Everyone has heard the age-old advice that when cooking with wine, “If you wouldn’t drink it, then don’t cook with it;” but that does not mean you can’t find fabulous wines, that are also inexpensive, to cook with. Personally, if you’re cooking with it – then you should have a glass too!

There are ways to incorporate wine into almost any dish. My Bolognese Meat Sauce with Chianti, for example, is soo rich and delicious after a good long simmer that I almost want to forget the pasta and just eat the sauce right out of the pan! Yum!

Tasty ingredients for my “Double Red Wine” Vinaigrette!
Photo by Kathy Casey Food Studios®

Adding a dash of wine to a dish adds an extra dimension of flavor especially when reduced down – further enhancing the flavor of the wine. My recipe for “Double Red Wine” Vinaigrette calls for reduced red wine which is then whisked into red wine vinaigrette – now that’s a flavor POW! Its gorgeously delicious taste is the perfect accent to fresh organic greens.

Leftover white wine from the weekend is a great addition to anything from sautéed onions for a vegetable soup, to pan-seared shrimp with garlic.

So pour a little in your glass, add some in your pan, and cook up something d’lish! -Kathy

Bolognese Meat Sauce with Chianti
Makes 12 cups sauce

2 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound pork butt, cut in 1 “ chunks
1 pound beef chuck, cut in 1” chunks
1 cup small diced onion
3/4 cup small diced celery
1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
3/4 cup small diced carrot
1/2 cup small diced green peppers
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon crush red chili flakes
1/4 teaspoon dry “whole leaf” rosemary, crushed
1 teaspoon dry “whole leaf” oregano
1 teaspoon dry “whole leaf” basil
1/2 teaspoon dry “whole leaf” thyme
1 1/2 cups Chianti red wine
2 cups beef broth ( I used Swanson’s)
2 (6oz. each) cans tomato paste
2 (1# 12oz each) cans pear tomatoes in juice
3/4 cup whole milk
salt as needed

In a large heavy bottom Dutch oven or soup pot heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Add the meat chunks and cook – browning on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot to a plate and set aside.

Then add to pot the onion and cook – stirring often for 1 minute, Then add the celery, mushroom, carrot and green peppers, cook stirring often for 1 minute.

Add the garlic and chili flakes ad stir in for 30 seconds. Add the dry herbs and wine and bring to a boil and reduce for 2 minutes.

Add the reserved browned meat, beef broth and tomato paste. Pour the juice from the canned tomato in and with clean hands add the pear tomatoes to the pot while “hand squishing” them.

Bring to a slow boil and then reduce heat to medium-low – low to keep at a consistent slow simmer. Cook, stirring often for about 2 hours, until meat is very very tender and is falling apart and sauce is very thick.

Add milk and stir in and then remove sauce from heat and stir up sauce well, breaking apart meat and incorporating into sauce. Taste sauce for salt and season as needed.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios®

“Double Red Wine” Vinaigrette
Makes 1 1/2 cups vinaigrette

Vinaigrette:
1/2 cup Merlot red wine
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon finely minced garlic
1 tablespoon finely minced shallots
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup extra virgin olive oil

In a small non-corrosive saucepan combine the wine and wine vinegar, place over high heat and bring to a boil. Continue boiling until liquid is reduced (by half) to ½ cup. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.

Place the cooled red wine reduction into a medium bowl. Add the mustard, garlic, shallots, salt and pepper. Whisk together, then slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously. Mixture should be nicely emulsified. Refrigerate until needed, whisking well again before serving.

To serve: In a large bowl place about 1 tablespoon vinaigrette for every super-packed, heaping cup of greens. This dressing is big flavored, so not much is needed per serving. With clean hands toss well, being sure to coat each leaf with dressing. Add more dressing or greens to taste.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios®

Sunny winter citrus is just the perfect way to help brighten the season when it gets chilly and the skies turn grey. With cold weather, comes cold and flu season. What a wonderful coincidence, then, that clementines are in season at the same time!

Clementines happen to be an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps support your immune system. Did you also know that they act as an antihistamine? It’s true! Battle those stuffed-up sinuses with as many clementines as you can grab, peel and eat —which might be a lot, considering how small and easy to peel they are!

They make a perfect any-time snack, but can also be incorporated into a stuffing, blended into a breakfast smoothie, or for a quick and easy appetizer. Just combine diced clementines with tomatoes, kalamata olives, minced red onion and fresh basil to top my d’lish Cuties Bruschetta with Goat Cheese. Great for on-the-fly entertaining!

