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Orange, Endive, Watercress and Walnut Salad with Chevre Crostini
Grilled Salmon with Herbed Sweet Onions
“Green” Rice Prima Vera with Asparagus, Peas & Pods
Roasted Rhubarb Honey Mousse

Suggested wine with dinner: Chinook Sauvignon Blanc
Do ahead’s: Up to 2 days in advance—for the salad make the dressing and toast the walnuts, for the dessert pre-roast the rhubarb.

My menu for a D’licious Mother’s Day dinner is totally Northwest and celebrates our local and regional products to the max! The menu serves 6 – but can always be doubled for a bigger crowd.

We start with a fresh and bright salad of sweet, colorful oranges, vibrant watercress, and slightly bitter Belgian endive—tossed with a tangy tarragon dressing and a scatter of toasted walnuts. (Okay, the oranges aren’t from here!) Serve the salad with baguette slices spread with creamy Chevre goat cheese –These are served hot from the oven—the perfect creamy-crunchy foil to the salad.

Then it’s on to salmon. Make sure it’s Pacific - and wild—not farm raised—as there is absolutely no comparison in flavor. The fish is simply seasoned, then grilled – or if the weather totally prohibits grilling, you could broil or sauté the salmon – hot and quick.

Top the salmon with herb-marinated slices of sweet onions. This is soooo pretty—the pink salmon peeks through the rings of green-flecked white onion slices. And it’s easy easy easy.

Mutual Fish, one of my long time favorite fish stores has Fresh Wild Troll-Caught King Salmon from Alaska for this weekend – but be sure to call to be sure they still have some before making the trip. Mutual Fish (206) 322-4368 location: 2335 Rainier Avenue S. Seattle

“Green” Rice Prima Vera with Asparagus, Peas & Pods is the perfect accompaniment to the salmon. Fragrant basmati rice is baked then you fold in asparagus, English peas and pea pods.

To top it all off, there’s a dessert inspired by my grandmother—who every spring and early summer had a pan of tart-and-sweet rhubarb stewing. For Roasted Rhubarb Honey Mousse, sliced rhubarb is tossed with sugar and then slow-roasted to a syrupy goodness. Then it’s chilled and folded with honey-sweetened whipped cream. It is heavenly and Mom will sure to be impressed!

Orange, Endive, Watercress and Walnut Salad with Chevre Crostini
Makes 4 servings

3 large oranges
3/4 cup finely julienned red onion (if onions are strong in flavor, soak in ice water for 10 minutes then drain well)
1 large head Belgian endive
1 -2 bunch watercress, (depending upon size) leaves and tender sprigs picked from coarse stems – (or substitute 3 cups mixed salad greens)
1/2 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped, then toasted
salt and freshly ground black pepper

Dressing
4 tablespoons regular or low-fat mayonnaise
4 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoon honey
5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon

Chevre Crostini
12 1/4-inch-thick slices baguette
6 ounces Chevre-style soft goat cheese

Cut rind and all white pith from oranges, cut in half lengthwise, then slice into 1/4-inch-thick half-moons. Rinse onion julienne in cold water, and drain thoroughly. Split endive in half lengthwise, remove core, and slice endive lengthwise into strips.

Place orange slices, onion, greens and walnuts together in a large bowl. Set aside.

In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, and honey. Gradually whisk in oil, emulsifying dressing. Whisk in tarragon. Set aside.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Meanwhile, spread baguette slices with Chevre. Place on a baking sheet and toast in oven for about 6 to 8 minutes, or until bread is crispy. Keep warm.

