What hits the spot after a long wintery day outside? How about a warm mug of mulled wine as soon as you come in from the cold?

I know red wine is the classic choice for mulling, but don’t forget about the white! White wine is delicious warmed with apples, pears, clementines and lots of delicious “warming” spices.

For mulled red wine, try adding a touch of honey, some orange slices, cinnamon sticks and cloves.

And for an extra spike of flavor, add a splash of liqueur – like Cointreau, Grand Marnier or Tuaca!

You can mix your mulled wine ingredients together and refrigerate the day before serving to get the flavors mingling. Just warm it up the next day before serving.

The most important tip to remember is to NEVER boil your wine. It cooks out the alcohol! Just heat it gently until it’s warm.  I love using a crock pot on low is perfect to keep it at an ideal temperature.

So warm up with a mug of my Winter Spiced White Wine for your next get-together.  Cheers! -Kathy

Photo by Kathy Casey Liquid Kitchen®.

Winter Spiced White Wine
Makes 7 cups, or about 8 servings

2 (750 ml) bottles light, dry white wine, such as chenin blanc
1 pear, cut crosswise in 1/4-inch slices
1 apple, cut crosswise in 1/4-inch slices
1 orange, poked with 12 whole cloves, then cut in 1/4-inch slices
5 allspice berries
1 cinnamon stick, broken in half
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
4 ounces (1/2 cup) Grand Marnier or Cointreau
Orange peel twists for garnish

Place all the ingredients in a stainless steel or flameproof glass pan and stir well to incorporate the brown sugar. Place over low heat and warm. Do not boil! Let the flavors steep for at least 30 minutes before serving.

At this point you can keep warm and serve, or chill it for later. To reheat, warm each portion in a microwave until just hot but not boiling. Garnish each serving with a twist of orange peel.

Chef’s Tips:

• For large parties, this recipe can easily be increased, made in advance, and then gently reheated before serving.
• Keep large batches warm in a crock pot on low heat or in a deep, pretty chaffing dish.
• For a beautiful presentation, garnish with orange peel twists made with a channel knife—available at specialty kitchen shops.

Recipe from Dishing with Kathy Casey.

Some foods just have a way to remind us of the season and pomegranates do just that. I always know winter has arrived when I start seeing those lovely garnet fruits piled high in the produce section.

Juicy pomegranate seeds!

I remember eating my very first pomegranate as a kid, sitting in a chair with a TV tray. It occupied my little hands for hours…turning them bright pink but only for a day! Take note moms & dads!

Pomegranates’ tart-sweet seeds are prized for their distinctive flavor and are high in antioxidants. Whether muddled into a cocktail or sprinkled on salads, they are d’lish!  And I have a great tip to make de-seeding simple!

Cut the pomegranate in half, then holding a half firmly over a large bowl hit it with a heavy wooden spoon and watch the seeds come tumbling out. Repeat – then eat!  Side note: this is also a great stress reliever!

For a quick and easy appetizer, add pomegranate seeds to hummus. It adds great texture to the already creamy hummus and helps the flavor jump at you with it’s tartness.

In my Tender Greens with Tangerine Vinaigrette, pomegranate seeds add a very colorful and tart addition to this healthy, citrusy salad and plays well with the sweetness of the tangerine.

So pick up some pomegranates and enjoy their tangy addition to a very delicious winter! -Kathy

Photo from Dishing with Kathy Casey.

Tender Greens with Tangerine Vinaigrette & Pomegranate Seeds
Makes 4-6 servings

1 1/2 tsp very finely minced tangerine zest *
3 Tbsps fresh tangerine juice
3 Tbsps fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp dijon mustard
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp sugar
Pinch cayenne pepper
2 Tbsps very light olive oil

————————————-

4 cups gourmet greens mix
1 head Bibb or Boston lettuce
1/2 cup (about 3 medium) diced or segmented tangerines (peeled and seeded)
1/4 cup pomegranate seeds

To prepare the vinaigrette:
* To make the tangerine zest, peel the tangerine with a potato peeler then mince zest until very fine.

