I love salads: they’re quick, easy and can be pretty healthy, whether as a side or a main dish. Aside from great greens and goodies, for me, the dressing is what can make an amazing salad.

Whether you love thick, creamy style dressings or a-barely-there vinaigrette, the possibilities truly are endless for making a simple plate of greens wow-worthy.

One of my favorite dressings – creamy blue cheese – gets even more d’lish in my Blue Cheese & Beer Dressing with the addition of Oregon’s Rogue River blue cheese and a splash of local ale. Or, how about bringing back a bit of retro with creamy avocado and tarragon Green Goddess Dressing?

For a sweet and tangy salad dressing, try my Blackberry Honey Vinaigrette. Fresh blackberries, honey, a pinch of cayenne, red wine vinegar and olive oil play well together, coating your grateful greens in a touch of summer – and perfect sprinkled with local berries, dollops of goat cheese and a few toasted Northwest hazelnuts.

It’s easy to make a great vinaigrette with my DIY Vinaigrette Guide. Mix and match your ingredients, depending on what flavors you’re looking for and then enjoy over some tasty greens and salad add-ins. But don’t forget to get creative and think outside of the box!

So jazz up plain old salad with some delicious dressing and you’ll love your greens even more! -Kathy

Blue Cheese & Beer Dressing
Great drizzled over romaine lettuce leaves topped with bay shrimp, chopped egg and toasted hazelnuts or almonds!

Makes 2 cups

1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup (2 ounces) crumbled blue cheese
1 tablespoon very finely minced onion
3/4 teaspoon minced garlic
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped Italian parsley, optional
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon Tabasco
3/4 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons full-flavored beer, such as a Pike Place Brewery’s Kilt Lifter

Place all ingredients in a food processor. Pulse until ingredients are mixed and cheese chunks are slightly broken up but not puréed.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios®

Green Goddess Dressing
Makes 2 cups

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

In a food processor, place the avocado, egg yolks, lemon juice, herbs, shallot, and anchovies and process for 1 minute until well combined. With the machine running, slowly drizzle in the oil. The mixture should become smooth and creamy. Turn the machine off and scrape down the sides. Add the sour cream, pepper, and salt and process for 30 seconds more.

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

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios®

Blackberry Honey Vinaigrette
If berries are out of season, substitute frozen berries in the dressing and omit the fresh berries in the salad, using fresh fruit such as peaches, apples or pears are a great substitution. The dressing is also great made with raspberries.

Makes enough for 4 servings

1/4 cup fresh (or frozen) blackberries
2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
1 Tbsp Liquid Kitchen™ No. 5130 honey or local honey
1 tsp Dijon mustard
3 Tbsp olive oil
Pinch cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Combine all the vinaigrette ingredients in a blender or food processor and process until smooth. Refrigerate until needed. Can be made up to 3 days in advance.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios®

DIY Vinaigrette Guide
Experiment with different flavorings and combinations for your vinaigrette. Also try out various greens and salad additions, such as nuts, fruits, cheeses, meats and seafood.

With a small wire whisk, in a small bowl, whisk together your acid component, (and sweet component, if using) Dijon mustard and salt. Then slowly whisk in the oil, adding it in a thin drizzle. This technique is to emulsify (make smooth and combined) your dressing. Then add your flavoring components.

You can keep the vinaigrette refrigerated for up to 2 weeks. Whisk up well before each use. Toss with your favorite greens.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios®

With the Easter holiday fast approaching, it’s time to load up on all the goodies to fill up those delightful baskets: marshmallowy Peeps® (which now comes in chocolate!), brightly colored jellybeans, the classic chocolate bunny and of course, colorful and decorated hard-boiled eggs.

Aren’t they just egging you on?

Once all the goodies have been found (we hope!) and eaten, what do you do with all of the extra Easter bounty? Turn them into other d’lish goodies!

Have extra Peeps on hand? Well, they’re perfect to melt into my Jelly-Bean Rice Crispy Tweeps. I love to rip their heads and use them for “garnish!”

Peep garnished Tweeps!

For the adults, grab a few of those chocolate bunnies and stir yourself up some Bunny’Licious Chocolate Mocha Fondue using a splash of your favorite liqueur or shot of espresso. Serve with an assortment of fruits for dipping or some of those leftover Peeps.

With all those extra eggs, how about an egg salad sandwiches? I like to add a little curry twist with my Springtime Curried Egg Salad Sandwiches. Then top it off with a tasty garnish of thinly sliced radish and cucumber – oh – so springy!

