Recent Posts

Cauliflower

Have you ever heard the phrase, “my little chou-chou?” It’s a French term of endearment meaning “my little cauliflower.” How cute is that!

Cauliflower hasn’t always had a beloved reputation, but these past couple of years it’s become the IT veggie – and that’s just fine by me!

Cauliflower is rich with anti-inflammatory nutrients and vitamin K. It’s also an excellent source of Vitamin C and very low in calories. Gotta love that!

Traditionally white in color, you might be surprised to know that it can be found in brilliant lime green, orange, and purple, too! And it’s so versatile. It can be boiled, steamed, roasted, pickled, or simply eaten raw. I love it shaved into salads, and roasted then tossed with pesto or fresh herbs and lemon zest, and if you have any zatar hanging around that is super tasty sprinkled on it.

Cauliflower has also found its way into the convenience sector. You can now get it “riced” at the store, which is d’lish to turn into carb-free fried rice, or Cumin Scented Cauliflower Rice. Speaking of side dishes it’s also so great to make into a keto whipped cauliflower, as a potato alternative. 

So grab some cauliflower and see for yourself – eating healthy really can be delicious!  –Kathy

Cumin Scented Cauliflower Rice
I love this recipe as a carb-free side dish served hot or cold. Try sprinkling it over a green salad for big added flavor and texture.

Makes about 3 cups

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon cumin seed
Pinch red chili flakes
1/2 cup minced onion
1 (14-16 oz) package fresh riced cauliflower
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 large lemon, juiced and zested
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions (or substitute with chopped parsley or cilantro)

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cumin seed, chili flakes and onion; then cook, stirring until the onion is slightly tender, about 1 minute. Add the cauliflower and garlic, cook stirring occasionally until the cauliflower is just tender, about 8 minutes. Stir in the reserved lemon juice, zest, salt and green onions.

Recipe and Photo © Kathy Casey Food Studios.

Posted by Kathy on February 16th, 2021  |  Comments Off on Cauliflower |  Posted in Dishing with Kathy Casey Blog, Kathy Casey, KOMO Radio, Recent Posts, Recipes, sides

Slow Cooker Comfort

After a busy winter day there is nothing better than coming home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal.

When gloomy weather has you feeling a little down, a warm and hearty meal can be so comforting. You can do all the prep in the morning – simply “Set it and forget it!”

Slow cookers are wonderful way to utilize tougher cuts of big-flavored meat. Think juicy brisket, flavorful chili, spicy chicken thighs, or a delicious lamb curry.

And crock pots aren’t just for entrees either. I also love to slow cook up a batch of overnight oats with brown sugar, orange zest, and dried fruits. Top it with some Greek yogurt, or coconut milk. Perfect to start off a lazy Sunday morning slipper day!

And the best part about these cozy meals? They make incredible leftovers!  So turn on your crock pot and let deliciousness simmer away! –Kathy

Slow-Cooker Citrus Maple Oatmeal
Be sure to use steel cut oats for this preparation. Serve with some fun toppings, like fresh blueberries or sliced bananas—and brown sugar for those who like their oats a touch sweeter.

Makes enough for 6 servings

3 Sunkist® Cara Cara Oranges, juiced
1 1/2 cups water
2 cups milk
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 1/2 cups steel-cut oats
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together orange juice, water, milk, maple syrup, cinnamon and salt. Generously spray inside of a 3-4 quart slow-cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Add oats and then pour in liquid mixture; stir. Set cooker to low heat and cook for 7-8 hours.

Recipe and Photo by Kathy Casey Food Studios for Sunkist.

Juicing for Joy

As you walk the isle of the grocery store these days, there are rows and rows of juices. So, what is the big deal about all this juicy juice? Well it is an easy and d’lish way to get your recommended fruits and vegetables, and not to mention all the vitamins.

So what to do? Got the bucks to buy a bottle? Ok, great.  Or should you buy a home juicer? If you love juice and juicing then yes, go for it; it’s worth the splurge.

What you juice can have a lot of amazing health benefits. Here’s a favorite blend of mine:

We’ll start with beets. In addition to being sweet and oh-so-pretty, they are high in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory benefits.

