Fun read in the Huffington Post’s Kitchen Daily all on winter citrus! Includes my guest article for Liquor.com as a reference and some tasty January cocktails like my Grapefruit Negroni!

Check out Liquor.com for my guest article on citrus! Try out some bright citrus into a cocktail like my Citrus 75 and Grapefruit Negroni recipes!

It’s the New Year, but I have a feeling that your mind is probably remembering those New Year’s resolutions. Trust me, you’re not alone! The promise to be in shape and eat healthy is two of the most common resolutions people make!

Do you remember your parents telling you that, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day?” Guess what, it’s totally true! Getting your metabolism revved as soon as you wake up does help with weight loss management. I love to start my day with Kashi GO Lean Cereal – which has 13 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber! – mixed with a little fruit and non-fat yogurt. This combo will get anyone off to a good start!

If quick and easy smoothies are your thing, try My Jump-Start Smoothie – it combines low-fat yogurt, fresh fruit and agave and can be customized however you like for the perfect A.M. pick-me-up!

A d’lish smoothie to start your mornings!
(Photo courtesy of MyRecipes.com)

At lunch time, my Big Protein Red Quinoa Salad is just the thing to keep you full and well fueled during the mid-day crunch. You can make a big batch early in the week and pack yourself small lunch portions.  For extra fiber, add in some chopped kale or hearty greens.

For dinner, I like to pick up some chicken pho (Vietnamese noodle soup) at my favorite local noodle joint – then add a heaping helping of steamed veggies back at home.

So start out the New Year right with some healthy goodness! -Kathy

Kathy’s Jump-Start Smoothie
There are lots of things you can get creative with. Add a tablespoon of protein powder, a banana, change up the frozen fruits, add a dash of OJ or fat-free milk if you like your smoothie less thick or if you have a “challenged blender.” And if you love smoothies- be sure to get yourself a good blender. I love my Vita Mix!

Makes 1 serving

1/2 cup frozen fruits – such as Trader Joe’s Tropical Fruit Trio
1/2 cup fat-free or low-fat plain yogurt
2 Tbsp agave nectar (or sub honey or a packet of no-cal sweetener)
1/2 cup ice cubes
1/2 – 1 teaspoon flax seed (the more seeds – the more “texture”)

Place ingredients in the order above and blend until smooth. Enjoy your healthy start to a great day!

Recipe © Kathy Casey Liquid Kitchen^™

Big Protein Red Quinoa Salad
I like to make this salad with all organic produce and also add in a cup of chopped fresh raw kale for extra fiber!

Makes about 4 cups

3/4 cup red quinoa*
1 1/2 cups water
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons minced or grated lemon zest
1/2 cup peeled, seeded and 1/4-inch-diced organic cucumber
1/2 cup canned organic garbanzo beans, drained
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2cup organic golden raisins
1/2 cup organic hazelnuts, lightly toasted and coarsely chopped
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
1/4 cup grated carrot
3/4 to 1 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Rinse quinoa in cold water and drain well. Put the drained quinoa in a heavy medium saucepan and dry roast the grain over medium heat, stirring occasionally for about 1 minute. Add the water, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Cook for about 15 minutes or until all water is absorbed. Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes. Remove lid, fluff grains with a fork, and let cool to room temperature.

In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa with the remaining ingredients and toss well.

*Available at PCC Markets

Recipe © Kathy Casey Food Studios^®

It’s a tradition to bring in the New Year with a glass of champagne and a cheery toast. It’s not surprising that December 31st happens to be National Champagne Day!

Here are a few of my favorite champagne cocktails to celebrate the season in style!

First up is my super-swank Bellini Manhattan! This cocktail combines two of my favorite drinks into one luscious libation. Just shake up bourbon, peach puree, sweet vermouth, strain into a martini glass and top it off with a splash of bubbly! For some bling-bling action, I like to garnish with Gold Cherries: drain maraschino cherries well then toss in some gold luster dust (available at cake decorating stores such as Cookies in Ballard) and stir to evenly coat.

A d’lish tray of my Pear Thyme Fizz!
(Photo from Kathy Casey’s Sips & Apps, Chronicle Books – Angie Norwood Browne)

If a lighter spirit is more your style, then try my Pear Thyme Fizz. It’s another of my favorite holiday season sips. This cocktail features pear vodka, lemon and fresh thyme – and of course a splash of champagne!  The fresh thyme adds a lovely dry note to this cocktail.

So break out the bubbly and get ready to celebrate! Cheers to a Happy New Year! –Kathy

For more great cocktail recipes check out my cocktail show www.liquidkitchen.tv

Bellini Manhattan
Makes 1 cocktail

1 1/2 oz Maker’s 46 Bourbon
1/2 oz Peach Puree (check out this video of how to make it)
3/4 oz red vermouth
3/4 oz – 1 oz splash brut champagne
Garnish: Gilded Cherry

Measure the bourbon, peach puree and red vermouth into a mixing glass. Fill with ice.