(Photo by Kathy Casey Food Studios®)

Or how about jazzing up that holiday stuffing? Flavorful clementies are tossed in my Overnight Wild-Rice & Sourdough Stuffing— made with cooked wild rice, sourdough bread, toasted almonds, drained cranberries, mushrooms and fresh herbs.  Yum!

(Photo by Kathy Casey Food Studios®)

So whether you’re whipping up a delicious snack or trying something new for the holiday table – pick up some clementines. They’re sure to brighten up any dish! -Kathy

Cuties Bruschetta with Goat Cheese
The flavors of mandarin, calamata olives and 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 Cuties clementinese
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 calamata 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 Cuties and dice 1/4 to 1/3-inch. In a medium bowl, toss Cuties 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 Cuties 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®

Overnight Wild-Rice & Sourdough Stuffing
With big flavors and textures, this stuffing is great with game hens, turkey, chicken, holiday ham or pork chops.

Makes about 8 servings

6 cups water
2 tsp. kosher salt
3/4 cup wild rice
—————————-
6 Cuties clementines
4 cups 1/2-inch-cubed rustic sourdough bread
1/2 cup toasted, coarsely chopped almonds
6 Tbsp. salted butter
1 cup 1/4-inch-diced onion
1 cup 1/4-inch-diced celery
2 cups sliced cremini mushrooms
1 tsp. kosher salt (or more to taste)
1/4 tsp. fresh-ground black pepper
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 tsp. finely chopped fresh thyme
1 1/2 tsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh sage
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
2 eggs, beaten

In a large pot, bring water and salt to a boil. Stir in wild rice and return to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer rice, stirring occasionally, for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until very tender. Drain and cool.

Meanwhile, peel the Cuties, cut in half crosswise, then break into half segments. Place in a large bowl with the bread and almonds, and set aside.

In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, melt butter, add the onion, celery, and mushrooms, and season with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 7–8 minutes, or until tender. Remove from heat and add cranberries, broth and herbs.

Add mushroom mixture and cooled rice to bread mixture. Toss to mix evenly, then add the beaten egg and toss until bread is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate overnight to let flavors develop.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray an 8-inch square baking pan with pan spray.

Re-toss stuffing, transfer to baking pan, and let sit for 30 minutes to come to room temperature while oven preheats. Bake in preheated oven for 35–45 minutes, or until cooked through.

Chef’s Note: When roasting a stuffed chicken or game hen, cook until internal temperature at the center of the stuffing is 165 degrees F.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios®

CRUNCH – that’s the sound of a crisp apple! There’s really nothing so yummy as biting into a juicy, flavor-packed Washington apple, no matter which variety you like. With so many exciting varieties of local apples, it’s fun to do an apple tasting with friends and family.

We love them au naturel, dipped into peanut butter or yogurt, or drizzled with honey. But they’re also great to cook with, lending themselves to both sweet and savory dishes.

How about a serving of my Slow-Braised Pork Pot Roast with Apples & Onions, so great for a warming winter meal… or how about a generous helping of luscious apple butter smoothed over cinnamon toast for a wonderful wake-me-up in the morning?

I think my absolute favorite thing other than crunching one fresh from the tree is a homemade apple pie. Nothing scents a house better than baking a fresh pie…. hungry now?

They say an apple a day can keep the doctor away – and that may be true – especially because they are a high fiber, low calorie snack rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

Washington Apple-Cranberry Tart with Walnut Crust & Cranberry Semifreddo
(Photo from Kathy Casey’s Northwest Table)

So check out the amazing varieties of apples and try some of my tasty recipes like Washington Apple Cranberry Tart with Walnut Crust and Cranberry Semifreddo – just perfect for a holiday dessert. – Kathy

Slow-Braised Pork Pot Roast with Apples & Onions
Gala apples are used in this recipe for their superior, firm texture when cooking. If Gala apples are not available, try to find Fujis, which also work well.

Makes 6 to 8 servings

1 (2 1/2-pound) boneless pork shoulder or butt roast
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 Gala apples, each cut in 8 chunks
1 large onion, cut in 16 chunks
2 large sprigs fresh thyme
6 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon caraway seeds, optional
1/3 cup raspberry or white wine vinegar
3 tablespoons sugar

Preheat an oven to 350°F.

