018 continues to unfold, I'm pressing the pause button to reflect and share some of the amazing highlights that 2017 brought to D.M.R. Fine Foods.

There's a heightened sense of gratitude that occurs when I realize just how amazing this past year has been.  On virtually every front, I was so blessed to create, curate, and share my passions in both familiar and new (for me), exciting ways!

If you've been along for the ride with me until now, multiplied thank yous!! And if you're newer to D.M.R. Fine Foods, welcome!  I look forward to you settling in and staying awhile. :)

So without further adieu, here's our best of 2017, starting with a short video stream of some favorite moments (recommended: watch in full screen mode).
Travel ~
My year in travel was probably my biggest in recent memory.  I literally started the year in the midst of a winter getaway to Rome, Florence and Paris and got to take in these favorite cities (and fall in love with them) all over again.  Within a month, I was off to warmer terrain in the U.S. Virgin Islands and enjoyed a lovely return visit to St. Croix.  My journeys continued to New Orleans, Chicago, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Cuba, Phoenix (including one amazing day trip to the Grand Canyon) and finally, my perennial favorite, NYC.  Travel is such a source of joy and discovery and refreshing for me, so a year heavy in taking in destinations near and far couldn't have been better.


Food ~
2017 was by far the most exciting year in food to date!  I started the year sharing recipes inspired by travels, like Warm Goat Cheese Salad, soon followed by a phenomenal virtual potluck with 27 other food bloggers in honor of Black History Month!! It was a one-of-a-kind showcase of global black culture--through the lens of food, including my Curry Chicken Pot Pie feature.  More goodness followed with recipes like Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups, Cherry Upside Down Cake, Roasted Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers, Braised Short Ribs and more!

Beyond my kitchen, my food journey was also inextricably linked to my travels, and I had the pleasure of taking in unforgettable local eats and restaurants, such as this and this and this.  It was another delicious year, indeed!

Media ~
Beyond sharing here on the blog, my recurring column in Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine, digital and social media, I was immensely blessed to add both television and radio to the fold.  From a radio interview on the food and culture scene in St. Croix, USVI to several appearances on CBS46's Atlanta Plugged In morning show, I couldn't have been more thrilled for the opportunities to share my food and lifestyle passions with broader audiences.

The year brought continued successful collaborations that included media relations and social campaigns for the Atlanta Food and Wine Festival, The Four Seasons Hotel, St. Lucia Department of Tourism, Davio's Northern Italian Restaurant, PopSugar, and more.

Fashion & Lifestyle ~
Fashion found its way center stage through style files on Trench Coats, the Met Gala Red Carpet and the exceptional Ragtrade Atlanta Fashion Week and Runway Show.

And lifestyle inspiration spanned fall tablescapes, to holiday-themed decor, and more.

Thank you for allowing D.M.R. Fine Foods to share with you and may you be inspired to live "the good life" like never before!

xx,
Dawn

Marcell Von Berlin - Fall Winter 2021 Ready-to-Wear Collection

Fashion remains one of the greatest 'loves' and sheer pleasures of my existence--and excites me in ways that make me giddy and enthralled all at once.  Such was the reaction to my introduction to designer label, MARCELL VON BERLIN.

Founded in 2012 with ready-to-wear collections for men and women, the label stands for progressive looks, reflected through powerful silhouettes and unique statement prints.  Based in Berlin, the label embodies electric energy and urban charm with a street-style emphasis.  But ready-to-wear isn't all the label offers. Designer Marcell Pustul is a visionary who also creates custom made couture pieces.  The result? Both lines offer impeccable craftsmanship and the highest quality materials. 

 

Since its relaunch in 2018, the brand has expanded nationally and internationally, making its New York Fashion Week debut recently. On February 18th, the designer released his Fall Winter 2021 Ready-to-Wear collection titled “Fashion Remains.”

“Fashion Remains” is a reflection of Marcell's experience in Los Angeles during the pandemic. The FW21 collection expresses strong optimism towards the new normal. The message of the collection is in this strange new world lies the belief in the strength of fashion and its yearning for return.

 

Shooting on ruined building on the rough cliffs of Malibu evokes standstill, as if the entire world is holding its breath (“the new normal”). The collection moves in this ambivalent, intangible realm - a realm between something rooted in our world as we once knew it, and yet completely different. 

Watch the stunning digital NYFW show here and prepare to experience some of my aforementioned giddiness, too.