In a small bowl whisk together the tangerine zest, tangerine and lemon juices, dijon mustard, salt, sugar and cayenne pepper. Whisking continuously, drizzle in olive oil slowly to emulsify the dressing. Cover tightly and refrigerate until needed.

To prepare the salad:
Wash gourmet greens, if necessary, and spin dry. Tear the Bibb lettuce into bite-sized pieces; rinse, if necessary, and spin dry. Toss greens together in a bowl and cover tightly. Refrigerate until needed.

Right before serving, in a large bowl toss the greens with the dressing until well coated. Divide salad between 4 – 6 chilled salad plates. Garnish each one with some of the diced tangerines and pomegranate seeds. Serve immediately.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios®

Welcome to Dishing with Kathy Casey – The Newsletter! I can’t wait to share all of my tasty adventures with you; read on to see what I’ve been up to, check out some great recipes, and enjoy all things d’lish! It’s been a whirlwind of non-stop traveling and events, but here’s my latest scoop of adventures!   The National Restaurant Association’s show in the Windy City! The Food Studios – Liquid Kitchen team flew to Chicago for the annual National Restaurant Association show to shake up some fun at the Cardinal Glass booth. Covering the theme of Garden to Glass and featuring honey, the crew shook up Rosemary Clementine Sparkles and Honey Lemon Market Fresh Coolers for the attendees and served Fresh Berry Parfaits with Honey Yogurt Whip – all highlighting Cardinal’s unique glassware. Shaking things up at the Cardinal booth Fresh Berry Parfaits with Honey Yogurt Whip, Bee Pollen, Crunchy Granola, and a Fresh Origins Micro Orchid! Bermuda Part II While Heather and Cameon headed back home, my Sous Chef Jason and I headed to sunny (and super windy!) Bermuda to train the staff and open the new 1609 Bar & Restaurant.   A great view of 1609 in the background and a beautiful sunset   It was Jason’s first time on an international trip with me and in between training, he managed to sneak away for some much needed site-seeing and cliff diving – he’s a daredevil!  One thing that we both got to witness for the first time was the Bermudian tradition of “Roof Wetting”, which is pouring a bottle of black rum over the roof of a brand new building the night before opening. Despite the torrential tropical downpour and winds for the first 30 minutes of the grand opening, opening night went off without a hitch – the cocktails were an instant hit and the staff was great. Luxury Coconut Swizzle served in a fresh coconut – perfect for two!     Hand Shaken Bartender’s Colada: pineapple and gold rums, fresh tropical citrus juices, and coconut – yes please! Barilla Chefs are Back! Then it was time to head home to host the Barilla Modern Casual event at the Food Studios. Guest Executive Chefs throughout the U.S. participated in a three-day culinary adventure. The chefs participated in everything from Italian food seminars, a hands-on presentation on making their own preserves, a cocktail mix-off competition, and a final day of ingredient shopping at Pike Place finished with a Pac NW-inspired dinner – with lots of pasta of course. Some of the tasty dishes made during Barilla Modern Casual Tales of the Cocktail – A Week of Libatious Events After a few weeks of enjoying the Seattle sun, it was time to head out again for the annual and always cocktail-riffic good time at Tales of the Cocktail! Everything from hot trends seminars, spirited dinners, mix-off competitions, tasting rooms, and boozy parties are all taken place during this libatious 5-day event in New Orleans. It was a week full of fun and learning.   Cocktails on tap, bottled cocktails, upscale frozen slushies, and carbonated cocktails were some of the top trends seen this year. Another trend featured – my favorite citrus….kalamansi! Kalamansi Rickeys: Cointreau, Fresh Kalamansi Puree, “Lime Air” I’ve been saying kalamansi is the next new thing – I heart kalamansi!   For a full recap from Tales of the Cocktails, check out the blog section of our brand new Liquid Kitchen website. Flavor 2014 Before long, it was time for the Flavor Experience conference. It was great to be back in Newport, CA for another great conference – celebrating Flavor’s 10th year Anniversary too! The Liquid Kitchen team kicked things off at the Pinnacle Partner Showcase with Monin, with Mango Mules topped with housemade ginger “beer” (super frothy from a carbonated charge in an iSi soda siphon), Hard Crushes (vodka and zesty lemonade topped with tangerine spiked slush), and flasks of Moonshine Black Raspberry Bounce (moonshine, black raspberry, and pomegranate). At the Monin Booth read to serve up Mango Mules with Ginger “Beer” Moonshine Black Raspberry Bounce & Hard Crush   The next day, Beam-Suntory’s Philip Raimondo and I lead a general session on the Drink Nation Experiment, revealing the Top 25 Trends from a 6 month-long social media test! Philip & I on stage discussing the Drink Nation Experiment We are continuing the experiment this year again so make sure to like Drink Nation Experiment on Facebook, follow on Twitter, and then tag #DrinkNation & #DrinkNationExperiment on Instagram! We want to know what you’re seeing in in the