Grab those extra Easter goodies and cook up some springtime fun! -Kathy

Peep & Jelly-Bean Rice Crispy Tweeps
Makes 30 treats

3 Tbsp. butter
6  packages yellow Peeps®  – 30 peeps(you can use bunnies too for pink treats)
6 cups Rice Krispies® cereal
1 cup small jellybeans

Pull 30 of the peeps heads off and set aside for garnish.

In a large sauce pan heat butter over low heat melt the butter until melted. Then add peeps and stir over low heat until melted. Then stir in rice crispies and jellybeans. Stir until cereal is well coated and jellybeans are distributed.

Place mixture in a pan sprayed 8”x8” baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and press down to compact the crispy treats. Let set for at least 15 minutes before serving. To serve cut (5×6) into 30 squares.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios®

Bunny’licious Chocolate Mocha Fondue
Makes 4 servings

6 ounces of left-over chocolate bunnies
1/4 cup hot, strong brewed coffee
1 tablespoon liquor such as: Grand Marnier, ameretto or Frangelico  liqueur (optional)

For dipping: fresh fruit for dipping cut into chunks, such as: pineapple, strawberries, raspberries, apple wedges and oranges

Other fun things for dipping are: pound cake chunks, holiday cookies, small chocolate chip cookies, other candy such as Peeps® …..

Break up or cut bunnies in small pieces (chocolate chip size)  into a  glass or ceramic bowl and pour hot coffee over them. Stir until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. If coffee is not hot enough to melt chocolate, then microwave  for 10 seconds. Stir in liqueur if desired.

Transfer mixture to a fondue pot or pretty bowl and serve warm with long forks and lots of goodies for dipping.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios®

Springtime Curried Egg Salad Sandwiches
Makes 4 sandwiches

6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled (see procedure)
2 Tbsp.very thinly sliced green onions
2 Tbsp.1/8-inch-diced red onion
2 Tbsp. 1/8-inch-diced celery
1/2 tsp. curry powder
1/2 cup mayonnaise (regular or light)
1/2 – 3/4 tsp. Kosher salt
Coarse ground black pepper

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8 slices high-quality tender bread such as brioche, Macrina potato bread, or egg bread
butter lettuce leaves
16 very thin slices of peeled cucumber
4 red radishes, very, very thinly sliced

Chop hard-boiled eggs to nice 1/4-inch pieces, good for making the egg salad. In a bowl, mix chopped eggs with green onion, red onion, celery, and curry powder until evenly distributed. Mix in mayonnaise gently but thoroughly. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and mix thoroughly.

Divide and spread the egg salad evenly among 4 slices of the bread. Layer on the lettuce and cucumber and radish slices, dividing evenly, and close the sandwiches.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios®

The cold weather months make us crave heartier foods… and root vegetables are definitely hearty. They are versatile in flavor, texture and application – as well as budget-friendly and a great source for complex-carbohydrates!

Rutabagas, parsnips, carrots, turnips and beets are all part of this delicious group.

A great crop of root veggies!
(Photo from CookWithWhatYouHave.com)

Roasted Beets are amazing and star in my recipe with an Orange Cumin Glaze. Another option is to roast up a bunch of beets and have them ready to add into salads.

Turnips and carrots mash well together in a root vegetable side dish. And I personally love rutabagas roasted with chicken for a Sunday night supper.

The often overlooked parsnip is featured in my Creamy Roasted Parsnip Soup paired up with chevre and walnut croutons. Pour yourself a glass of Washington wine and you’re all set for a cozy meal.

Fill up with some hearty root veggies! –Kathy

Roasted Beets with Orange Cumin Glaze
Makes about 6 servings.

5 large beets (about 2 lb.)
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1 tsp ground cumin
1 Tbsp white wine vinegar
1 1/2 Tbsp honey
1 tsp cornstarch
2 Tbsps butter
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup chopped toasted walnuts
1 Tbsp finely chopped orange zest
2 Tbsps chopped fresh parsley

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Wash the beets and leave root untrimmed. Place beets on a large sheet of foil and seal like a package. Place foil packet on a baking pan and roast in preheated oven until very tender, about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Poke beets to make sure they are tender.

As soon as beets are cool enough to handle, slip the skins off and slice into ¼-inch slices.

In a small bowl mix together the orange juice, cumin, vinegar , honey and cornstarch. Stir until cornstarch is well incorporated.

