It’s that time of summer when juicy stone fruits come to market: nectarines, plums, apricots and my favorite, PEACHES!

But isn’t it a bummer when you get a peach and it’s not bursting with that sweet flavor you remember? Well, peach evangelist Jon Rowley has worked to fix that.

Jon says that when you cut the peach and its super shiny
that will mean that its gonna be sweet!

Every year he collaborates with Pence Orchards in Wapato and the organic Frog Hollow Farms in Brentwood, California for Peach-O-Rama, celebrated at Met Markets.

Each of these peaches must meet a minimum of 13 Brix (that is the measure of the % of sugar in the peach).

So what to do with all these juicy peaches? Well, eating peaches out of hand is amazingly delicious, but I also love them sliced and tossed in an arugula salad dotted with goat cheese and a sprinkle of toasted northwest hazelnuts.

And if you love sweetness, there is nothing better than a delicious homemade peach pie. And one of my favorites is with stone fruits: peaches, cherries and apricots. But you can make it with all peaches, too!

The recipe incorporates my favorite fruit pie tip: put down a thin rolled out layer of almond paste on the bottom crust before filling the pie it adds a delicious flavor and keeps the crust from getting soggy.

So here’s to the juicy peach! –Kathy

Peaches combine with other Stone Fruits in this delicious pie!

Summer Stone Fruit Pie with Almond Paste & Amaretto Cream
You can use all peaches in the pie if you like or a variety of other stone fruits to mix in with the peaches.

Makes 19-inch pie

Crust
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
6 Tbsp. shortening or lard
6 Tbsp. cold butter
2 to 3 Tbsp. ice water

Filling
1/4 cup (2 ounces) marzipan (almond paste)
3 cups pitted, 1/4-inch-sliced peaches, peeled
1 cup pitted cherries, (I like to use tart cherries if you can find them, you can also use frozen ones without sugar)
2 cups pitted, 1/4-inch sliced apricots
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 Tbsp. flour

Egg Wash Glaze
1 egg
1 Tbsp. milk
1 Tbsp. coarse sanding sugar (or substitute granulated sugar), optional

Amaretto Cream
1/2 cup whipping cream
1 1/2 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 Tbsp. amaretto

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

To make the crust: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt and nutmeg. Cut in shortening and butter until particles are pea-sized. Sprinkle in ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork until dough comes together in a ball.

Divide into 2 even pieces. Do not over handle the dough. (If dough is too soft to handle, press gently into 2 disks, wrap in plastic and refrigerate for about 20 minutes before rolling.)

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the first piece of dough to a bit bigger than your 9-inch pie pan. Brush excess flour off crust, and then gently roll up crust onto rolling pin. Unroll into pie pan and press/fit crust into pan. Roll crust over at edges. Roll out the remaining piece of dough to fit top of pan, but slightly bigger. Cover with plastic and move on to making the filling.

To fill the pie: Roll marzipan into a ball, then press out into a disk on a piece of plastic wrap. Cover with another piece of plastic wrap. Roll out to fit the bottom crust, place it in the freezer if it’s too soft.

Remove the top piece of plastic wrap, then turn it into the curst using plastic wrap as a guide, fit marzipan into the bottom crust. (Remove the plastic wrap).

Place the peaches, cherries and apricots in a large bowl. In a small bowl, mix together sugars and flour, and then sprinkle over the fruit. Toss to coat the fruit well. Place fruit filling into lined pie pan.

Place remaining dough round on top of pie, trimming off any excess dough. Then crimp bottom and top crusts together with your fingers to seal well and make a pretty edge.

Mix together egg and milk, and lightly brush on top with a pastry brush. Sprinkle with sanding sugar. Make several slits in the top (or cut fun shapes) to allow steam to escape. Bake in preheated oven for about 1 hour or until crust is golden and filling is cooked through and bubbling. Cool pie on a rack.

To make Almond Cream: When ready to serve, whip the cream until it begins to thicken. Add remaining ingredients and whip until stiff. Serve dolloped on pieces of pie.

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

Many people think of lavender as scenting soaps, spa treatments and perfumes, and it’s well-known for its calming and relaxing properties. But lavender has also enjoyed a long history in the culinary world.

For the lavender lovers, the 19^th Annual Sequim Lavender Festival is this weekend!

In fact, it is experiencing quite resurgence. Chefs, bakers and mixologists alike are using this member of the mint family to spruce up savory dishes, sweets, and cocktails.