Next, I add a little celery for its touch of natural salt, bright flavor, and it’s a natural diuretic.

Then we bring it home with a slice of fresh ginger, apple and a touch of lemon juice. Yum!

Oh and did I mention that this is fantastic as a mixer for a cocktail too! Yes that’s right, the juicing trend is moving into Happy Hour. I have included one of my favorite juice blends below that incorporates hydrating coconut water – excellent as a little juice shot! –Kathy

Beet It
Makes about  2 1/2 cups juice – depending on the juiciness of your produce (about 4 servings)

1 – 2 medium beets
1 large green apple
1 pear
1 cup fresh strawberries, stems removed
3 Tbsp fresh-squeezed lemon juice
1-inch chunk fresh ginger
1/2 cup coconut water

Juice the beet, apple pear and strawberries. Then add the lemon juice and coconut water.

Chill and enjoy!

Recipe and Photo © Kathy Casey Food Studios.

Posted by Kathy on February 2nd, 2021  |  Comments Off on Juicing for Joy |  Posted in breakfast, citrus, Cocktails, Dishing with Kathy Casey Blog, Foodie News, Fruit, Kathy Casey, KOMO Radio, Lifestyle, orange, Recent Posts, root vegetables, vegetables

Healthy Eating

Now that we’re into the New Year, it’s time to get on track with healthy eating and stick to a New Year’s Resolution!

Sometimes with busy schedules lunch gets skipped or something less than healthy gets ordered in. Well consider taking a few hours on the weekend and building some great meals in jars to pack to work.

Just pick up some pint and 1/2 pint canning jars with screw on lids. Then prepare some good-for-you components like quinoa, brown rice, roasted veggies, roasted chicken breast, and some cut up fresh veggies.

Pack these up in jars, but make sure to plan your layers. For instance layer up some quinoa, roasted veggies, chicken – all deliciously topped with some healthy hummus or low-fat Greek yogurt. These will keep refrigerated for up to 3 days and are easy to pack to work.

Try this idea for breakfast-on-the-go, too. Fresh fruits, a little healthy cereal for the crunch factor, and yogurt. Or try cooked oatmeal with diced apples, dried cranberries and some toasted nuts.


Oat Chia Honey Cup
Photo by Kathy Casey Food Studios®.

Check out this great recipe for Make-Ahead Fruit & Yogurt Breakfast Parfaits from Iowa Girl Eats blog using Chobani yogurt (my fave!), gluten-free oats, chia seeds, and fruits. Her post is really inspiring!

Healthy, handmade meals on the go – Yum! –Kathy

Posted by Kathy on January 5th, 2021  |  Comments Off on Healthy Eating |  Posted in Dishing with Kathy Casey Blog, Foodie News, Kathy Casey, KOMO Radio, Lifestyle, Recent Posts

BFD: Breakfast for Dinner!

Eggs are the classic breakfast food, but these days eggs are showing up in every meal.

Stratas are a great dish to get ready the night before so weeknight dinners won’t feel like such a hassle. Bread, eggs and cheese are mixed with other goodies. Let it soak overnight then bake it up when you get home. Poof! Dinner will be ready in no time! I developed a Sweet Pepper & Sausage Breakfast Strata using Sunset Peppers – it’s a great base recipe to get creative with. Want to spice it up a bit? Try subbing chorizo for the sausage and pepper jack for the Italian cheese blend – Yum!


Photo by Kathy Casey Food Studios.

Have you ever had eggs on a pizza – it’s so good! Just break a raw egg in the center of your pizza right before you bake it and be amazed. I love it with roasted peppers, Italian sausage and spinach. If you like that idea and burgers, put an egg on it! Top your fave burger with a sunnyside up egg for a richer taste.

How about trying ‘shirred’ eggs? Bake a whole raw egg over tomato sauce, veggies and topped with cheese. Serve it with crusty bread for an easy and d’lish dinner.

And of course I can’t forget Deviled Eggs because I wrote a whole book on them – D’Lish Deviled Eggs! I could just eat them for dinner!