world of beverage! Then we were Buzzing back home… …to host a team of mixologists for the National Honey Summit! Special guest and co-host Kim Haasarud and I lead a 2-day event with presentations, cocktails, and a spirits tasting all incorporating different styles of honey. Suh-weet! Quick photo with the Guest Mixologists   One of my favorite sessions was Kim’s varietal honey and spirit tasting – it is so amazing the different and unique flavors that come through with different honeys and different spirits. Feminine-style gins and clover honey was my fave! Cocktails on Tap roll out at the Heathman Hotel’s Restaurant & Bar Earlier this year, the Liquid Kitchen team traveled to Portland, Oregon to shake up drinks at a press party featuring the new Liquid Kitchen signature cocktail menus.  Not long after, the team and I came back to add some new fall drinks, including an ABSOLUT Huckleberry Mule on tap topped with Liquid Kitchen housemade wild huckleberry preserves and new brunch cocktails to compliment chef Michael’s amazing brunch menu. (I’m just saying…. I think his brunch is one of the best – delicious!) Huckleberry Mule on tap! Featuring ABSOLUT Vodka, Fresh Lime Juice, and Housemade Ginger Ale Topped With Huckleberry Preserves! The making of Liquid Kitchen Huckleberry Preserves Kegged Cocktails A big trend is taking the cocktail world by storm and you probably have seen it start popping up at craft cocktail bars and restaurants– cocktails on tap. There’s lot of great advantages to kegging and tapping a cocktail, including speed of service and consistency. (My panel and I shared many tips on this at the VIBE Conference). The Liquid Kitchen team has been all over the US training and implementing new cocktails on taps with clients, including the Heathman Hotel Restaurant & Bar, Showcase Cinemas on the East Coast, and at the Fairmont Orchid in Hawaii. Next time that you’re out and about, keep an eye on the bar taps…there might be a kegged cocktail there!   And make sure to check out the Liquid Kitchen website for more recipe ideas, tips, and other fun cocktail trends. Fall-Inspired Libations: Harvest Dark & Stormy Take advantage of the fall harvest and use some of those apples in an easy to make Apple Ginger Puree – I like to use granny smith apples for their tart flavor. Measure in rum, lemon juice, and a splash of ginger beer for this Dark & Stormy cocktail variation. For a how to video check out www.LiquidKitchen.tv.   Makes 1 cocktail   1 1/2 oz dark/aged or spiced rum 1 oz Apple Ginger Puree (see recipe) 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice ——————————- 1 1/2 – 2 oz ginger beer Garnish: candied ginger and apple slice on a pick   Measure the rum, puree, and juice into a mixing glass. Fill with ice. Cap and shake vigorously. Pour drink into a tall glass. Top with ginger beer and give a quick stir. Garnish.   Apple Ginger Puree Makes 20 oz   2 Granny Smith apples, diced 1/2-inch (about 3 cups) 2 Tbsps. minced fresh ginger 1 1/2 cups water 1 1/2 cups sugar   Measure ingredients into a saucepan. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer for about 5 minutes, or until apples are very tender. Remove pan from heat and let cool to room temperature. Once cooled, pour contents into a Vitamix blender cup and blend until smooth (#5 setting on Vitamix The Quiet One Blender). Store refrigerated for up to 7 days. A Great Cause: CORE Children of Restaurant Employees (CORE) is a wonderful charitable organization whose mission is to provide support for children of restaurant/hospitality industry employees afflicted with life-threatening or life-altering circumstances. Fundraising efforts help make “wishes” come true for these kids. For more information if you know a child in need and ways that you can help, check out their website at www.COREgives.org.   Cute Blog Alert! You all know I love Twitter! Well most recently my Japanese Twitter friend and blogger Caroline shared some of her recent posts with me and I am so blown away. They’re in Japanese but her photos are incredible! She’s made an assortment of tiny, edible animal creations and has a great imagination. Check out her faboo cat cake – which is entirely edible but who could eat such a cute cake!!!! Who’s ready for…Fruitcake?! It’s that time where the Food Studios gets start in preparing our “Over 21” Real Fruit Cakes made with Maker’s Mark! These  real fruit cakes have gotten a cult following and are chock full of bourbon-soaked dried fruits, toasted nuts, and bound with a d’lish spiced batter – then topped with a bourbon-brown sugar glaze. Quantities are limited so place your order starting November 24th – we have more info coming in a separate email – so stay tuned!  Cheers to a great fall and I look forward to sharing our next newsletter with you this winter.   Don’t forget to join me on my blog Dishing with Kathy Casey and weekends on KOMO News Radio for all things d’lish, including recipes, tips, and fun events.   —   Follow on Twitter @KathyCaseyChef. Blogging: Dishing with Kathy Casey, Like on Facebook:  Sips & Apps and Kathy Casey’s Liquid Kitchen. Read: D’Lish Deviled Eggs.   Watch: www.LiquidKitchen.tv Web: www.KathyCasey.com www.liquidkitchen.com Copyright © 2014 Kathy Casey, Inc., All rights reserved.