Pat dry the pork roast and sprinkle with the salt and pepper. Place apples, onion, thyme, and garlic in a small roasting pan and set the pork roast on top. Sprinkle with the caraway seeds.

Mix together the vinegar and sugar until the sugar is dissolved, then pour it around the pork.

Place the pork in the oven and roast, uncovered, for 1 hour. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and continue roasting for about 1 1/2 hours more, until the pork is fork-tender. The total roasting time will be about 2 1/2 hours.

Recipe from Dishing with Kathy Casey.

Good things do come in small packages; sliders are a tasty example of that testament. These two-bite (sometimes one-bite!) wonders are popping up everywhere from restaurant menus to food trucks!

If you’re a slider fan and want to make them at home, don’t worry! They are super-simple to make. Belltown’s Macrina Bakery makes fresh, little slider-sized buns and there are grocery store mini-bun options and alternatives, too.

Lamb sliders!
(Photo from Kathy Casey’s Sips & Apps, Chronicle Books – Angie Norwood Browne)

Lamb, salmon, buffalo, tuna, sliced steak … anything gourmet burgers can do, sliders can do. They aren’t your average burgers and flavor combos are endless from barbecue pulled pork on ’slaw to deep-fried clam fritters with a citrus aioli.

For your next get-together, set-up a DIY slider bar. Put out a few different mini-patties, some great local mini-buns, and lots of fun condiments – spicy chipotle mayo, horseradish aioli, blue cheese, tarragon mustard, pickled red onions, zingy slaw, and even grilled pineapple – yum!

For the last days of summer, think small and dish out big flavor with sliders! -Kathy

Lamb Sliders with Zingy Spread and Arugula & Roasted Peppers
I also like to top the hot burgers with dollops of soft goat cheese for a tasty variation.

Makes 16

Zingy Spread
3/4 cup mayonnaise, or use 3/8 cup mayonnaise and 3/8 cup plain yogurt
1 1/2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic

Burger Mixture
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary
3 tablespoons minced onion
2 teaspoons minced fresh garlic
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 pounds ground lamb, or substitute beef

Accompaniments
16 small slider buns
Thinly sliced red or sweet onions
Roasted peppers, cut in strips
Baby arugula

To make the spread: Mix the ingredients together well. Cover and refrigerate, for up to 2 days, until needed.

To make the burger mixture: In a bowl, mix the pepper, mustard, rosemary, onion, garlic, vinegar, and salt. Mix in the lamb until thoroughly combined. Divide the mixture into 16 portions. Shape into patties, about 2 inches in diameter.

Heat a medium or large nonstick skillet or sauté pan over medium-high to high heat. Working in batches without crowding the pan, sauté the patties until just done, about 2 -3 minutes per side. (You can also grill the patties)

If you want to serve the buns warm, wrap them in aluminum foil and reheat in a 375-degree F oven.

To serve, split the buns and spread with the Zingy Spread. Place the patties on buns and top with onions, roasted peppers and arugula as desired. Close the burgers and secure with picks.

Recipe adapted from; Kathy Casey Sips & Apps, Chronicle Books

Nothing beats the sound and aroma of a sizzling steak on the grill, cooked to perfection. On summer days/nights in the Northwest, everything tastes better cooked on the grill. Fire up the grill because it’s time to talk steak!

First, always let your steaks come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then pat it dry and season both sides well. A great seasoning, marinade or rub is the best way to add flavor. For purists, salt and pepper and a swipe of olive oil can be all your steaks need. I like to jazz my steak up with a great seasoning like my Dish D’Lish French Seasoning.

Steak toppings are another great way to enhance the flavor of a steak, such as grilled onions and sexy gorgonzola cheese. If your yard is full of little cherry tomatoes, try skewering them, grilling then tossing with a splash of balsamic, EVOO, fresh basil and some minced garlic – then add just a pinch of sea salt. Now that’s a great summer steak topper!

Be sure to pre-heat your grill before throwing on your meat and always use tongs to flip the steak. Using a fork pierces the meat, making it easier to lose all those delicious juices to the burning coals.

D’lish steaks!
(Photo courtesy of MensHealth.com)

Once the steak is on the grill, leave it be! The less fidgeting and flipping you do to your steak, the better. All you want is to get a nice sear going on each side.