What an ‘egg-celent’ way to start and end the day. It’s the perfect time to try out a new egg dish because January is National Egg Month! -Kathy

Sweet Pepper & Sausage Breakfast Strata
Strata makes for a lovely mid-day dinner, brunch or breakfast dish for a crowd. You can prep it the day or evening before your party and then just pop the strata in the oven 45 minutes before your guests arrive.

Makes about 6 – 8 servings

3 Sunset Red, Yellow or Orange Sweet Bell Peppers, or a combination
1/2 lb bulk Italian sausage
1/2 cup diced onion
1 Tbsp minced fresh garlic
8 eggs
3 cups half-and-half
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
8 cups 1-inch-diced French or Italian rustic bread, such as a baguette
2 cups (8 oz) grated Italian cheese blend
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Seed the peppers, dice them into 1/2″ pieces and set aside.

Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, add sausage and cook until half done, about 3 minutes. Add onion and reserved peppers, and sauté for about 8 –10 minutes or until peppers are tender-crisp. Stir in garlic. Remove from the heat and set aside.

In a large bowl whisk together eggs, half-and-half, salt and pepper until well combined. Add bread, Italian cheese blend, half the Parmesan cheese and the cooked sausage-pepper mixture.

Transfer mixture to an 11×13″ baking pan and lightly press into pan to fill evenly. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese over the top and let sit, refrigerated, for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight, so that bread soaks up egg mixture.

When ready to serve, preheat oven to 350°F and bake strata for about 45 – 50 minutes or until puffy and golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Chef’s Notes: 1 baguette averages about 8 cups diced bread. Be sure to use a somewhat hearty bread for making this dish. Strata is also excellent as a simple supper dish.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios for Sunset Produce.

Posted by Kathy Casey on December 29th, 2020  |  Comments Off on BFD: Breakfast for Dinner! |  Posted in Books to Cook, breakfast, Dishing with Kathy Casey Blog, KOMO Radio, Recent Posts, Recipes

Warm Up with HOT Drinks!

Brrrr…it’s the perfect time to warm up with some HOT drinks. Spiced cider, Irish coffee, spiked cocoa – yes please!

But here’s a new one for you – Winter Spiced White Wine. This steamy white wine infusion is flavored with pears, apples, oranges, cloves, allspice, and cinnamon. For an extra kick, add some Grand Marnier or your favorite fruit liquor. It’s sure to be a hit!

For fun entertaining, I like to do a Hot Buttered “DIY Drink Station”. Set out some of hot buttered mix, a kettle of water, a selection of rums, whisky and brandies. Stack up some mugs and have some fresh nutmeg on hand for grating over the top. The interactive experience is so much fun for guests- and d’lish!

So now that I’ve given you a few ideas, go enjoy the chilly weather with your favorite winter warmer.
-Kathy

Warm Spiced White Wine
For large parties, this recipe can easily be increased, made in advance, and then gently reheated before serving. Keep it warm in a slow-cooker on low heat or in a deep, pretty chaffing dish. If you are a die-hard fan of spiced red wine, you can substitute it here.

Makes 7 cups, or enough for about 8 servings

12 whole cloves
1 small red apple, such as Pink Lady or Fuji
1 small ripe pear
5 allspice berries
1 cinnamon stick, broken in half
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 (750 ml) bottles light, dry white wine, such as chenin blanc
1/2 cup Grand Marnier or Cointreau
For garnishing: Orange-zest twists
Poke the cloves into the apple and cut it into 5 slices. Cut the pear into 6 slices. Combine the fruit and remaining ingredients in a stainless steel or heat-proof glass pan and stir well to incorporate the brown sugar. Warm the mixture over low heat. Do not let it boil! Let the flavors steep for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve warm in mugs, glass coffee cups, or tempered glasses. Garnish each serving with an orange twist.

Recipe from Kathy Casey Sips & Apps, Chronicle Books

Posted by Kathy on December 22nd, 2020  |  Comments Off on Warm Up with HOT Drinks! |  Posted in Dishing with Kathy Casey Blog, Recent Posts

Dip In!