What says October more vividly than a big, beautiful orange pumpkin? Whether nestled amongst bales of hay and colorful corn for a harvest celebration, or decked out in full Halloween regalia, pumpkins are one of the most recognizable mascots of the Fall season.

Pumpkins come in many different shades from deep amber-orange to buttery yellow as well as ghostly white and even blue! Their variety of color, size and quirky shapes, along with their shelf life make them the perfect seasonal decoration.

What could be more fun than packing the family into the car and spending a crisp autumn afternoon on a U-Pick farm? The variety is endless and everyone has their own idea of what makes the perfect pumpkin… finding it amongst all the others is the best part!

Once you’ve found The Best Pumpkin Ever, it’s time to decide what to do with it! Will you gather around the kitchen table, hollow it out and carve it into a grinning Jack-o’-lantern; break out the acrylics and paint it into a Halloween masterpiece; or leave it au natural? Whatever you decide, pumpkin decorating is such a great way to get the whole family involved.

I love those little tiny pumpkins called Jack Be Little. Wondering what to do with them? Just cut the top off and scoop out the seeds, then rub them down with olive oil, season them and bake ‘til tender. And the whole thing is edible – skin and all!! They are also fun to fill … with your favorite stuffing, custard or bread pudding too!

And don’t forget the seeds! Spice up some Cha Cha Pumpkin Seeds with some olive oil and a little chipotle seasoning and you have the perfect afternoon treat or scary movie snacker!

So get ready for fall with the biggest (or smallest!) pumpkin you can find! – Kathy

Cha Cha Pumpkin Seeds
Makes 2 cups

2 cups seeds from pumpkin
3 Tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 to 2 tsp Dish D’Lish Cha Cha Chipotle Lime Seasoning^™

Preheat oven to 375°F. Rinse the seeds under cold water to remove any pumpkin flesh or strings. Drain well and measure. Place in a bowl and toss with the olive oil. Sprinkle with the seasoning, a tablespoon or so at a time, tossing between additions. Toss well until evenly coated, then spread the seeds on a nonstick baking sheet. Roast for 8 to 10 minutes, or until crispy and toasted.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios^®.