Cap and shake vigorously. Strain into a large martini glass. Add a splash of champagne. Garnish with a cherry.

Gilded Cherries
1/2 cup maraschino cherries – DRAINED WELL
3/4 – 1 tsp. Gold Luster Dust

Make the cherries in a container that you are going to store the cherries. It is important that the cherries be very well drained. Place the cherries in the container and add the luster dust. Stir gently to coat cherries in gold. Do not over stir – over stirring makes the gold “stirred in” and not coating. Store refrigerated for up to 2 days.

Recipe © Kathy Casey Liquid Kitchen^™

Pear Thyme Fizz
Fresh thyme’s savoriness is wonderful against the crisp dryness of pear.

Makes 1 drink

1 large sprig fresh thyme
3/4 ounce vodka
3/4 ounce pear vodka
1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
3/4 ounce Simple Syrup*
Splash of chilled brut Champagne, dry sparkling wine, or soda water
Garnish: thin slice of fresh pear and small sprig of fresh thyme

Bend the large thyme sprig and drop into a cocktail shaker. Fill the shaker with ice. Measure in the vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Cap and shake vigorously. Strain into a martini glass. Top with a splash of Champagne. Float a pear slice and thyme sprig in the drink for garnish.

* To make Simple Syrup: combine 1 part sugar and 1 part hot water. Stir to combine. Let it cool then store and refrigerate.

Recipe from Kathy Casey Sips & Apps, Chronicle Books

The holiday season goes hand-in-hand with some of our favorite libations. Rum and eggnog, mulled wine, holiday punch, champagne cocktails…but not everyone imbibes. Whether they are designated driver or just don’t drink, make sure everyone has something special to sip for the holiday season

One of my faves is the Rosemary Pom Holiday Sparkle. Made d’lish by shaking up fresh rosemary, Cutie’s sweet clementines and tart pomegranate juice. Top this with sparkling apple cider for a bit of bubbly. You can serve it on the rocks or strained into a champagne flute for a more elegant presentation. For parties, I like to float a cranberry and a little sprig of rosemary in the drink for a cheery garnish.

Homemade sodas are also a great party idea for kids of all sizes. Just combine syrup and soda or sparkling water over ice … it’s just that easy for a fun and refreshing twist on the traditional soda! Monin has an amazing line up of flavors available online, from spicy mango to blood orange as well as blueberry pie and toasted marshmallow.

Don’t forget to check your grocery stores for fun syrups! Local restaurant supply chain Cash and Carry has a huge inventory of goods so make sure to browse their syrups. You can also experiment in making your own syrups too – ginger jasmine lime is one of my favorites and tastes great in my Cucumber Ginger Jasmine Fizz.

My Cucumber Ginger Jasmine Fizz!

For the holidays, make sure your non-imbibing guests have just as much fun as everyone else with some creative sips – sans the alcohol.

Cheers! – Kathy

Rosemary Pom Holiday Sparkle
Fresh rosemary’s herbal essence complements the tangy flavor of the clementine and the sweetness of the sparkling cider. When making this in the Middle East, I substituted sparkling date cider instead of the apple cider! It was fantastic!

Makes 1 drink

1 sprig fresh rosemary
1/4 or 1/2 of a clementine or mandarin, depending on size
(I like to use Cuties Clementines as they have no seeds)
1 1/2 oz pomegranate juice
3 oz sparkling apple cider
Garnish: Fresh rosemary sprig

Bend 1 rosemary sprig and drop into a cocktail shaker. Squeeze in the clementine then drop in. Measure in the pomegranate juice. Fill the shaker with ice. Cap and shake vigorously. Pour into a tall glass. Top with the cider and stir. Garnish with a rosemary sprig. (Or, you can shake the drink in the cocktail shaker, then add the sparkling cider and strain the drink into a tall champagne flute for a more elegant look.)

Recipe © Kathy Casey Liquid Kitchen^™

Cucumber Ginger Jasmine Fizz
Makes 1 drink

3–4 slices fresh cucumber
1 1/2 oz Ginger Jasmine Lime Syrup (recipe follows)
3 oz sparkling water or club soda
Garnish: Candied ginger and cucumber slice on a pick, or a lime wedge

Drop the cucumber into a cocktail shaker and muddle well to release the juices. Measure in the Ginger Jasmine Lime Syrup. Fill shaker with ice. Cap and shake vigorously. Add sparkling water to shaker and then strain drink into a martini glass. Garnish as desired.