Add dressing to salad ingredients and toss to coat evenly. Add salt and pepper to taste, and toss again. Divide salad among 6 plates and serve with the Chevre Crostini.
©2008 by Kathy Casey Food Studios®

Grilled Salmon with Herbed Sweet Onions
Makes 6 servings

Onions
1 large Walla Walla Sweet or other sweet onion, cut in 1/2-inch rings
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh basil or cilantro
1 tablespoon coarsely chopped fresh tarragon
1 tablespoon 1/2-inch pieces fresh chives
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh Italian parsley
…………………
2 tablespoons olive oil
6 fresh salmon fillet portions, skinless (about 1 1/2 pounds)
Dish D’Lish French Seasoning Salt (available at www.kathycasey.com or in the Northwest; Metropolitan Markets)
   or Kosher salt and pepper
lots of fresh herb sprigs for garnish

To make the onions: Carefully separate the onion rings and place in zip-style plastic bag. In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, sugar, salt, chili flakes and oil. Pour marinade over onions, and close the bag, expelling excess air. Turn bag to coat onions evenly, then refrigerate. Marinate rings, refrigerated, at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, turning bag occasionally. Just before serving, place onions and marinade into a large bowl, and gently toss with the chopped herbs.

To grill salmon and serve: Heat your grill to hot. Meanwhile, place the olive oil on a large dinner plate; swipe each side of the salmon fillets through the oil, then season well with Dish D’Lish French Seasoning Salt or salt and pepper. Place on hot grill, and cook—creating crisscross marks on each side of the salmon. Cook fish till desired doneness. Different-sized salmon fillets will cook differently—just use good judgment and try not to overcook your salmon.

Place grilled salmon on plates and divide onions evenly among them, piling high and spooning marinade over. Garnish plates with fresh herb sprigs if desired, and serve immediately.

Note: For a summer buffet table, grill a whole side of salmon and serve on a large platter, festooned with the herbed onions and fresh herb sprigs.
Recipe from Kathy Casey’s Northwest Table, Chronicle Books, San Francisco.
Copyright © 2006 by Kathy Casey.

“Green” Rice Prima Vera with Asparagus, Peas & Pods
Makes 6 servings

1 cup basmati rice, rinsed and drained well
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup chopped parsley
3 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup 1/4-inch-diced onion
1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons minced lemon zest
2 tablespoons cream
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
————————–
1 tablespoon olive oil
3/4 cup snap or snow peas, trimmed, stringed, and sliced on the diagonal
3/4 cup slant cut asparagus
1/2 cup frozen peas, partially defrosted, or shelled fresh peas
salt & pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons thinly sliced chives
fresh pea vines for garnish, optional

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Place the very well-drained rice in a 1 1/2-quart baking dish. Set aside.

Combine water and chopped parsley in a blender and blend to cut parsley very fine. Reserve.

Melt butter in a non-stick or heavy saucepan. Add onion and sauté over medium heat until soft, about 2 minutes. Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Add water-parsley mixture, being sure to scrape the parsley into the pan. Add lemon juice, zest, cream and salt, and bring to a boil.  Stir the mixture into the rice, being sure to scrape up and include all the goodies. Seal tightly with foil and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed. When rice is done, fluff with a fork, and keep warm while finishing the vegetables.

During the last few minutes before rice is done, heat oil in a skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add pea pods and asparagus, and sauté about 1 1/2 minutes. Add shelled peas, and sauté about 30 seconds more – or until just tender. Season vegetables to taste with salt and pepper, and fold vegetables and chives into rice before serving. Garnish with fresh pea vines if desired.
Recipe from Kathy Casey’s Northwest Table, Chronicle Books, San Francisco. Copyright © 2006 by Kathy Casey.

Roasted Rhubarb Honey Mousse
Makes 6 servings

1 pound rhubarb, trimmed and cut in 1-inch pieces (4 cups)
1 cup sugar
…………………………………………………
3 ounces cream cheese
5 tablespoons honey
1 1/2 cups whipping cream

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Toss together rhubarb and sugar and place in a 9- x 13-inch glass baking pan. Roast, uncovered, in preheated oven for 45 minutes, until rhubarb is soft and syrup is slightly caramelized. Stir thoroughly and carefully after the first 20 minutes.

Refrigerate overnight, or for at least 4 hours, until completely cooled.

Whip cream cheese with 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) of the honey in a mixer until very fluffy. Transfer to a large bowl and fold in chilled rhubarb mixture. Whip the cream with remaining tablespoon honey until firmly peaked. Stir about 1/3 of the whipped cream into the rhubarb-cream cheese mixture to lighten it, then fold in the remaining whipped cream.

