Cooking Coq Au Vin

To preface: as many of you may know, I LOVE to bake. Cooking is all well and good and is obviously more necessary than baking, but stand mixers and icing bags and the smell of sugar and butter being creamed together are just about as good as it gets in the kitchen.

Nonetheless, husband and I cook alot at home. Sometimes just simple stuff to get us through the week, and sometimes more interesting but also complicated things because while Joe is still learning to cook (I'd put him at the end of beginner into beginner/intermediate level...) he thinks it's really fun to crack open a Lee Brothers cook book and request that we make, oh I don't know, Frogmore Stew (you can find it on their homepage. It's not for the faint of heart). Which, BTW, we still haven't made because what usually happens when the husband gets ambitious is the following: "Dianna, go sit down, read or something, I got this. Seriously, I'm getting my mise en place together (yes he says that) and I'm going to be fine." 15 minutes later: "Hey honey, could you could help with something really quickly..." 2 hours later: ... well you can guess who finishes dinner. HOWEVER, it is pretty great to have a man who likes and is interested in cooking, and who knows, 5 years down the road I may be able to retire from the stove completely.

So to get to the point of this post, last week was our 3-year anniversary. Charlottesville has a host of just really really amazing restaurants, but we've been to most of them multiple times and wanted to do something a little more special for dinner than just go somewhere we'd go back to anyway. So Joe, of course, gets the idea to make Coq Au Vin. Well, as I mentioned earlier, I usually only get excited about baking and am wary of classic dishes perfected by greats like Julia Child. But, there is one thing that rallies me back in the kitchen for dinner -- my dutch oven. For whatever reason, when a recipe calls to pull out that 15 lb. pot, I'm all over it. *(You can find a short review of mine below the pictures.) SO, when husband pulls up this Serious Eats Coq Au Vin (trans: rooster in the wine) recipe which would require meat browning and stewing in my pretty enamel pot, I was game.

You should also know, I'm a horrible photographer 1. because I still only sort of know how to use my camera and 2. because I ALWAYS FORGET TO TAKE PICTURES! Is this difficult for other people? Sooo, I only have a couple shots below of our fantastic anniversary dinner, but it was a lot of fun to make and delicious to eat. I basically just followed the Serious Eats recipe, but found I had to de-glaze once or twice before it actually called for it. We paired it with super easy and absolutely perfect rosemary potatoes (recipe below) and of course the vin rouge used in the dish.

Roasted Potatoes:
6 red new potatoes, quarted
2 tbsp. olive oil (or in this case, I used the leftover bacon fat)
Salt and Pepper
2 tbsp. rosemary sprigs

Toss it all together in a bowl then pour out on a baking sheet lined with alumium foil. Roast on about 400 degrees for 40-50 minutes, stirring occasionally. They should be crispy and slightly brown and will be nice and tender on the inside.

Finally, in case you're interested, my dutch oven is a Fontignac. Not a brand I had heard of before setting out to buy one, but I've been very happy with it for my first year of ownership. I would obviously love to have a Le Cruset or Staub or even a few in different sizes, but sometimes a budget just doesn't permit spending $300 on a pot. I did a TON of research and ended up settling on a 6.5 quart Fontignac that could be bought and BBB for 1/3 the price. We've probably cooked about 15-20 dishes in it in the last year and it's cleaned up nicely after each one.. even when I char the heck out of the bottom. Supposedly it's owned by the makers of Staub, but whether that's true or not, to me the quality has been just as good. Even heating, no enamel chipping, perfect-fitting lid, and cleans up after each use. I'd be happy to share more about it if you're curious!

Happy Friday!
DD

Friday's Letters

Dear Blog: I'm happy to be back. Writing for you helps de-clutter my often haphazard brain. You guide things into perspective and allow me to re-live things in life that I enjoy most.

Dear To-Do List: You're pretty good for organizing my brain functioning too, but I feel like these days you only grow longer and never shorter. We need to work on that.

Dear Sabrina, You're the greatest pup ever, and we love you lots, but this trying-to-eat-the-cat-phase that you're going through has really got to stop. Yes, your mouth fits around her head; that's not a good reason to put it there. And while we're at it, can we also work on the awful high-pitched shrieking bark you do out of frustration when the cat refuses to be eaten?

Dear Eliza: I'm sorry. I promise the puppy is not a punishment... or she at least wasn't supposed to be.

Dear Law School Friends Who Invited Us to the Beach: THANK YOU! We are pretty much packed up and will be heading your way soon. I still can't explain how excited I am for some sun and lounging and food and friends.  Also, CONGRATULATIONS! You're finished!