Lavender is best used sparingly to let its fragrant flavour subtly shine and not to overpower. When added to an herbaceous seasoning mix like Herbs De Provence, it gives a unique note to grilled proteins like chicken or pork.

A sprinkle of lavender into your favorite sugar cookie recipe adds a delicious floral note, like in my Lemon & Lavender Shortbread Cookies.

Beautiful Lavender growing in our urban garden at the Food Studios–Liquid Kitchen

If you are a jam maker try adding a pinch or two of lavender to your next batch of strawberry jam. I also love it infused in a little local honey and drizzled over cheese or a sprinkling in the filling of a berry pie.

For a super-refreshing drink, whip up my Lavender-Mint Lime Cooler – made with an easy to make lavender simple syrup. Drink it over ice or with a splash of gin, vodka or silver rum for summertime sipping perfection.

Here’s to lavender!–Kathy

Lemon & Lavender Shortbread Cookies
A wonderful not-too-sweet cookie with big flavor.

Makes 12 cookies

1 stick butter, softened
2 tsp fresh lavender
1 Tbsp. lemon zest, finely minced
1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp. local honey

Preheat oven to 375°F.

In a mixing bowl with an electric mixer, beat the butter, lavender, lemon zest and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the flour and mix until just combined. Add the honey and then mix until dough just comes together.

With lightly floured hands roll dough into a 2” round cylinder and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate until well chilled.

When ready to bake preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Slice dough into 12 even slices with a sharp knife and place on a baking sheet pan.

Bake shortbread in middle of oven approx. 10 minutes or until bottom of cookies are pale golden. Remove from oven and remove cookies to a cooling rack.

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

Lavender-Mint Lime Cooler
Zesty lime syrup and fresh mint make for a refreshing drink, perfect for any patio party or sunny afternoon.

Makes 7 cups – serves 8 to 10

3 Tbsp. finely minced lime zest (with no white pith)*
8 – 10 large sprigs fresh lavender
8 large sprigs fresh mint
2 cups sugar
2 cups water
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1 1/2 cups fresh-squeezed lime juice
3 cups water (or substitute soda water if serving right away)
Garnish: lime wheels and fresh lavender sprigs

Combine the zest, lavender, mint, sugar, and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a quick boil over high heat. Boil for 1 minute then remove from heat. Let sit for 30 minutes to allow the mint to steep and the syrup to cool.

Remove and discard mint from syrup. In a large pitcher, combine the cooled syrup, lime juice, and water. Serve over ice in a tall glass garnished with lime wheels and mint. Keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.

* Zest is the outer peel of the fruit – with no white pith attached. You can remove the zest from the fruit with a fine zesting tool that makes long, very thin, pretty strands, or you can peel off the zest with an ordinary potato peeler, being careful not to get any white pith, and then finely mince it.

Recipe developed by Kathy Casey Liquid Kitchen® – www.LiquidKitchen.com

Don’t you just love the smell of fresh mint? Whether it’s in a cocktail, mixed into a fruit salsa, or growing in the garden, that fresh scent and taste hits the spot.

Have you ever tried growing mint in your garden? If you have, you know it is amazingly easy and actually will take over if you’re not careful, but what’s better than a fresh handful of mint leaves whenever you want?

And there are so many varieties to choose from. Peppermint leaves are wonderful dried and steeped in hot water to make a simple, d’lish tea. And there are so many tasty varieties – Chocolate Mint, Pineapple Mint, Lemon Mint, Orange Mint… even Lime Mint that is perfect when muddled into mojitos!

Also, for you cat lovers out there, remember catnip is a mint too. So careful planting mint, unless you want to attract every kitty in a quarter mile!

As the weather gets warmer, cool off with my Fresh Mint Ice Cream. Nothing beats nibbling on fresh made ice cream under a shady tree!

Photo from Kathy Casey’s Northwest Table.

With the Kentucky Derby coming up mint juleps are on the horizon… oh yea! If you plan on hosting a Derby party, try making a batch of my Spiked Iced Tea Punch. Fresh mint pairs well with white whiskey, black tea, fresh juices, and brown sugar.

So get minty with it in your garden this year! –Kathy

Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Chocolate Mint Candies
I like to serve this garnished with a bit more chopped mint candy and a fresh sprig of mint.

Makes about 4 cups

4 cups heavy whipping cream
3/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups packed mint sprigs, plus 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint
6 egg yolks
1 cup coarsely chopped Chocolate Mint Candies (recipe follows) or Frango Mint candies

Combine the cream and sugar in a large, heavy saucepan. Tear the mint sprigs (to bruise them) and add to the cream mixture. Bring to a slow simmer over medium heat.

