Zucchini are a favorite summer squash and gardeners (and neighbors of gardeners) know they can grow to at least three feet – impressive!

An incredibly versatile vegetable, zucchini flowers are edible too!  They are wonderful sautéed in a lovely summer pasta dish or stuffed with cheese, lightly battered and fried.

Zucchini is the perfect star on the grill. Try my Cumin-Marinated Grilled Zucchini topped with Tomato and Corn Summer Salsa. Just cut medium-sized zucchini in half lengthwise, rub with a little olive oil, sea salt and cumin, then pop on the grill! Top with a great quick-to-make salsa – sweet corn, diced tomatoes, some jalapeño for spice and a touch of lime. Super easy and so delicious!

Have a giant zucchinis? Get sweet with it and grate it into my Chocolate Zucchini Cake.  The zucchini keeps the cake moist and delicious. Top it off with a Chocolate Espresso Glaze – YUM!

And if you just can’t eat them all, then put on some costume wings and become the “zucchini fairy!” Share the zucchini bounty and leave one on your neighbors doorstep – your neighbors will thank you!

My intern, Emily told me her dad used to unload his over-sized zucchini on unsuspecting house guests and neighbors by leaving them on the backseat of their cars for them to find on the drive home – pretty sneaky! Emily grew a pretty decent sized one herself this year, too!

Emily with her Giant Zucchini !

Whether in the garden or on the grill, zucchinis really are a fantastic vegetable for the summertime! – Kathy

Cumin Grilled Zucchini With Tomato Corn Summer Salsa
Makes 6 servings.

1 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
3 medium zucchini, cut in half lengthwise (about 1 1/4 lb.)

Salsa
3/4 cup 1/4-inch-diced ripe tomatoes
1 cup fresh sweet corn kernels (about 1 medium ear of corn)
1/4 cup finely diced red onion
1 fresh jalapeño, seeded and finely minced
1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
2 Tbsps olive oil
2 Tbsps chopped fresh cilantro
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground cumin

Garnish
regular or non-fat sour cream

Pre-heat grill to hot — you want to grill the zucchini over hot coals.

In a large bowl mix together the olive oil, cumin, salt and pepper. Add zucchini and rub oil mixture all over the zucchini, making sure they are covered well. Set aside.

To make salsa: In a large bowl mix together all the salsa ingredients well. Adjust jalapeños as needed for spiciness desired.

To grill zucchini: Place zucchini over very hot coals and grill for about 2-3 minutes on each side to mark zucchini nicely and cook until just done.

Serve zucchini topped with salsa and a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios®.

Chocolate Zucchini Cake with Chocolate Espresso Glaze
Serves 12.

Cake
1/2 cup soft butter
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
2 cups coarsely grated zucchini
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (6 oz. wt.)

Glaze
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (6 oz. wt.)
1/4 cup whipping cream
2 Tbsps strong brewed coffee or espresso

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a mixer cream together the butter, oil and sugars. Beat in the eggs, vanilla and buttermilk.

Sift together the dry ingredients. Mix into the creamed ingredients a little at a time until incorporated. Stir in the walnuts, zucchini and chocolate chips.

Butter and flour a large (10-cup) Bundt pan and pour in batter. Bake for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in cake comes out clean.

Let cake stand in pan for 5 minutes or so then remove from pan and place cake on a rack to cool completely.

To make the glaze: In a small pan heat the chocolate, cream and coffee over low heat till smooth and just melted. Pour over cake. Let set 15 minutes before serving.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios®.

This week on Kathy Casey’s Liquid Kitchen, I make a crowd pleasing Sparkling Tradewinds Punch! Gold rum, brandy (cognac works too!), fresh fruit juices, a touch of Bitter Truth Apricot Liqueur, and Bitter Truth Creole Bitters all mingle together for this party drink. I even add in a bottle of brut champagne for bubbles and the Cherry Bitter Ice Balls add another d’lish layer of flavor!

Salud! -Kathy

Every year I can’t wait for California avocados to hit the summer markets. They are so rich, creamy and flavorful! And they’re super nutritional, too! Like olive oil, avocados are a great source of monounsaturated fat (AKA “the good fat”) as well as potassium, B-vitamins, and folic acid.

(Photo from the California Avocado Commission)

Avocados are delicious when sliced and served in sandwiches like a summer BLTA, cozied up to thick sliced summer tomatoes. We also love them in chunky guacamole scooped up with crispy corn chips, or folded in a tropical fruit salsa.

I love them in salads, especially when paired with sweet and tangy oranges like in my Orange, Avocado & Red Onion Jumble with Poppyseed Vinaigrette it’s wonderful to top bib lettuce as a starter or as an accompaniment to grilled Alaska salmon. Yum!