Place liquid mixture in a large, non-stick sauté pan and heat over medium-high heat, whisking – while adding the  butter and salt. Bring to a boil and add the sliced beets. Cook, turning beets as necessary, until they are hot and nicely glazed. Place on a serving platter or in large, shallow bowl.

Mix together the walnuts, orange zest and parsley and sprinkle over the beets.

Chef’s Notes:
You can prepare this recipe part way in advance: Just roast, peel and slice the beets ahead of time. This can be done up to 3 days in advance. Then finish the rest of the recipe procedure per instructions.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios®

Creamy Roasted Parsnip Soup with Chevre & Walnut Crostini
Makes 6 servings

4 cups 1/2-inch-sliced peeled parsnips (about 1 1/2 pounds)
1 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsps butter
1/4 cup thinly sliced shallots
1 stalk celery, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1/2 cup dry white wine
4 cups chicken broth (I used packaged organic broth)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

Croutons
6 1/4-inch-thick slices baguette or French bread
Olive oil
3 ounces chevre (goat cheese)
3 Tbsps chopped walnuts, lightly toasted

Garnish: thinly sliced fresh chives and/or celery leaves

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

First, toast the bread for the croutons: Lay the bread on a baking sheet, brush slices lightly with oil, and toast in the preheated oven for about 3 – 5 minutes, or until just lightly golden. Remove and let cool. (You can do this the day before and keep croutons in a tightly closed container after they cool.)

Toss parsnips and olive oil together in a bowl to coat evenly. Spread out on a baking sheet (you can reuse the one used for the bread), and roast till golden and totally tender, about 30 minutes.

Heat butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sauté shallots and celery until very tender, about 3 minutes; do not brown. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for about 30 seconds more. Add wine and bring to a boil. Add chicken broth, cream and roasted parsnips and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium or low, to maintain a slow simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes and then add salt and cayenne. In small batches, puree mixture in a blender. (Be careful; it’s hot!)

Return soup to pan and adjust seasoning if needed. Cool and refrigerate for up to 3 days before serving.

To serve the soup and finish the crostini:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Spread the cheese on the croutons, then top each one with a half-tablespoon of nuts. Press in slightly and bake for about 4 minutes or until cheese is warmed.

Meanwhile, heat the soup, stirring often, over medium heat till hot, making sure it does not stick on the bottom. Serve the hot soup in warm bowls. Top with chives or celery leaf and serve a warm goat cheese crouton on the side.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios®

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^®

If you’re looking for other great tips, techniques and advice as well as recipes for a fantastic Thanksgiving Day feast, check out the annual Seattle Times’ holiday guide written by Nancy Leson. This guide along with the recipes features a lot of tips and tricks from Seattle chefs and restauranteurs (including myself!), with all sorts of appetizers, entrees, sides and even desserts! Check it out for a d’lish read and try out some of the recipes yourself; you’ll have your guests asking for more in no time!

September is here, which means it’s back to school and the question is “what’s for lunch”? For your kids, that is! This school year, hold the bologna and PB & J and put a fun twist on the old favorites in their lunchbox.

To make lunchtime unique for them and easy for you, why not pick up some prepared veggie sushi rolls at the grocery store? Mix a little (not too spicy) sweet chili sauce with some soy for dipping and you have a faboo meal that your kids will love! Pack them some cute plastic chopsticks (or those disposable wooden ones from take-out that we all have in our kitchen drawer!) to make it even more fun.

Next, let’s talk sandwiches – lettuce and tomatoes can get soggy, soggy, soggy! Instead, try some crisp cucumbers, flavorful roasted peppers or even some fresh arugula for tucking in. You can turn ordinary sandwiches into wraps for a fantastic portable lunch and a great way to incorporate leftovers such as roasted chicken.

You can get creative with spreads too; pesto, hummus, almond butter, light mayo mixed with fresh herbs… even artichoke parmesan dip makes a good smear! Just be mindful of your school’s allergy regulations as you send your kids off with their lunch bags.

For a healthy snack alternative, pack up some fresh snow or snap peas – they are super-crunchy, healthy and lots of fun to munch on. If you like sending fruit along, try Cuties Kebabs with Honey Mint Yogurt Dip for a sweet treat. Juicy strawberries, tangy-sweet clemetine segments and fresh mint make a delicious combo and the honey yogurt dip is the perfect accompaniment!