Dish up into 6, pretty glasses. Refrigerate until ready to serve, then top with a little plain whipped cream if desired and an edible, spring flower, such as a pansy.

Note: If selecting edible flowers from your yard, be sure they are edible and have not been sprayed with pesticide or other chemicals. Rinse all blossoms thoroughly.
Copyright © 2003, Kathy Casey Food Studios®

The morel is a spring delight and one of the richest tasting mushrooms. Just a little will do you in a recipe for their flavor is intense. One year while pulling out of the driveway, I almost leapt from the car as I spied a big fat morel popping out of the neighbor’s new grass. Morels fruit in dirt and are saprophytic (meaning they eat dead plant material), so they can often be found growing out of soil that has been disturbed, such as a new lawn, new garden beds or forest burns. If you’re lucky, you may even find them growing around campfire pits.

If you’d like to try your luck at picking wild morels, ask an experienced mushroom-hunting friend to take you (be cautioned, they may want to blindfold you before the road trip to their secret picking spot!), or join your local mycological society for a spring field trip.

Or if that’s not your style, try a trip to your well-stocked produce department or farmers’ market. Be sure to look for fresh morels (not too wet) without any little friends hiding in the caverns of their brain-like caps, that are not wet and wiggly. The first morels to appear in the markets are Verpa bohemica, which are often referred to as early morels but are really not morels at all and are definitely in my opinion not as tasty. Look for true morels; their caps are attached all along the stem. Verpas are like a thimble sitting on a chopstick.

Always cook any fresh morels; raw morels sometimes cause an upset stomach.

EARLY SPRING - Morel Mushroom Madness overtakes local fungi enthusiasts and fungi hunters scope their secret spots, looking for the first signs of this delicacy. Morels fruit usually around the mid/end of April in the Northwest lowlands, depending on the weather, and peak the last two weeks of May on the east side of the Cascades. The season can shift depending upon weather.

LEARNING TO HUNT - Before I go any further, however, I must warn you that, if you are not an experienced picker, then you need to join a mushroom interest group or find an experienced picker to go with. I suggest you join one of the local mycological societies. Membership pluses are:
* Field trips to fruiting areas
* Members are very generous about teaching the habitat and getting people started; as you learn the habitat, then you can find your own secret spots.
* Members will also get you on the right track for the do’s and don’ts of mushrooming

Puget Sound Mycological Society: Telephone (206) 522-6031 www.psms.org
Their Web site also has links to mushroom interest groups on the Kitsap Peninsula, in Snohomish County, South Sound, Spokane and the Palouse, as well as in Oregon, British Columbia, and Idaho.

MOREL HABITAT- in the Northwest morels can be found anywhere. They grow near trees in conifer forests, open grasslands, bare dirt area and even out of needle duff. If it is a dry season, look in gullies and other areas of water runoff and under logs. But MOST of the dense fruiting morels I have ever seen are in large clear-cut areas or burn outs.

THE TWO MOST TYPICAL HABITATS ARE - Where they are naturalized — usually a grassy area where natural composting occurs or along a water run off or stream where leaves drop to give them food. Where they are naturalized, they fruit every year. Disturbed ground – such as logged or burned areas, here morels will come up only once because they have no continuous food source

PICKING PROTOCOL - Good mushrooming protocol is cutting your mushrooms with a knife at ground level rather than pulling them up. This way you are not disturbing the mushroom-producing organism, called the mycelium. (A mushroom is to the mycelium as an apple is to the tree.) By cutting your mushrooms you are also doing it the clean way–leaving the dirt and sandy bottoms in the ground. Also bear in mind that mushrooms need to release spores to keep the species alive, so leave a couple in the ground. Place your prizes reverently in a basket or bucket, never a plastic bag! They sweat and suffocate in plastic since they are 90-95% water.