From party staples like gooey, cheese fondue to classic French onion or 7-layer fiesta dip, we all have our favorites.

These days dips are getting lighter and healthier. We’re whipping up our favorites not with full fat sour cream and mayo but with Greek yogurt as well as lite sour creams and mayos. Even this party staple can’t escape the better-for-you revolution!

Hummus is all the rage lately – made with protein-rich garbanzo beans. It’s quick-and-easy to make from scratch, but also available in a wide variety of flavors like roasted pepper and sun-dried tomatoes. Cruise the hummus isle these days and you’ll find brilliant beet hummus and emerald green edamame varieties!

Creamy white bean dips are also popular and fall into the better-for-you category, too. It’s tasty paired with bold flavors like in my Tuscan White Bean Dip Layered with Green Olive and Lemon Tapenade.


Cranberry- Orange Holiday Goat Cheese Dip

For a festive dip, whip up a batch of Cranberry- Orange Holiday Goat Cheese Dip. Creamy goat cheese mixed with walnuts and cranberries, and sweetened with citrus and honey. Yum!

Now, we all love our dips with potato and tortilla chips but you can also lighten up your dippables. Try something new, like pita chips and rice crackers, OR go the veggie route with endive leaves, slices of crunchy fennel, or colorful bell pepper.

So whatever the occasion, get out of your DIP RUT, lighten up –and try something new! –Kathy

Tuscan White Bean Dip Layered with Green Olive and Lemon Tapenade
I love to make the tapenade with those brilliant green Castelvetrano olives available at olive bars. If you want to take some extra time and pit them rather than buying pitted jarred olives, it is worth it! I like to serve this dip with pita chips or rustic crackers.

Makes 3 cups, or about 8 to 10 servings

Dip
1 (15-ounce) cans white beans, drained well
2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
3 cloves fresh garlic, peeled
pinch of red pepper flakes
1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 tsp. very finely minced lemon zest
1 tsp. very finely minced fresh rosemary
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Tapenade
1 1/2 cups pitted manzanilla or other green olives, drained
1 Tbsp. minced fresh garlic
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 Tbsp. very finely minced lemon zest
2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil or oil from sundried tomatoes
1/4 cup coarsely chopped Italian parsley
1/4 cup finely chopped sundried tomatoes in oil, drained

Garnish: extra-virgin olive oil and fresh rosemary sprig

To make the dip: In a food processor, combine the drained beans, cheese, if using, and garlic, and process for about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the pepper flakes, lemon juice and zest, rosemary and salt. With the motor running, add the oil through the feed tube in a slow stream. Process until smooth. Taste for salt and adjust if desired. Store the dip, covered and refrigerated, for up to 3 days.

To make the tapenade: In a food processor, combine the olives, garlic, lemon juice and zest, and oil, and pulse till the ingredients are thoroughly chopped, but still have some coarseness to them. Add the parsley and sundried tomatoes and pulse until just integrated. The tapenade can be stored, covered and refrigerated, for up to 1 week.

To serve: Put the dip in a pretty bowl, smooth out the surface, then layer the tapenade on top. Drizzle with a tiny bit of olive oil, and garnish with the rosemary.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios® – www.KathyCasey.com

Cranberry- Orange Holiday Goat Cheese Dip
Serve this dip with leaves of Belgian endive, apple slices, celery, and crostini or rustic crackers.

Makes about 3 1/2 cups

3 ounces fresh goat cheese (chèvre), softened
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup fresh-squeezed Sunkist tangerine or orange juice
1 tablespoon orange zest
2 tablespoons honey
1/2 cup finely chopped dried cranberries (or dried cherries chopped fine )
1/2 cup finely chopped toasted walnuts or hazelnuts
1/2 teaspoon salt

In a mixer with a paddle attachment, cream the goat cheese and cream cheese together until smooth. Add the juice, zest and honey, and mix until smooth. Add the remaining ingredients and mix until incorporated. The dip will keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios® – www.KathyCasey.com

Posted by Kathy on December 15th, 2020  |  Comments Off on Dip In! |  Posted in Dishing with Kathy Casey Blog, Kathy Casey, KOMO Radio, Lifestyle, Recent Posts, Recipes

Clementines

When the weather gets chilly and the sky turns grey, juicy winter citrus is just the thing to help brighten the season. Clementine’s to the rescue!