So whatever you pack up for lunch this school year, make it d’lish! -Kathy

Cuties Kebabs with Honey Mint Yogurt Dip
Makes 8 kebabs

4 Cuties clementines
2 large strawberries, quartered, or 8 raspberries
8 fresh mint leaves
8 (6-inch) fun picks or skewers, such as bamboo

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Honey Mint Yogurt Dip (recipe follows)

Peel Cuties then cut in half crosswise. Cut each half into 4 chunks. Thread onto a skewer in order: 2 chunks of Cuties, 1 piece of strawberry, 1 mint leaf and then finish with 2 additional chunks of Cuties. Repeat with remaining skewers. Serve with the dip of your choice.

Honey Mint Yogurt Dip

Makes 1/3 cup

1/3 cup plain yogurt
1 Tbsp honey
1 tsp finely chopped fresh mint
3/4 tsp finely minced Cuties zest

Mix all ingredients together and refrigerate until needed.

Recipes by Kathy Casey

Whether it’s from the farmers market or a road-side stand, nothing says summer like corn on the cob to me. Personally, I love my corn with just a bit of seasoning – naked is okay too! – but a little smear of butter is the perfect complement to hot corn on the cob. You can get creative with your butter by whipping in a bit of local honey, chili powder, fresh basil, roasted garlic … the combinations are endless!

Traditionally boiled or steamed, corn is also amazing done on the grill – if you’ve already got your grill turned on for a sizzling summer barbeque, why not throw your corn on as well? Leave the stem on for an easy handle and roll it along the grill just enough to heat it through and get some great color on it. Serve it just like that or cut off the kernels and add them to fresh salsa or folded into billowy whipped potatoes. They also add a fantastic pop of color and flavor to Summer Roasted Corn, Pepper and Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese Crostini; perfect as a side or the main course!

Speaking of cutting off the kernels, I have a great trick to share with you; if you have a Bundt pan, insert the corn into the center hole and carefully cut downwards as close to the cob as you can without cutting into the cob – the Bundt pan will catch all the kernels for you! If you don’t have one, just hold the corn vertically, making sure the tip is firmly in place and cut downwards.

So go enjoy one of the best tastes of summer while you can – fresh-picked, local corn! – Kathy

Summer Corn, Roasted Pepper, and Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese Crostini
Makes 6 servings

1 green bell pepper
1 red bell pepper
1 yellow bell pepper
3 ears fresh corn, husked
2 tsps Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
3 Tbsps balsamic vinegar
2 tsps fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3/4 tsp kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
12 thin slices (1/4-inch) of French bread baguette, lightly toasted
6 ounces soft chevre goat cheese
4 to 6 cups tightly packed, washed and torn arugula or baby arugula

Roast peppers over a hot grill or coals or under the broiler, turning often until skin is totally blistered. Peel, seed and thinly slice peppers. Set aside.

Grill corn, turning when each side is marked and lightly roasted. Cut corn from cob, and add to peppers.

In a large bowl, whisk mustard, garlic, vinegar and lemon juice together. Slowly whisk in oil. Season with salt and pepper, and toss in basil, roasted peppers, and corn. Set aside.

Meanwhile, spread toasted French bread slices with goat cheese, and place under a broiler for one minute or pop into a hot, 400-degree oven until cheese is warm.

Add arugula to roasted pepper mixture. Toss well. Divide among individual salad plates and garnish with the warm goat cheese crostini.

Copyright ©2004 by Kathy Casey Food Studios®

Canning is a fantastic way to preserve the flavors of the season and an age old custom. Lots of people learned to can from their friends or family – I learned to can from my mom and grandma, making jar upon jar of preserved peaches, apricots and yummy jam… there’s nothing like a PB&J with jam you’ve made yourself!

If “putting up” some of summer’s delicious bounty sounds like a fantastic idea to you, there’s no time better than the present to jump right in – head to Pike Place Market on Saturday, August 13^th and Sunday, August 14th for National Can It Forward Day! Canning Across America and Jardin America, the makers of Ball home canning products, have teamed up to present two days full of fun, educational canning and cooking demos.  But don’t worry if you can’t make it – the entire event will be streaming live at freshpreserving.com from 8:00AM to 4:00PM on Saturday. For the full event schedule, click here!

If you just can’t wait to get started canning, check out my easy and delicious recipe for Strawberry Lemon Poppyseed Jam! And don’t forget to visit Canning Across America to join the Canvolution and find mouth-watering recipes, gorgeous photography and a warm, welcoming community of like-minded canning enthusiasts.

So fire up your canner and here’s to preserving our local flavor! – Kathy