DO NOT EAT MORELS RAW - It’s always best to cook morels (or any type of mushroom) thoroughly because:
*it enhances their flavor
*drives off some harmful substances (hydrazines) found in edible mushrooms
*destroys bacteria which may be present on raw mushrooms
However, cooking does NOT make POISONOUS mushrooms edible

TRAILHEAD SNACK - Take along a big ol’ cast iron skillet, wine, a baguette, a camp stove and a few sautéing goodies like a little olive oil or butter, some garlic, a few fresh herbs—such as chives, lemon thyme, and, yes, for this occasion—cream. (You will probably have already burned off the calories!). Morels marry with cream like no tomorrow. Sauté morels till tender and soft, then reduce with a little the cream till thick and luscious. Top thin, crusty slices of hearty bread and you’ll have the outdoor “snack” of your life.

COOKING MORELS AT HOME - Sautéed morels are great in herbed scrambled eggs. If you really hit the jackpot then save the big ones to stuff and bake — such as with seasoned crabmeat. Morels also make a divine sauce — sauté them with herbs and then reduce with cream – and spoon the sauce over grilled steak or halibut. Yum!

PASTA WITH FRESH MORELS, SPRING PEAS & MINT
This recipe calls for 1/4 cup thin sliced morels – but if you find more by all means use more! Also you can substitute pancetta for the bacon – if you like more delicious bacon flavor you can always double the amount.

Yields: 2 servings as an entree or 4 as an accompaniment

2 cups cooked orecchini (“little ears”) pasta (1/4 lb dry), or substitute bow-tie pasta
1/2 teaspoon olive oil
——————————————————-
1 thick slice bacon, diced 1/4 inch
1/2 small shallot, minced
1/3 - 1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh morel mushrooms, or substitute 1/4 oz wt. dried (about 6 medium mushrooms), covered with cool

water and soaked about 40 minutes or until soft and rehydrated; strain juice to use in soups or pasta dishes
10 snap peas, optional
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons white wine
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 cup fresh shelled peas, quickly blanched
2 tablespoons high quality, grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 - 2 teaspoons chopped fresh mint leaves
freshly ground black pepper to taste
*pea vines for garnish, optional

To cook pasta: Stir pasta into a large pot of rapidly boiling, lightly salted water. Cook as per package directions, or until al dente. Drain pasta well then toss in a bowl with 1/2 teaspoon olive oil. Cover with plastic wrap to keep warm and set aside. (Do not rinse pasta with water; the olive oil will keep it from sticking together.)

Over medium-high heat, sauté bacon until about half done [about 2 minutes] then add shallots, mushrooms and sugar snap peas. Sauté for 2 minutes or until mushrooms are just soft, then deglaze pan with lemon juice and wine. Add chicken broth and cream, then immediately fold in reserved pasta and peas. Season with salt. Reduce until the sauce is just becoming thickened and just coating the pasta — about 5 - 10 minutes. Fold in cheese and mint. Divide between warm bowls and garnish with pea vines. Pass extra Parmesan if desired.

Vegetarian: Substitute 2-3 teaspoons olive oil for the bacon and use vegetable or mushroom broth to replace chicken broth.

Note: *Pick tender young vines from your pea patch or look for them in Asian markets or well-stocked produce markets. [Do not use vines from ornamental sweet peas.]
Copyright © 2008 by Kathy Casey

Morels in Cream Sauce
This recipe is from my friend Patrice Benson, an avid mushroom hunter and great cook. She says “if you are new to morels, this is a good recipe to acquaint you with their true taste”. I also like to add a little snipped chives and/or a pinch of lemon thyme and sometimes a splash of dry sherry to her recipe.

Serves 4

2 tablespoons oil or butter
1/2 lb. fresh morels, cleaned and sliced
1 chopped shallot
1 cup dry white wine
1 cup whipping cream
2 tablespoons butter (optional)
salt & pepper to taste

Heat skillet on medium-high to high, add oil, then mushrooms and shallot. Saute for 1 minute, then add the wine. Continue

cooking over high heat until the wine is reduced by half. Then add the cream and reduce by half. Reduce the heat to low, add the

butter, salt and pepper if desired.

Serve as an appetizer with fresh, crusty bread for dipping, or serve atop sautéed or grilled chicken breast or halibut.
Recipe by Patrice Benson.

Today is the first show I am doing with KOMO radio station in Seattle. It will air live today at 4:14 pm pacific time and then will be repeated at 6:15. Lisa Brooks, Eric Slocum will be dishing it up with me today about the first of the season asparagus. 