Speaking of salads avocados are also great blended into salad dressings, such as the classic Green Goddess or in a low fat ranch—so tasty drizzled on grilled fish tacos.

And don’t forget breakfast, I love them sliced over a pepper jack cheese omelet with a dollop of fresh salsa – d’lish!

And yes avocados are also pretty tasty and interesting in blended beverages too. In Dubai, I had a really interesting layered drink with avocado, red date and rose. A little closer to home, Portland’s Lucy Brennan of Mint Bar put the blended avocado daiquiri on the cocktail map. It’s good – really!

Just remember my 2 avocado “rules”:
1. Buy them a couple of days ahead so they get nice and ripe — but are still firm.
2. Don’t throw that pit away! Put it back in your dressings and guacamoles until ready to serve. It helps keep the avocado from turning brown.

So think green and add in fresh California avocados to your next dish! – Kathy

Photo from Kathy Casey Cooks: Favorites.

Orange, Avocado & Red Onion “Jumble” with Poppyseed Vinaigrette
Makes 4 cups; about 6 servings.

3 large oranges
1 cup very thinly sliced red onion
2 ripe but firm California avocados

Vinaigrette
3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon finely minced fresh ginger
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons honey
1/4 cup canola or light olive oil
2 teaspoons poppy seeds
2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley

Make vinaigrette first. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk together until smooth. Chill until ready to serve salad.

Cut ends off of oranges and then cut skin off the sides of orange, carefully removing all the white pith. Cut oranges in half lengthwise and then cut into 1/4-inch slices. Place in a large bowl with onion. Cut avocados in quarters, peel and then slice into salad.

Toss with dressing and serve.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios®.

Green Goddess Dressing
Makes about 2 cups

1 ripe California avocado (reserve pit)
2 egg yolks*
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons thinly sliced chives
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
2 tablespoons minced fresh tarragon
1 shallot, minced fine
4 anchovy fillets
1/3 cup olive oil
1/2 cup sour cream (or light sour cream)
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

In a food processor (or blender) place the avocado, egg yolks, lemon juice, herbs, shallot and anchovies. Process for about 1 minute until well combined. Then slowly drizzle in the oil, as when making a mayonnaise. Mixture should become smooth and creamy. Turn machine off and scrape down the sides. Add the sour cream and pepper. Process for about 30 seconds more or until smooth.

Place in a container; submerge the avocado pit to help dressing keep its green color. Lay a piece of plastic wrap directly on the dressing’s surface and cover well. Will keep refrigerated for up to 4 days.

* Note: Raw eggs are not recommended for pregnant women, children, the elderly or anyone with immune deficiencies.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios®.

From giant scoops of piled high ice cream to refreshing fruity sorbets as well as sometimes decadent gelatos and the all-American-classic ice cream sandwiches, frozen treats have long been a favorite for kids of all ages for any part of the year. Homemade ones couldn’t be easier these days with ice cream makers becoming more affordable and space saving convenient – plus it’s a fun activity for the entire family!

The best part? You can literally go wild with custom flavors. Love ginger and pineapple separately – then try it as a flavor combo! Want a dairy-free alternative? Try making it with coconut or almond milks!

Unexpected combinations make for delicious treats, too. Blueberry Lemon Mascarpone ice cream is the perfect end to a backyard BBQ dinner topped with a tumble of fresh picked blueberries.

If the mint in your yard is taking over the garden like mine is, then try making my Homemade Chocolate Chip Mint Ice Cream with easy to make lush chocolate inclusions to fold in – yum! So pretty and tasty served in little frozen glasses topped with a fresh mint sprig!

With my basic recipe for a Sour Cream Ice Cream Base, you can add in any of your backyard fruit bounty from juicy berries to lush peaches. So get that ice cream maker churning and celebrate summer the old fashioned way! – Kathy

Photo from Kathy Casey’s Northwest Table.

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 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
6 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon 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.

Sour Cream Ice Cream Base
This recipe is a great base to incorporate in any fresh summer fruit.

Makes about 5 1/2 cups.

1 1/2 cups, fresh fruit (such as peaches, berries, cherries)
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup half & half
1 cup cream
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, lightly toasted (or other nuts – optional)

Place fruit, spices, sugar and half & half in a blender. Process until fruit is broken down but some chunks still remain.

Place fruit mixture in a large bowl. Whisk in cream and sour cream until smooth. Chill mixture for at least 30 minutes.

Place cream mixture in ice cream maker and freeze according to manufacturer’s directions. When mixture is frozen, fold in the walnuts if using.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios®.