Pull it off before you think it’s done. Don’t worry! The steak will keep cooking for a few minutes, even when pulled off from the heat. Then let your steak rest a few minutes before serving for the meat to reabsorb all that juicy goodness!

IMPORANT: Enjoy your steak with yummy sides, a great bottle of Washington wine, and your favorite friends and family!

So show that steak who’s the boss and be a grill master! -Kathy

Savory Grilled Steak with Sweet Onions and Gorgonzola
This quick and easy preparation uses one of my favorite products – Demitri’s Extra Horseradish Bloody Mary Seasoning. Yes it’s great in a Bloody Mary – of course – but equally delicious as a steak marinade. It’s super easy! (Demitri’s can be found at well stocked grocery stores or online at www.Demitris.com.)

Makes 4 servings

4 steaks, such as New York, flat iron or tenderloin
1/2 cup Demitri’s Extra Horseradish Bloody Mary Seasoning
———————————————-
2 large sweet onions, sliced in 1-inch-thick rounds
1/4 cup olive oil
salt and pepper
1/2 cup gorgonzola cheese, crumbled (about 2 ounces)

Horseradish Steak Drizzle
1/4 cup Demitri’s Extra Horseradish Bloody Mary Seasoning
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
4 teaspoons red wine vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil

Garnish: coarsely chopped fresh basil

To marinate the steak: Trim the meat of any outer pieces of fat and silverskin. Put the steaks in a large re-sealable plastic bag. Pour the 1/2 cup of Demitri’s seasoning into the bag, press out any air, and then seal the bag. Move the meat around in the bag to coat well. Marinate, refrigerated, for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight, turning the bag a few times.

To make the Horseradish Steak Drizzle: Mix ingredients together. Cover and set aside.

To grill the meat: Preheat a grill to high. Drizzle the steaks and onions with a little olive oil and lightly season steak with salt and pepper. Grill steaks to the desired doneness. The grilling time will vary, depending on the heat of the grill and the thickness of the meat. Remove steak to a plate to rest for about 5 minutes before serving, allowing juices to settle. Top with cheese so that it starts to melt. Meanwhile, grill the onions till tender and nicely grill marked.

Serve the steaks topped with onions and drizzled with Horseradish Steak Drizzle.

Recipe created by Kathy Casey Food Studios® for Demitri’s Bloody Mary Seasoning

Summer means grilling and nothing boosts the flavor goodness on grilled meat, seafood and veggies like a fantastic marinade. They are simple to make and give an easy flavor jolt to your dinner dishes with only a few ingredients.

(Photo courtesy of Country Living)

Take inspiration for your marinade from different cultures. Chipotle, lime, and agave add instant cha-cha-cha to your chicken. Or try ginger, thai basil, sesame oil, and hot chili paste for a bit of zen for your dish.

My biggest marinade tip is: Make it strong! The bolder the flavor; the bigger the taste. If you make your marinade and it tastes good – then it’s not bold enough. Pump up the flavor even more with spices, garlic, herbs, etc. Get creative!

Citrus juices are common in marinades and add a big hit of brightness to smoky grilled flavors. Keep in mind that marinating with citrus juices for too long can begin to “cook” your protein, particularly fish, before it even hits the heat. I like to use orange juice concentrate to really get a citrus punch in my marinade.

Another quick tip: If your marinade contains sugar or honey, be sure to grill on medium-low heat to prevent burning. Honey or sugar can scorch on high heat.

I’ve included a great chart for making marinades with a basic recipe and then add-ins for you to customize. I also put together some marinating and grilling tips for your next patio party to be grilling-successful!

So this summer, jazz up your cooking with some mouth-watering marinades. –Kathy

Basic Marinade for Grilling
Marinates 4 to 6 portions of protein

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary or other fresh herb
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon finely minced garlic
1/3 cup olive oil or salad oil, depending upon which herbs you are using
1/2 teaspoon coarse-ground black pepper or 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
4 to 6 portions of protein, such as chicken breasts, steaks, pork loin chops, salmon, or large shrimp, or large portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian option

In a small bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients.

Lay out protein in a shallow, non-aluminum baking pan. Spoon half the marinade on the top side of each portion and rub it around, then flip the protein and spoon on the remaining marinade, being sure that all surfaces are covered.

Cover pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.