I hope you enjoy my recipe for simple Warm Asparagus with Orange Balsamic Vinaigrette & Hazelnuts. It is quick, easy and d’lish! Also if you look in past blog recipe archives you will find a recipe for Asparagus, Boursin and Shrimp Brunch Scramble which would be so tasty for a weekend brunch. Enjoy!

Warm Asparagus With Orange Balsamic Vinaigrette & Hazelnuts
Whatever your cooking method, just plunging asparagus into boiling water, steaming, or grilling, be sure to cook it only until just tender.
Makes about 4 servings

1 1/2 pounds fresh asparagus
1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest
Juice of one-half orange
1 1/2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
3 tablespoons shredded, high quality Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons chopped hazelnuts, lightly toasted

Wash asparagus and drain well. Snap off tough bottom ends and use in soup or compost. Grill, boil or steam asparagus until just tender.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl whisk together the orange zest and juice, balsamic vinegar, olive oil and Dijon mustard. Toss in the warm asparagus, coating well in the dressing, and season to taste with the salt and red pepper flakes. Place asparagus on a platter and pour over the remaining dressing. Sprinkle asparagus with the Parmesan and hazelnuts. Serve immediately. © 2008 Kathy Casey Inc.

I love this Asian twist to the Indian yogurt dip, raita. You can use whole-milk plain yogurt, but if you are watching your waistline, then use low-fat or fat-free plain yogurt or a combination of that and fat-free quark. I have added spicy wasabi, fresh ginger and grated cucumber. I like to serve this dip with veggies such as bell peppers and carrots or rice crackers for a big-flavor guilt-free snack. It is also great as a topper to grilled fish or chicken.

Ginger-Wasabi Raita Dip
Makes 3 cups

1/2 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded, coarsely grated, with the juice squeezed out well (you should have about ¾ cup squeezed cucumber)
1 tablespoon wasabi powder +1 tablespoon water 
        OR 1-2 tablespoons wasabi paste (depending upon spice level desired)
2 cups plain nonfat yogurt or 1 cup plain nonfat yogurt + 1 cup fat-free quark
1 tablespoon finely minced fresh ginger
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 to 1 teaspoon sugar
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Garnish: finely diced red peppers

Be sure the liquid from the cucumber is squeezed out well. In a medium bowl, mix wasabi powder and water to make a paste. Mix in yogurt, then squeezed cucumber. Stir in ginger, salt, sugar, green onions and cilantro.Transfer to a serving bowl, sprinkle dip with red peppers for garnish, and surround with dip-ables of your choice.

Chef’s notes:This dip can be made up to one day in advance and refrigerated, but it is best made and served the same day. Copyright 2007, Kathy Casey Food Studios

Txori and Herbivoracious! We’re participating in a group review of Txori with Herbivoracious. Be sure to click the link to see what they have to say about this hot tapas spot!

Lately, it seems Spanish cuisine is popping up everywhere in my life. From being invited to a spanish cookbook release party and spanish olive oil tasting to most recently, a lunch with girlfriends at Txori, Seattle’s hip Belltown neighborhoods new restaurant featuring San Sebastian-style pintxos (little bites), wines, sherries and cocktails.

It is owned by Carolin Messier de Jiménez and Joseba Jiménez de Jiménez, who opened the Harvest Vine in 1998 and this newest gem just a few months ago. This dynamic duo certainly has a knack for finding small, intimate locations with lots of character — but then, they have lots of character themselves, and it comes through in all they do, from the interior to the tasty nibbles to the smart wines and cocktails.

We gals enjoyed about four dishes each — including pera a la plancha con valdeón (pear, blue cheese and walnut toasts) and tortilla española, the classic potato omelet with aioli (done perfectly!) — which made a splendid little meal. Be sure to check out the the daily offering of seasonal bites on the chalkboard. This great new bar-and-tapas snackery is just right for a light lunch or late-night sip and bite.

In love with this romantic cuisine — I was inspired to create a new cocktail. My Spanish Corrida Cocktail is enhanced with a splash of dry sherry and a smoked paprika-sugar rim, it is a perfect tapas-party or pre-dinner sipper.