Happy Styling!

Photo Credits: MARCELL VON BERLIN, F/W 2021

MARCELL VON BERLIN collaborated with Fashion Director/ Stylist Nicola Formichetti. 

 

 

 

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!     
   

{Thank You!} Fall & Holiday Pop-Up Shop 2015

The recent build-up to my Fall & Holiday Pop-Up Shop culminated in an afternoon of holiday cheer laced with my small-batch, artisan goodies that made for another memorable time of sharing my food passion--and connecting with the amazing customers who tasted, savored and shopped our select menu.  From warm mulled cider, to citrus madeleines, to maple-cinnamon granola, spice blends, and much more, there was something for everyone.

Exchange after exchange was filled with my sincere appreciation for the enthusiastic customer support I received from family, friends, colleagues, fellow artisans and bloggers, and new customers who stumbled upon our pop-up while scouring about our host venue, Westside Market.  Your support made the day the true success I hoped it would be, and I'm truly thankful that you chose D.M.R. Fine Foods to bring the tastes of the season to you.

I unfortunately couldn't capture a photo of every customer who shopped with us (and a few were admittedly camera shy :) ), but I wanted to share some of the faces that made the event worth every moment, along with this expression of thanks.

Continued Happy Holidays & Happy Eating!

{Style Files}: Cape Life

My favorite season happens to be on the horizon, with not many days to go before its official debut.  Judging by the crisp, refreshing temperatures, warm and cozy fare, and rich style and beauty trends, I'm guessing I'm not alone in my sentiments.  Fall is definitely a star season that beckons to be celebrated.

As the warmer temperatures give way to the cooler, breezy weather, it presents the perfect opportunity to don seasonal looks accented by scarves, hats, boots, and one of my personal favorites--capes.

Chic and purposeful all-in-one, adding a cape to your wardrobe mix provides instant style elevation and transforms even the most understated wares into something truly special.  Below are some looks that are inspiring me to wake up my 'Cape Life' once the season finally settles in.  Whether worn long, short, in the coat, sweater, or somewhere in between variety, you can't miss with a well-worn cape.

 

Here's to Fall...and Happy Styling!

P.S. Want more fashion and style inspiration? Follow me here.

Credits: Photo 2, Photo 3, Photo 4, Photo 5

Summer's Best: Peach Cobbler

It's amazing to realize that we're a stone's throw from the end of Summer.  I love the Fall season and can't deny that I'm eagerly anticipating a respite from the heat and humidity that overhangs this time of the year.  However, there are some things about Summer that I will absolutely miss long after the air-conditioned days and al fresco nights are no more.  And the season's bounty is one of them.  In my (humble) opinion, one of the absolute best things about Summer is the vibrant, seasonal food that makes its mark on our culinary landscapes.

Stone fruit fits squarely into that mix, and my undisputed favorites remain peaches, plums, and nectarines.  Whether grilled, roasted, fresh, or transformed into other-worldly ice cream, crumbles, tarts, cobblers, jams, pies, and more, they count as little jewels of which I rarely get enough.  And yesterday afternoon was another example of unabashed indulgence.

Perfectly crisp, yet ripe, fragrant peaches made their way from the market, into my kitchen, into my oven, and finally into my mouth and tummy, for one satisfyingly good peach cobbler.

I plan to relish every delicious moment of the remaining weeks of Summer and invite you to join me--starting with this scrumptious cobbler, of course.

Happy Eating!

Tell me: What are some of your favorite Summer things, foods, and experiences?  Leave a comment below to share!

Peach Cobbler
Ingredients:
6 large peaches, peeled and cut into thin wedges
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon cornstarch

For the biscuit topping:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 stick cold, unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1/4 cup boiling water

Method:
Cook peaches:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.  Toss peaches with sugar, lemon juice and cornstarch in a 2qt. non-reactive baking dish and bake in the middle of the oven for 10 minutes.

Making topping while peaches bake:

Stir together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.  Blend in butter with fingertips or a pastry blender until mixture resembles course meal.  Stir in water until just combined.

Remove peaches from oven and drop spoonfuls of topping over them. Bake in the middle of oven until topping is golden, about 25 minutes.  (Topping will spread as it bakes.)  Enjoy!
Recipe courtesy of Epicurious
  
  

GAGA FOR GOURMET!