Ginger Jasmine Lime Syrup
Makes 12 oz or enough for about 8 drinks

1 tsp minced ginger
1 cup fresh lime juice
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
2 Tbsp loose jasmine tea

In a small heavy saucepan, combine the ginger, lime juice, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil over high heat and boil 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in the tea. Steep for 5 minutes, then strain through a very fine strainer, pressing out as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids. Refrigerate the syrup, for up to 7 days, until ready to use.

Recipe © Kathy Casey Liquid Kitchen^™

Looking for a quick and easy holiday sip and app for
your next party?

Well, a punch is the perfect solution. You can make them in advance (like my Purity Punch) and then just serve up over ice or let guests help themselves. (Make sure you have a nice punch bowl to serve it in like this one!) Serve with Warm Almond Crusted Brie Crostini with Apple Chutney (as seen to the right alongside my Purity Punch; Photo by Kathy Casey Food Studios^® – Liquid Kitchen^™) makes for a perfect pairing. Happy Holidays! – Kathy

For the recipes, continue reading on Amazon’s Al Dente Blog.

G-Free Foodie shares a lot of great gluten-free recipes and tips. I was recently interviewed by them for some of my favorite holiday cocktails and favorite Seattle spots. Check out the article here!

Pie – it’s the beloved bring-along holiday dessert, and they are more popular than ever. Pie shops are popping up all over the place. Mini and hand pies are one of the hottest new trends and there’s something for everyone when it comes to these treats.

Apple walnut, chocolate cream, lemon meringue, pear with salted caramel… the possibilities are endless when it comes to unique flavor combinations. You can get creative with the fillings as well as the crust. I like to add goodies such as sliced almonds, fine chopped walnuts or poppyseeds into my crust. And speaking of crust: what’s your preference?  Butter, lard, shortening, or maybe even a touch of bacon fat? That’s just fine by me!

When the holidays roll around, it can be a bit of a tight-rope walk preparing your baking list – maybe everyone wants something different. Apple? Pecan? Pumpkin? Just a little bite of this or a tiny slice of that… well, I have the perfect fix! My “Gimme Both” Pumpkin-Pecan Pie has a luscious layer of pumpkin filling and another of sweet pecans! Top it with a poof of bourbon whipped cream and everyone wins!

Oh, and one more thing: pie for breakfast? Yes please! It’s the holidays – go ahead and have a little splurge!

So whatever your pie personality, indulge yourself and your loved ones this holiday weekend, and Happy Thanksgiving! -Kathy

“Gimme Both” Pumpkin-Pecan Pie with Bourbon Whipped Cream
Makes 1 (9-inch) pie

1 (9-inch) uncooked Classic Flaky Pie Crust (recipe follows)

Pumpkin Layer
3/4 cup canned pumpkin
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg
3 Tbsps sour cream
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp ground cloves
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt

Pecan Layer
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
3/4 cup dark corn syrup
2 eggs
1 tsp butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup pecan halves or pieces

Bourbon Whipped Cream
1 cup cream
3 Tbsps sour cream
3 Tbsps packed brown sugar
1 Tbsp bourbon

Preheat an oven to 425°F.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the Pumpkin Layer ingredients. Set aside.

In another bowl, combine all of the Pecan Layer ingredients except the pecans and mix until smooth. Stir in the pecans.

Spread the pumpkin mixture into the unbaked pie shell, then very carefully spoon the pecan mixture over the top, being careful to keep the layers separate. Bake for 15 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and bake the pie for another 25 to 30 minutes, or until the filling is slightly puffy and the pecan layer is just set. Cool on a wire rack.

To make the Bourbon Whipped Cream: in a large bowl, whip the cream, sour cream, and brown sugar until lightly whipped. Stir in the bourbon.

Serve the pie with dollops of Bourbon Whipped Cream. The pie will keep, covered and refrigerated, for 2 to 3 days, but I don’t know anyone who could keep this pie that long!

Classic Flaky Pie Crust
Makes 1 (9-inch) pie crust

1 cup flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup shortening or lard
2 Tbsps cold butter
2 Tbsps ice water

In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Cut in the shortening and butter until the particles are pea-sized. Sprinkle in the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork until the dough comes together in a ball. Do not over-handle the dough. (If the dough is too soft, press it gently into a disk and refrigerate for about 20 minutes before rolling.) On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to a bit bigger than your pan. Brush any excess flour off the dough and fit the dough into the pan. Roll the dough over at the edges, trimming off any excess, then crimp it with your fingers to make a pretty crust edge. Chill the crust until you’re ready to fill and bake it.

Recipe from Dishing with Kathy Casey: Food, Fun & Cocktails from Seattle’s Culinary Diva, Sasquatch Books, Seattle. Copyright © 2002 by Kathy Casey.