Spanish Corrida Cocktail
Makes 1 drink

½ ounce dry Spanish sherry, preferably a Manzanilla
1 ½ ounces vodka
¾ ounce fresh lemon juice
¾ ounce simple syrup*
Garnish: Smoked Paprika Sugar rim (procedure follows**)

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Measure in sherry, vodka, lemon juice and simple syrup. Cap shaker and shake vigorously. Strain into Smoked Paprika Sugar-rimmed martini glass.

Kathy’s Notes: This cocktail is also great made with an added squeeze of fresh blood orange.

* To make simple syrup, combine 2 cups sugar and 2 cups water in a small heavy pan. Bring to a boil. Boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat and let cool. Bottle and store refrigerated until needed.

** To make a Smoked Paprika Sugar rim: Mix together 1 cup superfine or baker’s sugar with 2 teaspoons smoked paprika. Place mixture in a small deep bowl. Set aside. Slit a wedge of orange, lemon or lime halfway through. Slide the wedge over the rim of a cocktail glass, and press lightly against the rim as you slowly rotate the glass, moistening the outside of the rim. Then lightly dip the outside rim into the sugar, making a 1-inch-deep frost. (The goal is not to get sugar on the inside of the rim.) Copyright 2008, Kathy Casey Food Studios

A nice thing about pastas is that they can be quick and easy to make — especially in the summer, when fresh ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil are abundant in the garden. But there’s a whole other realm of other pasta options, my favorite being the hearty, slow-simmered sauces so rich with flavorful reductions. So delicious for a Sunday supper or a work day dinner - you can put on to cook while you head out the door . You’ll return to a house that smells soooo good and a spectacular dinner that was cooking away while you were out and about.

Tender chunks of lamb shoulder cook with a touch of orange peel, balsamic vinegar, onion and garlic, mushrooms, tomato paste, red wine, and fresh sage; the ingredients meld into a robust meat sauce — perfect paired with chunky rigatoni. To finish the dish, I like to crumble soft goat cheese or feta over it. Add a fresh arugula salad, crusty bread and a big glass of red wine
.
Hearty Slow-Cooked Lamb & Mushroom Sauce with Rigatoni
Makes 6 servings

1 tablespoon olive oil plus more as needed
2 pounds lamb shoulder arm chops, fat trimmed off and each chop cut into 3 pieces
1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more as needed
¼ teaspoon coarse-ground black pepper
½ cup diced onion
1-½ cups sliced mushrooms
1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
1/8 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes
2 teaspoons minced orange zest
1/3 cup tomato paste
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
½ cup red wine
1 cup canned low-sodium beef broth
3 fresh sage leaves
¾ to 1 pound dry rigatoni pasta
2 ounces soft chevre (goat cheese)
Fresh sage leaves for garnish

In a large nonstick pan, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Season lamb on both sides with 1 teaspoon salt and the pepper. When the pan is very hot, add half of the lamb and brown for about 1-½ to 2 minutes on each side or until well browned. Continue with remaining lamb. As lamb is browned, transfer it to a slow-cooker (crock pot).

In the same nonstick pan, sauté the onion and mushrooms, stirring often, until browned, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic, chili flakes, orange zest and tomato paste. Stir in well and cook this mixture for about 2 minutes. Whisk in the vinegar and wine. Cook the mixture, reducing it for about 2 minutes. Add the beef broth and sage leaves. Bring to a boil and then immediately pour the mixture over the lamb in the slow-cooker. Be sure to scrape in all the goodies. Cover the cooker and cook for about 6 hours on high or 8 to 10 hours on low.

Turn off the cooker. Remove bones from the lamb and break up meat into the sauce. Cover the sauce while cooking pasta.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta per package directions until just al dente. Drain (but do not rinse!) and place the well-drained pasta back into the cooking pot. Drizzle with a little olive oil and sprinkle with some salt. Toss well. Divide pasta among serving bowls and ladle sauce over pasta. This sauce is very brothy, so be sure to divide broth among bowls also. Crumble goat cheese over pasta and garnish with fresh sage leaves. Serve immediately. ©2005 by Kathy Casey Food Studios®
 

A great salad is my favorite way to start off a meal. Years ago when organic was off the beaten path I was featured in the frontrunner magazine Organic Gardening in an article with chef Thomas Keller. It was an article on beets – called Beatnik Chefs! My recipe was for a watercress, roasted beet and orange salad.