Dear Husband: You are also finished! I am so very proud of you and all of your diligent, hard work for the past 3 years of law school. I'm not sure how you managed to be an amazing student, pet-parent, loving husband, and still have a social life, but you did. AND NOW YOU NEVER HAVE TO TAKE ANOTHER LAW SCHOOL EXAM AGAIN! There is still the Bar.. but you're not allowed to think about that until after graduation. K?! 

Oh, and one more thing, husband. Thanks for being the best travel planning partner! I cannot  wait to traipse through Europe with you. I have a feeling we are never going to want to come home.

Hope y'all are having a fantastic Friday!

Love,

DD

3 Years and Couting!

Today's post is dedicated to my one and only: Happy Anniversary, Love!

Want to know what seems to operate out of all space and time? How about marriage? Today marks three years from the day when I said "I Do" to the boy I knew was meant for me when he was placed in my life seven years earlier.

Three years seems to have flown by and so much has happened, yet at the same time I'm prettttty sure we just go married yesterday! I remember very clearly getting up early that morning and going to Joe's grandparents home where our reception would be held that evening with my dad and sister. I needed to meet with the caterer and florist to make sure everyone knew where everything should be (not controling at all, right?!) It was a perfect day in May, and I had never felt so blessed and loved -- from the strangers in Merle Norman who wished me "congratulations" while someone was doing my makeup, to my MIL's precious friends who set up decorations at the reception while we were off taking pictures, to the abundance of family and friends showing up at the church to give Joe and I their love and support. God's blessings were truly apparent that day. The sun was shining, the flowers were gorgeous, and we were surrounded by love -- all things that surely only a LOVING God could create.

TL: Flower girl, Avery TR: Church door wreaths from Fresh Cut Floral and Catering M: My then LITTLE brother cuttin' a rug BL: One of the many perfect photos from the talented Lovely Union Photographers BR: Capturing our reaction at seeing the reception space for the first time

 

It's true what they say though; after a wedding all to do with you and a honeymoon away from all the worries of the world, things get real... but man, isn't real the best part?! Yes, you have to work and fight and TRY, and most of marriage is not particularly glamorous, but through strife God is able to work and shine and now the love I have for Joe can only be exceeded by the love I have for my God. We could not love each other and care for each other the way we TRY to do if it weren't for the example Christ set and His love encompassing both of our hearts.

I love this sentiment from The Five Love Languages: "The object of love is not getting something you want but doing something for the well-being of the one you love." That seems obvious enough, but if there's one thing I've learned in three years, it's that this is not so obvious to the heart. I'm very grateful for a husband who takes care of me through thick and thin, through law school exams and clerkship applications, from right at home or 800 miles away.

And as I sit here reminiscing, I'm also reminded of the amazing music provided by my college choir for our ceremony. My favorite hymn they sang was "Love Diving All Loves Excelling." It is such a perfect retelling of Christ's love and wonderful wedding-day prayer for how we should strive to love each other.

But since I apparently have noooo idea how to slice up my wedding video to show you the clip, here's a Mormon Tabernacle Choir rendition that is ALMOST as good as it when it was sung by several sweet members Mississippi State Choir and directed by one of my very favorite people, Bruce Lesley. You should definitely take a listen; it's as beautiful as a hymn gets.

 

 

Happy Anniversary, Joe! I'm so grateful for these first three years, and excited I get to be Mrs. Davis for the rest of our lives!

 

Love,

DD



25 and some the wiser

Well boys and girls, I have reached my quarter of a century year of life. It has been quite a journey getting here, but I am reveling in being 25. I'd like to think I've made some decent accomplishments in my lifetime thus far, and perhaps am even a little bit wiser than I was a year ago.

A few of the lessons I've learned:

Family is by far the most reliable and loving thing I've got going in

my life, and I am so very thankful. Never take them for granted.

Having a husband is the very best. Love him.

Stress really does give you wrinkles. It's not worth it -- which is why I'm still

working on being a worry-free kind of gal.

Keeping your own house is not easy.  I thought I was a clean freak until I had my

own home.. now I've decided it's OKAY if people come over and

I only vacuumed two days ago.

J Crew Factory is one of the best resources a wardrobe could ask for.

Second on that list is probably Target.

It is okay if your first few jobs aren't perfect, or even ideal. I don't think anyone lands

a dream job in their 20's these days.. and if you do CONGRATULATIONS! You are

 ahead of the curb. I am thankful to be where I am now, but I can't wait to see where else

 my career journey will take me. Just make sure to take advantage of every resource to

learn and continue learning and growing it whatever you are doing now.

 It can only make you more desirable later!

Finally, making new friends is a MUST if you are 800 miles away from the old

ones. Staying in touch with friends is certainly worth it, but they aren't going to be

the ones to hang out with you when your hubby's out of town or you need some game-night

therapy. Whether it's through church, community programs like the Junior League

or you know, law school classmates of your husband... find a way to meet people.

 Unless you are in your hometown, chances are you are surrounded by

 tons of other 20somethings looking to make friends as well.

 

Sooo while I wasn't pondering my deep-seeded 25-year-old-wisdom, I was celebrating this new year of life with new friends! My precious husband went above and beyond his normal planning capabilities to surprise me with a great day of friends, wine tastings, limo riding, fabulous fruit and chocolate cake from my fav bakery, and a bike (in a very appropriate champagne with pink and leather details)!

 




 

 



Have a wonderful rest of your week. It's almost Friday!

Love,
DD



There and Back Again

**Fair Warning: This post is a million years old, but I needed to get it out of my draft box and move on with my blogging life.**

Monday, July 9

Well friends, I told you I would be M.I.A. from the blog world for a bit, and I didn't lie!
The past 8 days took me all over the south east and to see my husband and LOTS of family and friends. 

My little Honda Civic got VERY LITERALLY over 2,000 miles put on it this past week and I spent a good 30 + hours enjoying the view from within.  It was an incredible week, but man, talk about needing a vacation from your vacation! As much as it pains me to re-separate from my darling husband, I've got to tell you: this girl was pretty stoked to sleep in her own bed last night and spend a quiet Monday behind a desk.

The following is a small account of the hubs and I trying to experience some new things from some great southern cities. We started off in Birmingham where Joe is working for the latter half of the summer...

1. Vulcan, an almost 200 year old statue that overlooks Birmingham, Alabama and features a history of Birmingham museum and park... and we experienced the whole shebang. We toured the park and the museum and then climbed to the top of Vulcan for a magnificent view overlooking the "Steel City."
2. A not-so-great self-taken photo at the top of Vulcan. Well hello bangs! At least my husband's cute.
3. There's a new place in Bham called Steel City Pops. If you live in the area and have not been, you MUST GO! I'm not sure if they are only open for the summer or if it will be year-round, but the new popsicle business was bustling when we arrived and for good reason! Homemade, fresh popsicles made from whole fruits, vegetables, cream, or all of the above. This is my Strawberries and Cream and it was TO DIE FOR!
4. After leaving Birmingham, Joe and I hit the road to head even further south to a little place I like to go..New Orleans, Louisiana. Basically our ENTIRE trip was planned around where to eat and drink (there may have been a few law firm interviews mixed in, but we all know what was really the important part of the trip.)  This was one of the many venues we managed to cram into our two-day trip. French 75. It's a cocktail lover's dream come true. Listed as one of Esquire magazine's Top 5 Cocktail Bars in America, this classy joint was at the top of my husband's list of places to stop in. And it absolutely did not disappoint.
5.I was a horrible photographer during our trip, but I did manage to at least get a photo of one of my NOLA favs.. did anyone say beignets? Why, yes! And these giant beignets accompanied by a live jazz trio at Cafe Beignet was just what our mid-afternoon in the Big Easy required.
6. We finished up our last night in New Orleans by visiting the city's area best known for its plethora of music clubs... Frenchman Street! The night we were in town, this jazz club hosted Kristina Morales & the Bayou Shufflers. Fabulous!

As I said, I failed as the trip photographer, but I am happy to report that the rest of the week was just as tremendous with lots of visits to grandparents, parents, siblings, and friends from all over Mississippi.

Hope your Monday was as peaceful as mine!
Dianna

P.S. I realize it is no longer Monday, but we will just pretend this was posted on the day it was orginially intended. But really, HAPPY WEEKEND!

Lack of Inspiration

So you know how you are only supposed to blog when you have something really great to blog about? Well, that's what I think at least. So when the other half of the newlyweds from which this newlywed blog is inspired leaves town for 3 months, I decided that there just hasn't been a whole lot of inspiration to warrent a new post.

However, after 3 weeks of losing my Virginia Lover and thinking myself doomed to an uninspired summer in which I would have nothing to blog about I've reflected and realized these last few weeks have actually been pretty stinkin eventful. I went into massive "complete apartment projects" mode which included a little repainting of this and reupholstering of that and buying out half of Home Goods , my amazing family came to visit and we did more in 48 hours then I usually do in a week, I've taught a sweet puppy all kinds of new tricks.. including almost being potty trained, and I successfully got through multiple dinner events, conferences, and a graduation for the law school. It's not really like things have been super slow. I have no excuses.