In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks, then gradually whisk in about 1 cup of the hot cream mixture. Whisk the egg mixture into the cream. Whisking constantly, bring to a bare simmer and cook for about 30 seconds. Remove from the heat and whisk frequently to cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Strain the mixture and discard the mint leaves. Stir in the chopped mint, then pour into an ice cream maker and freeze according to manufacturer’s instructions. Just before the ice cream is finished, stir in the chopped candies. Transfer the ice cream to a plastic container and freeze until ready to serve.

Chocolate Mint Candies
Makes 24 nice-sized pieces, or enough for 1 recipe of ice cream plus 12 extra pieces of candy

12 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped
6 Tbsps. butter
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. peppermint extract
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar

In a medium bowl or double boiler, melt the chocolate, butter, salt, and extract together over a pan of barely simmering water, whisking until the chocolate is just melted. Remove from the heat, sift in the confectioners’ sugar, then stir to combine well. Spread the mixture in an 8-inch square baking pan.

Let cool at room temperature for at least 4 hours, or refrigerate to harden faster.

To remove the candy from the pan, invert the pan onto a piece of plastic wrap or a cutting board, lay a hot towel over the pan bottom for about 1 minute, then tap the bottom of the pan. Loosen the candy with a spatula if needed. Cut the candy into 24 pieces to serve as candy, or coarsely chop to use in ice cream. Store refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.

Recipe from Kathy Casey’s Northwest Table.

Spiked Iced Tea Punch
Punch is the perfect party cocktail! For a more-spiked interpretation, let guests add a little more whiskey to their individual drinks. For summertime sipping add in a few slices of fresh peach or nectarine. For a demo on how to make this, check out this episode of Kathy Casey’s Liquid Kitchen.

Makes about 8 cups, enough for 10 to 12 servings

20 cloves
1 orange
6 very large sprigs fresh mint
3 tea bags black tea
3 cups boiling water
1 cup ice water
1 cup fresh orange juice
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 cups Woodinville Headlong White Dog Whiskey

Poke the cloves into the orange, then cut it into 3 slices. Put the orange slices, mint, and tea bags in a heatproof pitcher or bowl. Add the boiling water, let steep for 1 hour, then remove the tea bags.

Add the ice water, juices, and brown sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved, add the whisky, and chill until ready to serve. Serve in ice-filled glasses. Garnish as desired.

Recipe adapted from Kathy Casey Sips & Apps.

Spirts, wine, and beer are a major industry in the Northwest, but not as often as we should, do we celebrate the spirited women of this industry.

As part of Seattle Beer Week (May 7th – 17th), The Pike Brewing Company will be hosting the 4th annual Women in Beer event on May 11th. This event celebrates the historic role women have had in the beer industry and their influence on the current craft beer movement.

Did you know? Historically women were the ones who brewed and sold beer. In fact in the Middle Ages, it was often nuns!

And there’s more! The Museum of History & Industry’s (MOHAI) current exhibition American Spirits: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition is featuring a cool lecture series (aptly titled History on the Rocks), includes a Women of Temperance and Tenacity seminar that I am co-presenting on Thursday, May 28th from 6:00pm-8:00pm.

I’ll be sharing a Liquid Kitchen signature cocktail for the seminar, which highlights Washington women’s roles in the alcohol industry pre- and post-prohibition. Make sure to get your tickets soon!

So cheers to celebrating the spirited ladies of the Northwest. -Kathy

Welcome to Dishing with Kathy Casey – The Newsletter! I can’t wait to share all of my tasty adventures with you; read on to see what I’ve been up to, check out some great recipes, and enjoy all things d’lish!

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HOT – HOT Beverage Trends
A new year means new trends to look out for. Check out my guest article in Flavor & The Menu magazine all on 5 Menu Ready Drink Trends.

Brunch Drinks and Creative DIY Bloody Marys will be big!

And checkout Lane PR’s annual Food & Beverage Beat for a good list of trends to look out for, including my thoughts on the kitchen-to-bar movement and the resurgence of hotel bars as hot spots with a host of other chefs and industry tastemakers!

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Top 10 Influencer

It comes with great excitement and honor to be named a Top 10 Most-Influential People of the Past 25 Years by Cheers Magazine. I am humbled to be amongst a list of other legendary Influencers like Dale DeGroff, Tony Abou-Ganim, Gaz Regan, and Audrey Saunders just to name a few who all share the same principle in elevating the cocktail culture. I want to thank you everyone who has supported the Liquid Kitchen through the years and look forward in continuing to raise the bar.

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Speed Rack – Booze and Boobs!

I was thrilled to be a returning Seattle judge for Speed Rack, the bartending competition created by women bartenders for women bartenders focusing on speed and execution. It is also a fundraiser for breast cancer awareness, education and prevention.

This national competition pits female bartenders against each other in a round robin-style competition with regional winners vying for the finals and coveted title of Ms. Speed Rack 2015 at the June 14th finals. Northwest winner Angel Teta of Atuala in Portland, Oregon will move onto the finals in New York. Cheers to all the amazing spirited ladies–keep shaking it up! Check out the competition!

Judges with Speed Rack – Seattle winner, Angel!

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Where’s Kathy – NRA’s BAR Show
Sunday May 17th – 2:00 PM

I will be presenting Sipping Social – what’s trending in the world of beverage through social media. Make sure to register for this year’s NRA-BAR event.

And please follow me @KathyCaseyChef on Twitter and hashtag #SippingSocial with any cool beverage trends you see out there. I would love to include what you think is hot in my presentation!

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New Orleans Just for Fun!

My travels to NOLA are always some sort of business; Tales of the Cocktail, random food conferences….. so it was nice to finally visit as a tourist with my husband John – a NOLA virgin! This trip it was all about checking out the local digs. First up a walking tour – so we signed up for the Le Monde Creole insiders French Quarter courtyard tour and it was really great. Our tour guide Bill had been an “actor” before and he was really amazing and a great story teller. We also visited the pharmacy museum and then headed off to the LONG AWAITED tiki guru Beachbum Berry’s bar Latitude 29!

It was amazing – the interior is super old school tiki and the drinks are pure perfection! You know that I love me some fun garnishes, and I was in heaven here. Conical ice for the Navy Grog, corn husks wrapped around a glass for some other tasty looking concoction, custom stir sticks…. Loved it all!

And in New Orleans I must always visit the amazing Cheryl Charming. She has new digs now and is making us all proud on Bourbon Street and heading up beverage at the Bourbon O Bar. Finally a great cocktail bar on Bourbon Street – yay Cheryl!

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The Old School VS New School at Hospitality Executive Exchange – West

This year’s West Coast HEE (there’s also an East Coast event planned later this year) was held in beautiful San Diego.

The event started off with a key note by fellow Top 10 Influencer Tony Abou-Ganim who is always so amazing to hear. But the most anticipated event was the Battle of the Bartender! A crazy fun mix off between Ol’ School: Dale DeGroff, Tony Abou-Ganim, and myself VS. New School: Charlotte Voisey, Philip Raimondo, and Brian Loukmas! You know Charlotte has never won against Tony on Iron Chef … and she was the New School captain – and the New School won. Charlotte can finally say she beat Tony, but we still think it was rigged! LOL

The Mix Off teams showcasing their drinks!

Chef Rick Moonen was a great closing speaker sharing his many stories from his beginnings in the restaurant business to new trends that he foresees in the next few years. I had a great time sharing NY chef’ing stories with him at dinner. I can’t wait to visit his restaurant and bar RX Boiler Room in Las Vegas later this month.

Chef Rick Moonen and I between sessions!

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Arizona Cocktail Week

Sunny times were had in Phoenix at Arizona Cocktail Week! Cocktail enthusiasts and professionals attended this boozy week full of seminars, tastings, and of course, parties. My Kitchen to Bar included flaming herbs in cocktails to “how to” make bottled cocktails.

Check out how to make the Love Potion bottled cocktail!

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Liquid Kitchen Videos on Amazon

Amazon is now featuring Small Screen’s Liquid Kitchen cocktail videos! I love Amazon so am super excited they have some of my videos now.

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D’lish Reads – Chef Interrupted

Speaking of Amazon, Chef friend and amazing story teller Trevis Gleason’s new book is just out. A leading voice for those living with multiple sclerosis and chronic illness, Chef Interrupted shares his stories about living with MS and his recent move to Ireland, and includes recipes like White Soda Bread and Sticky Toffee Pudding. This is an inspiring book – I urge you to take a read.

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Easter is Coming and that means Lots of Eggs!

What to do with all those hard boiled eggs – well I’ve got you covered with over 50 D’Lish Deviled Egg recipes to get you inspired!, there is an egg for every occasion. Here’s a link to one of my favorites: Beet’ing Heart Deviled Eggs.

What an amazing start to the year. I am so grateful for the ongoing support of my wonderful clients, friends, family and co-workers. I look forward to a d’lish and fruitful summer!

Don’t forget to join me on my blog Dishing with Kathy Casey and weekends on KOMO News Radio for all things d’lish, including recipes, tips, and fun events. -Kathy

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Follow on Twitter @KathyCaseyChef. Blogging: Dishing with Kathy Casey.
Like: Kathy Casey’s Liquid Kitchen. Read: D’Lish Deviled Eggs.
Watch: www.LiquidKitchen.tv
Instagram: @KathyCaseyChef
Web: www.KathyCasey.com www.LiquidKitchen.com

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Copyright © 2015 Kathy Casey, Inc., All rights reserved.

Taste of Washington is one of our iconic food and wine events here in the Northwest. Back for its 18th year, this year’s event is bigger and better than ever so make sure to mark your calendars for Saturday, March 28th and Sunday, March 29th.

On Saturday I will be emceeing at the Alaska Airlines Chefs Stage from 2:15 PM to 5:00 PM. It’s a great line up of chefs who will be sharing how to make their signature dishes and demonstrating exciting techniques.

226 Wineries from across the state will be serving tastes of their offerings, as well as select cideries and breweries – along with tasty bites from 65 PNW restaurants

Tickets are available at TasteWashington.org. General admission gets you into the chef’s stage, main events and tastings. Over 5000 wine and food enthusiasts come every year, so why not be one of them? Hope to see you there! –Kathy

Looking for a delicious and fun weekend getaway fun for the whole family? Then head to Ocean Shores’ Razor Clam Festival and Seafood Extravaganza Friday, March 20^th to Sunday the 22^nd.

This clam-tastic weekend features all sorts of family fun events, like clam shovel decorating, mechanical shark rides, and chowder tasting where you can cast your vote for People’s Choice!
But make sure you don’t miss the chowder cook offs – both chefs and amateurs battle it out with their best chowders for big bragging rights. Who will be best on the beach this year?

Razor clams are a definite northwest delicacy. If you want to try your hand and “shovel,” be sure to check out the Washington department of Fish and Wildlife website for dig info. Don’t forget your clam license, fishing or waterproof gloves and boots. And remember: Never ever turn your back to the surf!

The Razor Clam Dance!

Once you’ve reached your razor clam limits, check out this video that my friend Scott Surdyke and I made on how to clean them properly. And for a super tasty way of cooking this bi-valve, try our recipe for our Clam-tastic Razor Clam Fritters with my Rock-the-World Tartar Sauce below.

So cross your fingers for sunny weather, pack warm and head on over to Ocean Shores for a clam-tastic time. -Kathy

Scott & Kathy’s CLAMTASTIC Razor Clam Fritters
Makes 24 – 26 fritters

3 cups chopped/diced razor clams
3 cups Krusteaz Buttermilk Pancake Mix with buttermilk
1/2 cup cornmeal
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp lemon pepper
1 Tbsp minced lemon zest
2 tsp sea salt or kosher salt
Fresh-ground pepper to taste
1 Tbsp minced garlic
3/4 cup clam nectar (or reserved clam juice)
1/4 cup Northwest amber beer, flat
2 eggs, whisked
1/2 cup minced celery
3/4 cup fresh corn kernels
6 scallions/green onions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup chopped orange or red bell pepper (about 1/2 pepper)
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Crisco shortening for frying
Lemon wedges for garnish/squeezing
Kathy Casey’s Ultimate Rock-the-World Tartar Sauce (recipe follows)

Drain the clams and save any juice for use in recipe.
In a large bowl combine the Krusteaz, corn meal, baking powder, lemon pepper, zest, salt and pepper. Stir in the garlic, clam nectar/juice, beer and eggs to combine.
Then fold in the celery, corn, green onions, bell pepper and drained clams.

Heat 2-inches of Crisco in a large cast iron skilled till hot – about 375 degrees. Scoop out fritters a few at time – I use a 1/4 cup measure – they should be kind of spread out and not too thick. Fry on first side till golden and then flip over. Continue frying till golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels. Cook fritters in batches being sure oil stays hot. Keep fritters warm in a 300 degree oven on a rack if needed – but they are best served right away – the fritter cook will just have to keep cooking! Serve with Rock the World Tartar Sauce and fresh lemons.

Recipe by Scott Surdyke and Kathy Casey.

Kathy’s Rock-The-World Tartar Sauce
Makes 2 cups

1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
1/4 cup finely chopped dill pickle or dill pickle relish
2 Tbsps drained capers, chopped
1 green onion, very thinly sliced
1 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp Tabasco sauce
2 Tbsps chopped parsley
1/4 tsp celery seed
2 Tbsps fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp granulated garlic
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

In a medium bowl, mix all the ingredients.

Recipe adapted from Kathy Casey’s Northwest Table, Chronicle Books

It’s Super Bowl Weekend – woo hoo! Go Hawks! And I’ve got some great sips & apps for Beast Mode-style partying!

Did you see the New York Daily News game day chef seafood smack down between Seattle and New England? Well I represented us well! We don’t need Old Bay on our local seafood – yes I called that out!

GO HAWKS!

Start off with oh-so-Seattle Seahawks Superfan Salmon Sliders. Alaska sockeye salmon burgers on Macrina Bakery’s little slider buns slathered with lemon rosemary aioli and topped with pickled onions and arugula. Score this one for flavor points!

And it’s not a party without some deviled eggs – you know how much I love these! The 12^th Egg features crispy bacon, local Beecher’s Cheese flagship cheddar, and Dungeness crab meat. Make sure to make plenty – they’ll be flying off the plate in no time.

Looking for something to quench your thirst while cheering (and maybe screaming) for the Hawks? Make my “Legion Of Boom” cocktail. Inspired by our heavy hitting defense, this crowd pleasing cocktail uses fresh mint, silver rum, and fresh grapefruit juice. It’s then topped off with an IPA for another great flavor hit. BOOM!

Celebrate in true 12^th Man style with these recipes and GO HAWKS! –Kathy

The 12^th Egg – Bacon Cheddar Crab Deviled Eggs
Eggs, bacon, cheese … they go hand in hand. Top with Northwest Dungeness Crab to celebrate the game day 12^th Man Style!

Makes 24

1 dozen hard-cooked eggs (recipe follows)

Filling
3 Tbsp. mayonnaise
3 Tbsp. sour cream
1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard (optional)
1 tsp. minced fresh garlic
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup finely grated sharp cheddar cheese, such as Seattle Beecher’s Cheese – Flagship Cheddar

Topping
1/4 cup finely chopped crisp-cooked bacon
2 Tbsp. very thinly sliced green onion
4 oz wt. Dungeness crab meat (or substitute Alaska King crab)
Freshly ground black pepper

Halve the eggs lengthwise and transfer the yolks to a mixing bowl. Set the egg white halves on a platter, cover, and refrigerate.

With a fork, mash the yolks to a smooth consistency. Add the mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, if using, garlic, salt, and pepper, and mix until smooth. (You can also do this in a mixing bowl with a whip attachment.) Stir in the cheddar until evenly mixed in.

Spoon the mixture into a pastry bag fitted with a large plain tip, then pipe the mixture evenly into the egg white halves. Or fill the eggs with a spoon, dividing the filling evenly.

To make the topping, in a small bowl, mix the bacon, green onion and crab. Divide topping among the eggs.

Hard-Cooked Eggs
1 dozen large chicken eggs

Place the eggs in a large nonreactive saucepan and add cold water to 1 inch above the eggs. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Turn off the heat and let the eggs sit for 10 minutes. Remove from the stove and run cool water over the eggs in the pan until they are cooled. When cool, carefully peel them under running water.

Recipe adapted from D’Lish Deviled Eggs by Kathy Casey

“Legion Of Boom”
Bring the boom with the perfect play between grapefruit and IPA in this game day cocktail.

Makes 1 cocktail

2 mint sprigs
1 oz Bacardi silver rum
2 oz fresh squeezed Sunkist® grapefruit juice
1 oz simple syrup*
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3 oz Pike Brewery IPA
Garnish: grapefruit slice and mint spring

Measure the Sunkist® grapefruit juice, simple syrup and rum into a cocktail shaker. Tear the mint sprigs and drop in. Fill with ice, cap and shake. Pour cocktail into a tall glass. Add IPA and stir. Garnish with grapefruit and mint.

*To make Simple Syrup: combine 1 cup boiling water with 1 cup sugar. Stir until sugar is completely dissolved. Cool and store refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Liquid Kitchen® – www.LiquidKitchen.com