I love the fluffy watercress that is available in markets these days as it has a lighter flavor than the standard peppery coarser version. The following recipe has no beets in it – but would be excellent with some roasted orbs added.

So start off your next meal with a  fresh and bright salad of sweet, colorful oranges, vibrant watercress and slightly bitter Belgian endive tossed with a quick and easy creamy tarragon dressing and a scatter of toasted walnuts. Serve it up with chèvre cheese-spread baguette slices hot from the oven — the perfect creamy-crunchy foil to the salad.

Orange, Endive, Watercress and Walnut Salad with Chèvre Crostini
Makes 4 servings

2 large oranges
3/4 cup finely julienned red onion
1 large head Belgian endive
1 bunch watercress, leaves and tender sprigs picked from coarse stems
1/2 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped, then toasted
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Dressing:
3 tablespoons regular or low-fat mayonnaise
3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
 2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon

Chèvre Crostini:
8 (¼-inch-thick) slices baguette
3 ounces chèvre-style soft goat cheese

Cut rind and all white pith from oranges, cut in half lengthwise, then slice into ¼-inch-thick half-moons. Rinse onion julienne in cold water, and drain thoroughly. Split endive in half lengthwise, remove core, and slice endive lengthwise into strips.

 Place orange slices, onion, endive, watercress and walnuts together in a large bowl. Set aside.
 In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar and honey. Gradually whisk in oil, emulsifying dressing. Whisk in tarragon. Set aside.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Meanwhile, spread baguette slices with chèvre, about 2 teaspoons per slice. Place on a baking sheet and toast in oven for about 6 to 8 minutes or until bread is crispy. Keep warm.

Add dressing to salad ingredients and toss to coat evenly. Add salt and pepper to taste, and toss again. Divide salad among 4 plates and serve with the Chèvre Crostini. ©2005, Kathy Casey
Food Studios®

Upside-down cakes are a major comfort food. They have been a mainstay over the years at church suppers and family picnics. When I was a kid, my mom’s Pineapple Upside-Down Cake was one of my favorites, partly because it was so mysterious and amazing to see it being put together with the pineapple in the bottom of the baking dish and then have the wonderfully gooey, caramelized pineapple slices end up on the top. Magical!

But hey, upside down cakes are not just for dessert. For a tasty wake-up variation I whipped up a Breakfast Oatmeal Apple Upside-Down Cake. This moist cake is not too sweet and is a real treat for a weekend brunch. My tasting team especially liked it topped with a pouf of yogurt.

Breakfast Oatmeal Apple Upside-Down Cake
Makes one 10-inch round cake, serving 8 to 10

Batter:
2/3 cup rolled oats
½ cup golden raisins
¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup boiling water
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 cup flour
¾ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt

Apple layer:
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon flour
½ cup chopped pecans
1 Gala apple, cored, skin on, sliced in thin wedges
Vanilla yogurt (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 10-inch round cake pan with vegetable cooking spray and set aside.

To prepare batter: Mix oats, raisins, cinnamon and nutmeg in a heat-proof container and pour measured boiling water over mixture. Let sit for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare the apple layer: In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon flour and the pecans; pat out into the bottom of the cake pan. Then lay the apple slices out evenly on the brown sugar mixture. Set aside.

To finish batter: In a large bowl, combine the 2/3 cup brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg and oil; mix well. In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup flour, soda and salt, then add to sugar mixture. Add plumped oat mixture and stir well.

Without disturbing the apple layer, add batter to the cake pan carefully, and then lightly rap pan on counter to release any bubbles. Bake in preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until cake tests done.

Let sit 5 minutes after coming out of the oven, loosen sides of cake from pan with a table knife, and then immediately invert cake onto a large plate. Serve warm or at room temperature, topped with dollops of vanilla yogurt if desired.

