Have you heard the buzz about bone broths? It’s the hot new trend revolving around super old-school slow simmered broth made with roasted beef bones. What’s old is new again!

Slow simmering bone broths releases nutrients and minerals. It’s super healthy (packed with proteins, minerals, and healthy fats) and is full of collagen, gelatin, and glucosamine – all essential nutrients for healthy joints.

Bone broth is pretty much like the broth Great Grandma used to make! Just roast large beef bones in a 400 degree oven until roasty-toasty browned. When they’re done, put the bones in a large pot, but don’t forget about all that goodness in the bottom of your roasting pan! Deglaze with water or wine and scrape it all into the pot. You don’t want to wash all that flavor down the sink!

I like to pop in some mushroom stems, carrots, celery and onions. Cover the bones and veggies with water, bring to a simmer then cook till rich and delicious (some simmer theirs for at least 24 hours). Remember flavor takes time so don’t rush it.

Beautiful Photo of Bones ready to be made into Bone Broth from The Kitchn!

Here is a link for the best recipe and instructions for Bone Broth that I found online at The Kitchn and is the way I make it. There are quite a few recipes and techniques all over the internet but this recipe has the higher bone roasting temperature that I prefer. The Kitchn site has lots of tips, a photo tutorial and also recipes on how to use it.

Want something healthy to sip in your next cocktail? Bone broth is even being made into broth-tails! Yup, that’s right – spirit-spiked broth. From LA to NYC, it’s popping up on menus alongside shots of whiskey and tequila. Certainly soon to grace menus here too!

So get some broth simmering – your house will smell amazing!
–Kathy

Sleeping late is one of the best weekend luxuries, but I have a few restaurant suggestions that have a brunch worth getting up for!

The Fat Hen’s farmhouse-style menu is becoming more and more famous for their wonderful Scandinavian-style pastries, table-side pressed coffee, and super-filling skillet baked eggs! A NW favorite is the smoked salmon eggs benedict, but really, it’s hard to go wrong at this place!

If you’re looking for something a little less traditional, try Revel. Located in Fremont, this Korean-inspired menu is as surprising as it is delicious! The Kimchi Bloody Mary is out of this world and try it with the Revel Ramen, served with pork belly, kimchi and a soft boiled egg. Anyone feeling peckish yet?

And of course, one of my all-time faves is the Boat Street Café. This amazing brunch institution was started by Renee Erickson (who also owns the amazing the Walrus & the Carpenter and The Whale Wins) – so you’ll know the food will be impeccable.

If you are in Ballard or Kirkland on the weekend, head on over Volterra. Chef Don Curtiss’ menu features signature dishes such as a wild mushroom scramble with Fontina cheese, arugula and white truffle oil or duck and Yukon gold potato hash – yum! And be sure to try the Belissimo Bloody Mary with housemade balsamic mary mix! PS – Ballard Volterra is now open for lunch Monday through Friday now with an amazing 2 course lunch for $16! So if you feel like “brunching” during the week it’s a delicious option.

Treat yourself this weekend and go out to brunch somewhere fun – but be aware, you might have to get up pretty early to miss the crowds at some of Seattle’s favorite spots! –Kathy

I know that I don’t have to remind you, but Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Do you know what you are going to give your sweetie to show them how much you care?

Chocolates and roses have been done, so why not try something new this year. How about starting off your romantic evening with my Love Potion bottled cocktail? Fresh raspberry infused-vodka is mixed up with pomegranate juice, limoncello, and fresh citrus to create a crimson pink and d’lish drink.

Now, if you’re feeling ambitious, you can try making your own limoncello – it’s so easy! Just add lemon zest to some citrus vodka and let it sit for a few days. Then sweeten lightly with some rich simple syrup and voila. It will last up to a year in the refrigerator.

In the recipe I’’ll tell you how to bottle this up (just use little 187 ml bottles and cap) you can write a love note to your honey on a tag or make a fun valentine label.

Serve bottles chilled on ice and make a toast to your sweetheart! –Kathy

Love Potion
This bottled cocktail is perfect for Valentine’s Day. You can make ahead and serve with personalized tags. Serve over large format ice cubes or spheres. Garnish with fresh berries.

Makes about 46 ounces – enough for 6 (187ml) bottles

2 cups vodka
1/2 cup fresh raspberries
1/2 cup Liquid Kitchen Quick & Easy Limoncello (recipe follows),
or use your favorite brand
1/2 cup pomegranate juice
3/4 cup fresh lemon juice
3/4 cup simple syrup*
1 cup water

Place the vodka and raspberries in a blender and blend to infuse raspberries. Fine strain into a large pitcher. Add remaining ingredients and stir to combine.

Fill bottles 1-inch from top using a funnel. Cap or seal. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Shake before serving.

*To make simple syrup: combine 1 cup sugar with 1 cup boiling water. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Store refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.

Liquid Kitchen Quick & Easy Limoncello
For a demo on how to make Housemade Limoncello, visit www.LiquidKitchen.tv.

Makes about 2 cups

1 1/2 cups citrus vodka
3 lemons
3/4 cups sugar
1/2 cup water

With a potato peeler, peel the zest from the lemon, being sure not to get any white pith. Place the lemon peel in a clean quart glass jar with lid. (Use the rest of the lemon for another purpose.) Cap the jar and shake well. Let sit at room temperature for 1 week, shaking the jars every couple of days.

After 1 week, bring the sugar and water to a boil in a large saucepan, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Boil for 2 minutes, then let cool to room temperature.
Strain the vodka into a pretty bottle. Add the cooled sugar syrup, cap bottle and shake to combine. Store at room temperature, for up to 2 months or, refrigerated, for 1 year.

*Glass bottles are available online as well as metal caps and cappers. You can also find them at home brew stores.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Liquid Kitchen® – www.LiquidKitchen.com