When ready to cook, heat grill to medium-high heat, then brush grill lightly with oil. Be sure grill is hot before placing protein on it. Sprinkle both sides of protein with kosher salt, and grill on the first side, being sure not to move it until there is a good charred grill mark. (The biggest mistake that home cooks make is to “touch” what they are grilling too much and move it around before it is ready; this causes sticking.)

Grill to desired doneness. No specific time can be given as it will depend upon your heat and what you are grilling. Typically, if there are nice grill marks on each side, the food is probably close to done. You can refer to internal cooking temperatures on the Internet, but I think that most government-determined temperatures are too high. So, until you are a seasoned griller, get a small paring knife and cut a tiny “peek “into the center of what you are cooking. For poultry you will want to see no pink; fish should be just cooked and not dry; shrimp should be just pink on the outside and barely opaque inside; and steaks should be the way you like them!

This marinade is a basic one, so get creative here, too, when you feel ready. Practice makes perfect. And grilling is “rustic,” so if you make a mistake, it is not the end of the world—just jump back in and try it again soon.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios®

Marinade Customization Chart

In a small mixing bowl, use a small wire whisk and combine together your acid component, Dijon mustard and salt. Then slowly whisk in the oil, adding it in a thin drizzle. This technique is to emulsify (make smooth and combined) your marinade. Then add your flavoring components.

You can keep the unused marinade refrigerated for up to 2 weeks. Experiment with different flavorings and combinations. Discard after using the marinade.

Marinating tips:

Created by Kathy Casey Food Studios®

Lemon & Caper Marinade for Seafood or Chicken
Makes about 1/3 cup

2 teaspoons finely minced fresh lemon zest
1 tablespoon finely minced fresh basil
2 teaspoons finely minced fresh thyme
1 tablespoon thinly sliced fresh chives
2 tablespoons capers, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Whisk all ingredients together well.

Keep refrigerated for up to 2 days.

Marinate fish, shrimp, scallops or chicken breasts for at least 4 hours or up to 8 hours.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios®

Cider Marinade for Chicken or Pork
Makes 1 cup

1/4 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes
1 teaspoon rubbed dry sage or 1 Tbsp. fresh sage finely minced
1 teaspoon dry thyme leaves or 1 Tbsp. fresh thyme finely minced
3/4 teaspoon celery seed
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons finely minced lemon zest
1/2 cup apple cider
4 teaspoons cider vinegar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/4 cup salad oil

Whisk all ingredients together well. Keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.

Marinate chicken breasts or pork chops for at least 4 hours or up to 8 hours before cooking.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios®

Citrus Mojo Chili Marinade for Poultry, Pork or Seafood
Makes 3/4 cup

2 teaspoons finely minced orange zest
1 orange
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 tablespoons finely minced garlic
2 tablespoons finely minced onion

Zest the orange and then cut off the peel and white pith from it. Cut orange into large chunks. Place in a food processor or blender with the remaining ingredients and process until as smooth as it will get.

Will keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Marinate fish, turkey breast slices, chicken, shrimp or pork for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios®

Chermoula Marinade for Prawns, Chicken, Veggies or Steak
Makes about 1/2 cup

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon chopped fresh ginger
2 tablespoons minced fresh lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup olive oil

Place all ingredients in a food processor or blender and process until almost smooth.

Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days. Marinate chicken breasts, shrimp, or beef steaks for at least 4 hours or up to overnight.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios®

Well who knew – but April is National Food Month here in the US!  So let’s talk about our favorite things to cook at home.

We all have our go-to and must-have recipes from the All-American mac & cheese and Filipino lumpia to handmade Mexican tamales.

As a chef, I see LOTS of food in my everyday life from product testing to client recipe development to creative ideation sessions. Some might think it would be hard for me to pick a dish or two and deem it as my all-time-fave. Hands down, it’s no contest to what meal soars above the rest – and makes me feel all cozy inside!

Just back from a trip to Ukraine and tired from the long, long trip, my husband John picked me me up from the airport and took us home. As soon as I opened the door, I smelled the deliciousness – could it be? Really? My favorite Slow-Cooked Pot Roast with Half a Bottle of Wine and 20 Cloves of Garlic?!?!  What a welcome home! My favorite dish, so d’lish cozied up to fluffy mashed potatoes; now this is my comfort food!  For those of you that know us well you also know this could have been some sort of miracle: John is not one who loves to cook. As a matter of fact, this is the first time in all these years that he cooked a full on dinner for me. And it was delicious! The recipe is from my favorite cookbook the now out of print Dishing with Kathy Casey. I said, “John, wow! This is perfectly cooked.” To which he replied, “Well this is the first time that I’ve ever made one of your recipes and they really are easy to follow.” Thanks John … for a wonderful and heartfelt welcome home!