Soooo very soon, when I'm not on the clock, I will revisit my blog full of picture recaps of recent adventures and hopefully some inspiring decor projects I (mostly) successfully managed.

Thanks for sticking with me.

XO,
Dianna

Amazing, MARVELOUS.. Anniversary!

As you most likely could have guessed, today's Monday highlight is all about my husband and greatest joy, because today we celebrate our 1 year anniversary!

It so so strange to me that we have been married for an entire year! Our wedding day is still so vivid in my mind... the super early morning that was a little chilly and dewy.. much like today.. having 20 people congratulate and try to give me day-of and marriage advice while getting my makeup done at Merle Norman, seeing my handsome groom for the first time on our wedding day, doing my best to be cool, calm and collected when my bridesmaids tried to very nonchalantly let me know that we were short a bouquet BUT IT WAS GOING TO BE FINE! NBD!... they handled it very well.. crying as as I watched our bridal party march to the alter to the most beautiful rendition of "Amazing Grace" I've ever heard... thank you Dr. Lesley, choir, and bagpiper!.. trying to figure out what it felt like to be MARRIED as my new husband drove us to OUR wedding reception.. there are just so many details and feelings that are still so prominent from that day... I don't believe 365 have passed since then!

But then again, I think back on what this past year has been and it seems too many memories have been made for it to only be 1 year!

I very honestly know that a year ago today I married my best friend and the one person in this world that I was meant to spend the rest of my life with.  He has brought me more happiness, laughter, and comfort than I could ever try to recount.  Aside from my Salvation, he is kind of the best thing that has ever happened to me!

I knew I loved this guy a whole lot when I agreed to share the rest of my life with him a year ago, but I had no idea that in a year's time I could love him even more! And so much more that it blows me away! How is it possible to care this much about any one person? I suppose there is only one answer to that, and it is the very powerful, loving God that has enabled Joe and I to grow in love and continue loving each other more and more each day.

Now, for fear of sounding like an ingenuine greeting card, I will confess that there have been of course many struggles as The Davises. Afterall, moving to a new home 12+ hours away from everyone we knew merely weeks after our honeymoon with one of us starting our first post-college job and the other trying to make it through the first year of law school is not an ideal situation for young newlyweds. And yes, hearts got broken, toes stepped on, feelings hurt, but when looking back on the year it is really easy to forget all those things, because we are learning why they happened. We are growing from them. And we are more in love today than the past 7 years of our relationship!

Happy Anniversary, love! And to all the upcoming summer anniversaries, Happy Marriage to you as well! I hope your love continues to grow and flourish as I am so thankful ours has!

XOXO,
Mrs. Dianna Davis!


A few favs from our very special day..

All photo credits belong to The Lovely Union.

Hubby Birthday!

Happy Birthday to THIS Guy!

If you are on the Virginia Is for Lovers blogging train, then you know this guy deserves a very special day all his own. Unfortunately, since Law School finals have arrived, we decided that this year we would pretend that April 29 was actually yesterday.... of course that did not stop me from bringing over the birthday wishes and celebrations to his TRUE Jour de Naissance, because, personally, I think this hubby deserves two days of celebration anyway!

My incredible husband sadly spent the better part of his pseudo birthday and his real birthday studying for those darn finals, but I tried to make his few hours of freedom extra special with some festive handmade frills and a cake I knew he wouldn't be able to pass on.

Birthday Corner at the Davis'

TL: Birthday Banner printed from Anders Ruff, TR: Beverage Bucket for tailgates
BL: Bucket adorned with Dianna original cutouts BR: Paper ornaments on twine (tutorial from the Handmade Home)

When I was trying to decide what kind of cake to make my hubby for his special day, I knew whatever the flavors, it needed to be "manly." And what says manly bakery delight more than a cake imitating the flavors of an Irish Car Bomb?  That's right. Each major part of the cake featured one of the ingredients found in an Irish Car Bomb, you know, the over the top beverage composed of three different irish alcohols.  An Irish stout went into the chocolate cake, Irish Liqueur such as Bailey's Irish Cream went into this fabulous swiss meringue buttercream, and irish whiskey flavored the chocolate ganache.  

(The full recipe to be posted in my recipe box soon!)

So Happy Birthday to you, Love.  You're the best thing that's ever happened to me, and I love celebrating your birth!!

XOXO,

DD