This week on Kathy Casey’s Liquid Kitchen, I shake up a Berries & Bubbles cocktail! Fresh, in-season berries (I’m using d’lish raspberries for this episode!) works wonderfully with fresh-squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup, and Double Cross Vodka. A splash of Champagne bubbles adds a bit of elegance and is perfect for summer celebrations and entertaining!

From Bings to Queen Annes to Rainiers, cherries are one of the Northwest’s most famed exports and also one of our most valuable crops. Needless to say, they’re luscious, sweet & tart, and decadent.

Tasty bing cherries!
Photo from Kathy Casey’s Northwest Table.

Nothing beats eating cherries out of your hand but I love them muddled in fresh lemonade or in one of my favorite summer cocktails, Cherry Basil Mojitos for a Crowd. Make this ultra-refreshing sip up to three days ahead of time for your next barbeque or picnic. It’s perfect for your next patio party!

For a super easy app, Cherry Bings are fun. Pit large Bing cherries (with either a cherry pitter or by using a chopstick to poke the pit out). Roll in some goat cheese and toasted almonds. Viola – a d’lish appetizer!

Thinking of a summer cherry inspired entree? Whip up a batch of my Sassy Bing Cherry Salsa. It’s great on grilled chicken or salmon – yum!

So head out to the market to grab a big bag of fresh local cherries and taste the season! –Kathy

Photo from Kathy Casey’s Northwest Table.

Cherry Basil Mojitos for a Crowd
You can make the cherry-rum mixture up to 3 days in advance and keep it refrigerated—the flavors will just get better and better.

Makes about 10 servings

3 cups pitted fresh sweet cherries (about 1 1/2 pounds)
1 bunch fresh mint (about 1 1/2 cups sprigs)
12 sprigs fresh basil
3 cups silver rum
2 cups sugar
2 cups fresh lime juice
Loads of ice for serving
Two 10-ounce bottles soda water, chilled

For Garnishing: fresh mint and basil sprigs, fresh cherries

In a large nonreactive container, such as a glass pitcher, lightly crush the cherries with a potato masher. Then add the mint, basil, rum, sugar and lime juice. Stir well to dissolve the sugar. Cover and refrigerate overnight. (You can remove the herbs before serving if you like and then garnish with fresh ones.)

For each serving, fill a large rocks glass or tumbler with ice and measure in 4 – 6 ounces (1/2 – 3/4 cup) of the rum mixture (I like to use a ladle to do this), being sure to get some of the cherries into each glass. Top with 1 – 2 ounces of soda. Stir, then garnish with a mint sprig or basil leaf and a cherry.

Recipe  by Kathy Casey Liquid Kitchen®.

Cherry & Goat Cheese Bings
Makes about 20 pieces

20 fresh dark sweet cherries
1/2 cup (2 ounces) sliced almonds
1 teaspoon olive oil
Pinch of salt
4 to 6 ounces fresh goat cheese (chèvre)

Pit the cherries and set aside to drain on paper towels for 30 minutes.

Preheat an oven to 350°F.

Meanwhile, mix the almonds, oil, and salt in a small bowl, then spread on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool to room temperature. When cooled, use your hands to crush the almonds to the size of cracker crumbs; put into a shallow bowl.

Take 1 heaping teaspoonful of cheese in the palm of your hand, place a cherry on the cheese, and start rolling with your hands to coat the cherry. If there are any thin spots, add a bit more cheese. Immediately after rolling the cheese around the cherry, drop it into the crumbled almonds and roll to coat with the nuts. Repeat with the remaining cherries. Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve, for up to 2 hours.

Recipe from Kathy Casey’s Northwest Table.

Sassy Bing Cherry Salsa
Serve this sassy salsa over grilled chicken or salmon. I also like to add in some toasted crushed coriander seeds for a different twist.

Makes about 2 cups

2 cups pitted sliced Bing cherries (about 1 pound)
2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
1/4 cup minced Walla Walla sweet onion or other sweet white onion
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro
1 1/2 teaspoons very finely minced peeled fresh ginger
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (depending on how spicy you like it)

In a small bowl, gently mix all the ingredients. The salsa is best if made right before serving but can be made up to 2 hours in advance.

Recipe from Kathy Casey’s Northwest Table.

Stay refreshed and keep summer libatious with brand new episodes of Kathy Casey’s Liquid Kitchen®! Launching the 4th Season in style is my Strawberry Basil Blush!

This cocktail incorporates fresh, sweet strawberries with fragrant basil and works great with either vodka or gin. This drink is versatile; it can be strained and served up in a nice martini-style glass or served on the rocks in an Old Fashioned-style glass.

Cheers! -Kathy

Tasty article in The Hunt Magazine covering garden-to-glass cocktails, includes mixologists’ recipes for fun libations like a Blushing Rosemary Margarita and Founders Fizz as well as my tips on ice!

Portónjito…yum!