Don’t be fooled by their small appearance- these cute little fruits are packed with flavor and health benefits. They are an excellent source of vitamin C. And get this – they’re also great as an antihistamine. It’s true! Battle those stuffed-up sinuses with clementine’s.

I love to incorporate them into my morning smoothie –or topped on yogurt for a citrusy punch.

For a quick and easy appetizer- try my Clementine Bruschetta! Simply combine diced clementine’s with tomatoes, kalamata olives, minced red onion, and fresh basil. Scoop it over a toasted crostini spread with creamy goat cheese – yum! Great for on-the-fly entertaining!

Try my Mandarin Crunch Bowl with Spicy Orange Peanut Sauce for a quick, savory salad. Layer these into a jars for a d’lish salad on-the-go.

So whether you’re whipping up a delicious snack- or fighting off a case of the sniffles– pick up some Clementine’s. They’re sure to brighten up your day! -Kathy

Clementine Bruschetta with Goat Cheese
The flavors of clementine, kalamata olives, fresh basil and the creaminess of goat cheese all play off each other nicely in this easy entertaining appetizer.

Makes 20 pieces

1 artisanal baguette
extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling
kosher salt as needed
————————-
4 clementines
2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
3/4 cup chopped vine-ripe tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
2 Tbsp. minced red onion
1 1/2 tsp. finely minced garlic
1/4 cup chopped pitted kalamata olives
pinch of red pepper flakes
————————-
4 oz. chèvre-style fresh goat cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Cut baguette into 1/4-inch slices—you want about 20 nice-sized pieces. Lay out on a baking sheet. Lightly brush or drizzle bread with olive oil then sprinkle lightly with kosher salt. Bake for about 5–7 minutes, or until toasty. Let crostini cool.

Meanwhile, peel clementines and dice 1/4 to 1/3-inch. In a medium bowl, toss clementines with 2 tablespoons olive oil, tomatoes, basil, onion, garlic, olives, and pepper flakes. Set aside.

To serve: Smear each piece of crostini with a heaping teaspoon of goat cheese. Place on a platter and immediately divide the clementine mixture between the crostini (drain off any excess juice).

Note: Top crostini right before serving so they do not get soft.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios®

Mandarin Crunch Bowl with Spicy Orange Peanut Sauce
For lunch on-the-go, layer ingredients into jars and top with Spicy Orange Peanut Sauce. This healthy bowl is also great with the addition of rice noodles.

Serves: 2
Prep Time: 15 minutes

4 Sunkist® Mandarin Oranges
3 cups cut romaine lettuce
1/2 cup shredded red cabbage
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup diced English cucumber
1/4 cup torn mint leaves
1 green onion, thinly sliced
2 – 3 tablespoons coarse chopped, roasted peanuts (or substitute almonds)
Spicy Orange Peanut Sauce (recipe follows)
1 Sunkist® Lime, cut in half

Peel and segment the oranges and set aside.

Place the romaine in bowls and arrange the cabbage, carrots, cucumber and oranges on top. Scatter with mint, green onions, and peanuts. Serve with Spicy Orange Peanut Sauce for drizzling and lime for squeezing.

Spicy Orange Peanut Sauce
Makes: 1 1/4 cups
Prep Time: 10 minutes

1 Sunkist® Orange, zested and juiced
1 Sunkist® Lime, juiced
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (or substitute almond butter)
1/4 cup coconut cream
2 teaspoons soy sauce (or substitute gluten free soy or coconut aminos)
2 tablespoons water
2 – 3 teaspoons Sriracha (depending on how spicy you like it)

Mix together all ingredients until smooth. Store refrigerated for up to 7 days.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios®

Posted by Kathy on December 8th, 2020  |  Comments Off on Clementines |  Posted in Dishing with Kathy Casey Blog, Recent Posts
Untitled