Fall days make us hungrier for dishes that are hearty, warm, and satisfying. And shepherd’s pie can sure hit the spot!

The British are known to put almost anything in a pie. To “pie” actually means to jumble together and shepherd’s pie is just that.

Also known as cottage pie, this dish is believed to have been developed in Scotland or northern England and was probably brought to the Pacific Northwest by settlers in British Columbia and Oregon.

I love the presentation photo on Chez Us Blog for their Greek Shepard’s Pie in Individual Servings and the Eggplant in the recipe sounds D’Lish!

Originated as a meal for shepherds using the ingredients they could easily obtain (sheep and potatoes), today it’s typically a mixture of leftover cooked lamb or beef, gravy and vegetables, placed in a casserole or deep pie dish, then topped with whipped potatoes and baked until golden.

It’s a great dish to get creative with. There are vegetarian versions, venison versions, and some swanky restaurants even serve lobster pot pie! It can basically be made with almost anything and is perfect for using up leftovers.

My favorite Shepherd’s Pie recipe combines both lamb and beef and has red wine and rosemary added to the filling, and then topped with Chevre & Chive Mashed Potatoes. Now that’s a hearty fall d’lish dish! -Kathy

Shepherd’s Pie with Chèvre & Chive Mashed Potatoes
Makes 6 to 8 servings

Chèvre & Chive Mashed Potatoes (recipe follows)
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 large onion, chopped (about 2 1/2 cups)
4 large carrots, diced (about 2 1/2 cups)
1 large turnip, diced (about 2 cups)
1 leek, white part only, sliced, rinsed well, and diced (about 3/4 cup)
1 pound ground lamb
1 pound ground beef
1 Tbsp. minced fresh rosemary
1/2 cup dry red wine
3 Tbsp. tomato paste
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
3 Tbsp. cornstarch
3 cups lamb, beef, or chicken stock or low-sodium beef broth

First, prepare the Chèvre & Chive Mashed Potatoes, and set aside. Preheat an oven to 400°F.

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the onion, carrots, turnip, and leek for about 4 to 6 minutes, or until tender. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

To the same pan, add the meats and break up with a spoon. Cook the meat for about 5 minutes, or until browned. Carefully drain off any excess fat and return the pan to the heat. Stir in the rosemary, wine, tomato paste, salt, and pepper and scrape up the browned bits on the bottom of the pan as you bring the mixture to a boil.

Meanwhile, whisk the cornstarch into the stock and stir this mixture into the boiling meat mixture. Stirring constantly, cook for about 1 minute to thicken. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Transfer the mixture to a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Spoon the mashed potatoes on top, covering the meat mixture evenly and making the top peaky-pretty. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbling and the top is lightly golden.

Chèvre & Chive Mashed Potatoes
2 1/2 lbs. unpeeled medium red potatoes, washed well and halved
Salt
1 cup milk or half-and-half
3 Tbsp. butter
1/4 tsp. white pepper
4 oz wt. fresh goat cheese (chèvre), torn or cut into about 8 pieces
2 Tbsp. thinly sliced fresh chives or very thinly sliced green onion tops

Put the potatoes in a very large pot and cover with water by at least 3 inches. Add a big pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and cook on a low boil until fork-tender, about 20 to 30 minutes. Test the potatoes to be sure they’re tender all the way through.

Meanwhile, heat the milk and butter in a small saucepan over low heat until the butter is melted and the milk is warm. Do not boil. Keep warm.

When the potatoes are cooked, quickly drain them well in a large colander, then return them to the pot. Shake the pot over low heat for about 30 seconds to dry out any remaining water. Remove from the heat and add the milk mixture. (Both the potatoes and the liquid must be hot.) With a heavy-duty whisk or masher, mash the potatoes. Then add 1 tsp. of salt, the white pepper, and cheese, and whip or mash the potatoes until they are fluffy. Mix in the chives and cover the potatoes to keep warm.

Recipe from Kathy Casey’s Northwest Table.