When I began subscribing to food periodicals years ago, Gourmet instantly became my favorite of the lot.  Getting my magazine each month was like unwrapping a beautiful gift filled with endless treasures that were nothing short of yummy, eye-pleasing and INSPIRING!  The best the culinary world had to offer.  In fact, when I would go on to launch my catering business in the fall of 2007, it was largely Gourmet, along with Bon Appetit, that served up the infectious desire to cook, bake, eat--and share--many of the confectionery delights from its pages to form my inaugural 'Sweets and Treats' Holiday Menu.  

Therefore, it was no small rub when, instead of receiving my monthly treasure in the mail, I received the publisher's notice that my Gourmet subscription would be no more.  What did they mean?  Surely there was some mistake?  But unfortunately, there was no mistake.  And Gourmet was indeed retired as the beautiful, culinary icon and staple that it had been for decades prior.  I truly missed it.

Sometime later I discovered the re-incarnation of the Gourmet brand, and I once again felt that spark of excitement that had been my monthly ritual in times past.  I downloaded the entire Diary of a Foodie Series (that was a happy day!), bought (and continue to buy) the special edition collections that Gourmet publishes as an ode to the many delicious recipes of past issues, and most recently delved into the brilliant Gourmet Live blog and apps.  What can I say?  This foodie girl's gotta have it.

While I'll forever miss those monthly trips to wonderland (via my mailbox) from days gone by, I am embracing the new faces of this iconic brand--and all the wonderful delights it has been faithful to deliver--without interruption.

Happy Eating!

{Image Source}

Foodie Vocabulary: Blind Baking

MarthaStewart.com

As we nestle into Fall more and more, and the holiday season inches nearer, baking takes center stage in most kitchens.  And when we're talking crusts (for pies, tarts and the like), it's oh so essential that they be crumbly, crispy, flaky--and well, near perfect.  Without question, it's one of my favorite things about any pie I've ever enjoyed.  And have you ever swooned over a pie with a soggy crust?

So if you take your crust indulgences seriously, too, you'll be glad to know that there's a simple and effective technique that will leave your crusts sitting pretty--and ready for a scrumptious filling every time: blind baking. 

Blind baking is the method of partially, or completely, baking a crust without the filling.  Before the baking begins, the crust is lined with parchment paper, to help prevent puffing and shrinking sides, then weighted down with uncooked rice or dried beans.  (You'll want to gently push the 'weights' up against the sides of the parchment to prevent it from falling.)  Finally, bake off the crust in a hot oven, remove the weights and continue with your recipe instructions.  Sounds easy enough, right?  If you'd still like a bit more instruction on the technique, however, here it is.

Now that you've got it down, you must try your hand at mastering a great crust with the following sweet and savory recipes from Martha Stewart and Marcus Samuelsson; then leave me a comment on this post or drop me a line on my Facebook page telling me your thoughts on this technique and what you have planned on the baking horizon.

Mile-High Pumpkin Pecan Pie

Mussel-Artichoke Tart

Happy Eating!

Taste of Atlanta: My Weekend Indulgence

 

As weekends seem to go, this last one went by with the usual speed of a shooting bullet.  But before it was only a memory, I managed to drink it in with gusto.  Saturday felt good as I made my way through my "to-do" list in Type A style.  Then came Sunday.  

With the gorgeous Fall weather as my backdrop, and a world of deliciousness ahead of me, I embarked upon an afternoon of food, fun, and exploration at the annual Taste of Atlanta Festival.  The highly regarded festival spanned three days, more than 90 restaurants, and an abundance of culinary action, all while presenting tastes from every corner of Atlanta.  It was the place to be for a relaxed, yet exciting, time of leisure, with an ever-present eye on what delicacy awaited next--a welcomed reminder of why I love attending.

 
With an equally eager friend in tow, I arrived ready to indulge and began my "mini food crawl" from post to post almost immediately.  From my first bites of fried oysters and beignets to my final bites of ice cream (no surprise there) and fried apple pie, with a bounty of good eats in between, I conquered my mission and left satisfied.  See more of the food highlights below:

Settled into the leisurely pace of the afternoon, it was about as chill as a Sunday afternoon stroll, laced with the anticipation of "what will I discover and eat next?"  The ying-yang of it all made for one of the best weekend indulgences I've had in a while and left me proud of all the unique and scrumptious tastes of Atlanta.  It's fair to say that I'm already looking ahead to when I get to do it all over again, and based on the smiles and pulse of the day's crowd, I'm not the only one.

   
Happy Eating!