Copywrite 2005 Kathy Casey Food Studios

Busy days calls for quick and easy, but healthful meals. One of my favorite sauces for fresh fish is what I call a “splash”. Splashes can be made with lemon, fresh herbs and olive oil.One of my favorite sauces for fresh fish is what I call a “splash”. Splashes can be made with lemon, fresh herbs and olive oil. My recipe for Chelada Splash - echoes the fresh bright ingredients in a chelada cocktail — fresh lime and beer, a bit of heat, and of course a splash of beer! Try this recipe out on your favorite grilled fish or shellfish as the days get warmer for great patio dining.

Grilled Fish with Pacifico Chelada Lime Splash
If a light type of fish such as halibut is not available, any type of grilled firm fish or shellfish is great with the Chelada Lime Splash!
Makes 4 to 6 servings

Splash
4 Tbls olive oil
3 Tbls fresh lime juice
1/3 cup Pacifico Beer
2 tsp minced lime zest
1 Tbls thinly sliced chives
2 Tbls chopped cilantro
1 Tbls minced parsley
2 - 3 tsp Tabasco, depending upon how spicy you like it
2 tsp minced garlic
3/4 tsp salt
———————-
4 (6-oz) fresh fish steaks or fillets, such as halibut or cod
Olive oil
Salt and black pepper
Garnish:lime wedges and cilantro sprigs 

To make the splash: Mix all ingredients together well and refrigerate until needed.
To cook the fish: Preheat the grill until hot. Lightly rub the fish on each side with a little oil and season with salt and pepper as desired.
Grill the fish for 2 – 3 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fish. Fish should be nicely grill-marked and cooked through, but still juicy.
Place the fish on plates, and splash each piece of fish with 1 Tbls or more of the Pacifico Chelada Lime Splash. Pass the remaining splash on the side.

Chef’s Tips: To add a light smoky flavor, soak a few wood chips, such as apple, mesquite or pecan (depending upon where you live) in water, and throw on the coals just before placing fish on grill. If grilling is not your thing, you can pan-sear or bake the fish. Recipe © 2008 Kathy Casey

Almost everybody I know loves pork, what to me is the most versatile meat in the world. Many cultures cook up this tasty porcine protein in a multitude of ways. 

In the last few years, there has been a pork resurgence—almost cult-like—with special pig dinners, books, charcuterie classes … the list goes on and on. One of my friends even told me her daughter has declared herself a “baco-tarian”: she doesn’t eat any meat, poultry, fish or other animal products EXCEPT bacon. Vegetarians, stand back—this is not my idea! I am only reporting the facts.

Recently, when working on a cruise line menu in the Southeast, our first stop was New Orleans, where we dined at Cochon. Opened by owner and chef Donald Link, who consistently received accolades for his Herbsaint Restaurant, and co-owner and chef Stephen Stryjewski, Cochon features a totally modern, inspired Southern menu. The name, which means pig in French, forecasts the bill of fare; this menu is full of pigs—pigs were flying! And it was fantastic. 

We had spicy grilled pork ribs with homemade watermelon pickle; and smoked ham hocks with grits and brown gravy; and—the pièce de résistance-Louisiana cochon with turnips, cabbage and cracklin’s. We were in pig heaven! If you get a chance to visit New Orleans and are a pork-lover, you must try Cochon.

Cruising up the big river, we stopped in Natchez, Mississippi, where the ship’s kitchen crew insisted that we venture into town to try the Pig Out Inn. There we had sauced and sloppy, pulled-pork sandwiches—made from slow-cooked pork shoulder—and tender, finger-licking ribs. Since these towns were really hit hard by Hurricane Katrina, I felt it my duty to add back into the local economy by ordering mass bags of sandwiches to take back to the fellas on the ship, where the goodies were exuberantly devoured. When I inquired about a cab in this tiny city, the restaurant manager insisted on personally driving us back to the ship. Southern hospitality and barbecue at their best! Here’s one of my favorite pork recipes: 

Slow-Braised Pork Pot Roast with Apples & Onions”
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: Sasquatch Books, Copyright © 2002 by Kathy Casey