What are some of your favorite must-have dishes/recipes and family favorites? I would love to hear them. So celebrate National Food Month and gather around the table with family and friends!  -Kathy

Photo from Dishing with Kathy Casey.

Sunday Slow-Cooked Roast Beef with Half a Bottle of Wine and 20 Cloves of Garlic

Makes 6 to 8 generous servings

1 (3- to 3 1/2-pound) beef chuck roast
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 large onion, peeled and cut into 8 wedges
1 1/2 cups sliced mushrooms
1/2 bottle (about 1 1/2 cups) red wine
3 tablespoons flour
20 cloves garlic, peeled
5 sprigs fresh thyme
4 carrots, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
4 stalks celery, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil, optional

Preheat an oven to 325°F.

With paper towels, pat the roast dry. Heat the oil in a large ovenproof Dutch oven over high heat until hot.

Rub the roast with salt and pepper. Place in the hot pan and sear on all sides until well browned. Remove the meat to a platter. Add the onion wedges and mushrooms to the pan and stir around for a few minutes, then tuck the roast back into the pan, pulling the onion and mushroom mixture up from under the roast.

Whisk together the wine and flour until smooth and add to the roasting pan, along with the garlic and thyme. Bring to a simmer, then cover and transfer the pan to the oven.

Roast for about 2 hours. Add the carrots and celery and continue to roast for 1/2 hour to 1 hour, or until meat is fork-tender.

Stir the basil into the sauce.

Cut roast into thick slices or large chunks, depending on your preference, and serve with the sauce drizzled over it.

Chef’s Tips:
If the sauce is not thick enough, make a cornstarch slurry using 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water. Whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce, a little at a time, until the desired thickness is reached.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios®

Almost everybody I know loves pork to some capacity. It’s one of the most versatile meats in the world. Different cultures cook up this succulent protein in a multitude of ways from Cuban pulled pork sandwiches to crispy pork belly topped burgers to Southern BBQ and more.

In the last few years, there has been a pork resurgence (almost along the lines of a cult-like status!) with specialty pig dinners, porky books, charcuterie classes… the list goes on and on and on.

One of my favorite restaurants is down in New Orleans. If you’re a true pork lover, this is a must go-to place! Cochon (it’s French for “pig”) serves up a great spicy grilled pork ribs with homemade watermelon pickle, smoked ham hock with red beans & rice and a truly mouthwatering Louisiana cochon with turnips, cabbage and cracklins. This is the ultimate piggy heaven!

Even one of my friends told me that her daughter declared herself as a “baco-tarian:” she doesn’t eat any meat, poultry, fish or other animal products EXCEPT bacon! Vegetarians and vegans, stand back – this is not my idea at all! I am only reporting the facts.

Don’t forget that there is also the whole bacon surge: specialty bacons, vodka, salt, baconaise…

One of my favorite ways to cook pork is to slow-braise it in an oven with Gala apples, onions and fresh herbs. A fantastic meal worth the wait!

Here’s to piggin’ out on delectable pork! –Kathy

Slow-Braised Pork Pot Roast with Apples & Onions
Gala apples are used in this recipe for their superior, firm texture when cooking. If Gala apples are not available, try to find Fujis, which also work well.

Makes 6 to 8 servings

1 (2 1/2-pound) boneless pork shoulder or butt roast
2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 Gala apples, each cut in 8 chunks
1 large onion, cut in 16 chunks
2 large sprigs fresh thyme
6 cloves garlic
1 tsp caraway seeds, optional
1/3 cup raspberry or white wine vinegar
3 Tbsps sugar

Preheat an oven to 350°F.

Pat dry the pork roast and sprinkle with the salt and pepper. Place apples, onion, thyme, and garlic in a small roasting pan and set the pork roast on top. Sprinkle with the caraway seeds.

Mix together the vinegar and sugar until the sugar is dissolved, then pour it around the pork.

Place the pork in the oven and roast, uncovered, for 1 hour. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and continue roasting for about 1 1/2 hours more, until the pork is fork-tender. The total roasting time will be about 2 1/2 hours.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios®