dessert

Hop To It – Easter is on its way!

So Easter is coming up, so what will you do with all that leftover booty? You know – the eggs, the candies, the marshmallowy Peeps?

Of course there will be egg salad sandwiches for days BUT let’s get creative with it! How about adding in chopped bacon or some sassy curry. Try mixing salsa in your favorite egg salad recipe then rolling it up with some avocados in tortillas for a quick breakfast on the go.

For a beautiful spring presentation, you can do a quick beet pickle. Soak shelled-hard cooked eggs in a sweet & tart beet juice marinade. Then cut and fill. Beautiful and d’lish!

beeteggs
Beet’ing Heart Deviled Eggs!
Now, what do you do with that candy after the hunt? Well I’ve got you covered with my recipe for Peep & Jelly-Bean Rice Crispy Tweeps – a fun and festive twist on the beloved rice crispy treats. And yes you can garnish with the peep heads…

Tweeps
Save the Peep Heads for Garnish
So hop to it and have a Happy Easter! –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.

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

Place mixture in a greased 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 and Photos © Kathy Casey Food Studios.

Posted by Kathy on March 30th, 2021  |  Comments Off on Hop To It – Easter is on its way! |  Posted in appetizers, breakfast, chocolate, dessert, Dishing with Kathy Casey Blog, Foodie News, Kathy Casey, KOMO Radio, Lifestyle, Recent Posts, Snacks

Snackable Videos

Have you seen all the crazy food videos on Facebook from Tasty, Tastemade, and Buzzfeed Food? These are Snack Sized Videos featuring recipes that are not only visually appealing, but are quick to make and delicious to eat. I like to call this “Speed Scratch Cooking.”

We are all busy these days, running from one appointment to the next. Now throw in a few kids– a dog, and let’s not forget the friends and family. All of the sudden you are swamped and it is time for dinner!!

What to cook?  Have you seen all the fun things you can put on a waffle iron! Take chilled Mac & Cheese, mix in bacon, green onions, more cheese, then press it in to a waffle iron until it’s crispy delicious – then top it with all kinds of fun toppings like sour cream, pulled pork.. Yum!

MacnCheeseWaffles

Buzzfeed also has its share of waffle iron goodies like these All Day Breakfast BurgersCinnamon Roll Waffles with Nutella, or Ham and Cheese Waffles, and more.

The best thing about many of these recipe videos is they only have 3 or 4 ingredients that you may already have in your pantry which is great for a last minute meal or appetizer, just type in your ingredients and see what pops up! –Kathy

Posted by Kathy on March 23rd, 2021  |  Comments Off on Snackable Videos |  Posted in appetizers, breakfast, dessert, Dishing with Kathy Casey Blog, Foodie News, Kathy Casey, KOMO Radio, Lifestyle, other, Recent Posts, sides, Snacks, videos

Meyer Lemons

Meyer Lemons are a culinary favorite of mine …with their deep yellow hue and fragrant flavor they taste as good as they smell. Rumored to be a cross between a lemon and an orange, this zesty citrus is typically available December through April.

So what makes these different from a standard lemon? Well,  Meyer’s have “thin skin,” are highly aromatic, and have a sweeter taste than standard lemons. Their delicate flavor works great in cocktails, desserts, and savory dishes, too!

I like to thinly slice them and roast alongside chicken or pork. The slices become tender and caramelized and are so tasty.

The zest of their peel is fragrant and delicious too, especially when tossed with orzo pasta, a little olive oil and some fresh herbs or in dressings, such as in my recipe for Spinach & Apple Salad with Warm Meyer Lemon-Bacon Vinaigrette.

So wake up your taste buds with this citrusy delight. Get squeezing before the seasons over! –Kathy

Spinach & Apple Salad with Warm Meyer Lemon–Bacon Vinaigrette
This salad is delicious as a starter or entrée. I also love it topped with crumbled blue cheese.

Makes 6 servings as a starter salad

6 cups baby spinach
1 apple, cored and cut into thin slices
1/2 cup thinly sliced white onion

Vinaigrette
1/3 cup fresh-squeezed Sunkist meyer lemon juice
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
———————————————
1/4 cup finely diced raw bacon
2 teaspoons minced fresh garlic

Place spinach, apple and onion in a large, heat-proof bowl and refrigerate until ready to dress salad.

In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, mustard, sugar, pepper, salt  and olive oil. Set vinaigrette aside.

In a small nonstick pan, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until three-quarters done, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add garlic and stir for about 30 seconds, but do not brown garlic. Add the reserved vinaigrette to the hot pan. Immediately remove from heat and pour over reserved spinach mixture.

Toss until salad is well coated with dressing, and serve immediately.

Recipe and Photo © Kathy Casey Food Studios.

Posted by Kathy on February 23rd, 2021  |  Comments Off on Meyer Lemons |  Posted in appetizers, breakfast, chicken, dessert, Dishing with Kathy Casey Blog, herbs, meats, salads, seafood, sides, Snacks

Go Nuts for Almonds!

Hail the mighty Almond! The crunchy nut that’s packed with flavor and healthy goodness. Available in so many forms – raw, toasted, milk, butter, oil, etc. This nutty ingredient can be used in just about anything – pancakes, smoothies, desserts, or dips.

This superfood is SUPER healthy!  It’s packed with Vitamin E, and rich in dietary fiber and healthy fats. Plus, they are a super protein source and easy to have a little snack baggie around for when you’re feeling HANGRY!

Chopped up and added to salads, grain bowls, or your morning yogurt, they’ll keep you feeling full and keep your body’s metabolism on track.

For a healthy treat check out Skinny Dipped Almonds, they have a very light coating of dark chocolate. I love the raspberry ones that are dipped in berry powder – Yum!

And for a quick, tasty and inexpensive dish check out my recipe for Savory Seeded Noodles with Toasted Almonds.

So go nuts! Nuts for Almonds, that is! –Kathy

Savory Seeded Noodles with Toasted Almonds
Great served warm as a side dish or chilled for lunch.

Makes about 8 – 10 servings as a side dish

1 lb dry spaghetti, broken in half
1/4 cup toasted sesame oil
1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
1/2 tsp poppy seeds
1/3 cup soy sauce
6 Tbsp unseasoned rice vinegar
6 Tbsp sugar
1 Tbsp finely minced fresh ginger
2 tsp Asian hot chili paste (Sambal Oelek)
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup sliced almonds, lightly toasted

Cook spaghetti per package directions and drain well (do not rinse!)

Meanwhile, in a large bowl whisk together sesame oil, seeds, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, ginger and chili paste. Add the warm noodles, cilantro and green onions and toss to coat well. Toss in the almonds.  Serve warm or chilled.

Recipe and Photo © Kathy Casey Food Studios®.

Posted by Kathy on January 26th, 2021  |  Comments Off on Go Nuts for Almonds! |  Posted in appetizers, breakfast, dessert, Dishing with Kathy Casey Blog, Kathy Casey, KOMO Radio, salads, Snacks

Cooking with Candy Canes

I just love this time of year. Everything is sparkly, the lights twinkling in the trees, and of course, candy canes!

Those wonderful, seasonal peppermint treats that hang from trees, peak out of stockings and garnish your holiday latte. The holidays just wouldn’t be complete without them. They are also an ingredient in many of my favorite holiday goodies!

Peppermint and chocolate, what a great pair! Try my recipe for individual little Peppermint Chocolate Fudge Cakes – baked in muffin tins then drizzled with chocolate and sprinkled with crushed candy canes. They make a great little something to “take” or gift.

Need a holiday cupcake idea? Whip crushed candy canes into your favorite frosting recipe and crown with a mini candy cane. D’lish and oh so festive!


Photo by Kathy Casey Liquid Kitchen®.

For a more spirited idea, try making candy cane-infused vodka! Just combine 1 1/2 cup of vodka plus 8 – 10 starlight peppermints or 6 mini candy canes in a jar with a tight fitting lid. Shake a couple of times a day until dissolved. Enjoy it in your cocoa or frozen as a shot.

Here’s to some holiday cheers with candy cane! -Kathy

Peppermint Chocolate Fudge Cakes
These are the perfect little something for after a big holiday dinner or for a party take-along.

Makes 12 cakes

Cupcakes
3 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate
1 1/2 sticks salted butter
3 large eggs
1 1/2 cups sugar
6 tablespoons flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Topping
2 ounces dark chocolate chips
2 ounces white chocolate chips + 1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil
6 peppermint hard candies, crushed

Preheat an oven to 400 degrees F. Pan-spray nonstick standard size cupcake/muffin pan(s) —you will be making 12 cakes. (If any muffin cups are left empty, fill them halfway with water before baking cakes.)

In a bowl over simmering water, melt the unsweetened chocolate and butter together.

Meanwhile, with a whisk or electric mixer, in a large bowl mix the remaining cupcake ingredients together until glossy. Add the melted chocolate-butter mixture and beat again until glossy and smooth.

Divide the batter evenly into the 12 muffin cups. (Liners are not needed.)

Bake cakes for 15 to 16 minutes or until slightly puffy. Remove from the oven and let cool completely. Run a knife around the sides to release cakes.

To decorate: Lay cakes out on a platter. Place each of the chocolate chips in small glass ramekins or very small microwave safe containers; add the vegetable oil to the white chocolate; and individually microwave for 10 second intervals (stirring in between) until just melted. Be careful not to overcook the chocolate. Immediately drizzle/decorate the tops of the cakes with the chocolates and then sprinkle with the crushed hard candies.

Cakes will keep covered at room temperature for up to 3 to 4 days.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios®.

Posted by Kathy Casey on December 1st, 2020  |  Comments Off on Cooking with Candy Canes |  Posted in Cocktails, dessert, Dishing with Kathy Casey Blog, Foodie News, KOMO Radio, Lifestyle, Recent Posts, Recipes

Cooking with Bitters

Oh bitters! In the beverage world, we like to call them the “salt & pepper” of drinks. They can add an extra oomph! to a cocktail – oftentimes, enhancing the overall drink and adding an extra layer of flavor. But did you know that you can also cook with bitters too?

From appetizers to main dishes – and yes, even sweets! – a dash of bitters goes a long way. Take for example, my “Not Your Mama’s” Old Fashioned Cheeseball – 4 different cheeses, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, brandy, and Angostura Bitters come together for a party pleaser.


Photo by Kathy Casey Food Studios® for Angostura®.

Bitters are oh-s- tasty in sweets too, like in my favorite new cookie – Bittersnaps. A generous helping of aromatic bitters adds an amazing layer of flavor to this classic cookie! Goes great with coffee or a glass of milk!

So next time you’re cooking, add a dash of bitters to your dish – is not just for cocktails anymore. -Kathy

“Not Your Mama’s” Old Fashioned Cheeseball
This boozy and bold flavored cheeseball will be the centerpiece of any appetizer spread. Serve with artisan crackers, crostini or veggies. Add in a big handful of cooked minced bacon or minced salami to switch things up. You can also divide this recipe into 4 smaller balls and package up in glassine for tasty holiday party gift-giving. Bring out to room-temp for 30 minutes prior to serving.

Makes: 1 large cheese ball, 12 – 16 servings

8 oz. wt. cheddar cheese, grated
4 oz. wt. fontina cheese, grated
4 oz. wt. fresh parmesan or grana cheese, grated
1 (8 oz. wt.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
2 Tbsp. ANGOSTURA® Aromatic Bitters
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. hot sauce
2 tsp. minced fresh garlic
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. coarse black pepper
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
2 Tbsp. brandy or Cognac
——————————————-
1 cup (3 1/2 oz. wt.) sliced almonds, toasted*

Grate the cheeses into a medium bowl and set aside.

In a mixer mix with paddle attachment, mix together the cream cheese and grated cheeses on medium speed for about 6 minutes. Scrape the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula, and then add the remaining ingredients (except the nuts). Mix starting on low speed. Increase speed to high for about another 6 – 8 minutes, or until mixture is well blended (scrape the sides of the bowl a couple of time in this process). Cover and refrigerate mixture in bowl for about 1 hour to firm up.

Once cheese mixture is well chilled, form into a well-compacted ball. Then place toasted nuts in a bowl and roll cheeseball in nuts, pressing them in with your hands to coat well.

Transfer your cheese ball to the center of a large piece of plastic wrap, and bring the sides of the plastic up to the center – firmly twisting it to help the ball stay in a round shape. Refrigerate up to 2 weeks tightly wrapped.

*Toast nuts in a pre-heated 350°F oven for about 6 – 8 minutes. Cool before using.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios® for Angostura®.

Bittersnaps
Switch up your cookie repertoire with these Angostura Aromatic Bitters infused ginger snaps. Try using coarse sugar on top of the cookies for an extra sparkly effect!

Makes: about 36 cookies

1 cup sugar
3/4 cup vegetable shortening
1/4 cup molasses
3 Tbsp. ANGOSTURA® Aromatic Bitters
1 egg
2 1/4 cup flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 cup fine chopped candied ginger
Sugar for dipping

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line 3 sheet-pans with parchment paper.

In a mixer, whip the sugar, shortening, and molasses together on medium-high speed until creamy. Then add the Angostura Aromatic Bitters and egg and mix again until well combined.

Sift the flour, baking soda, salt and spices into a large bowl. Add the dry mixture into the mixer on low speed, mix until well combined. Stir in the candied ginger.

Using a tablespoon, scoop 36 balls. Roll and then dip the tops into the sugar. Place 12 cookies evenly spaced, sugar side up, on each sheet-pan. Bake for about 12 – 14 minutes, or until golden. Let cool. Store at room temperature in a cookie tin for up to 2 weeks.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios® for Angostura®.

Posted by Kathy on November 17th, 2020  |  Comments Off on Cooking with Bitters |  Posted in appetizers, dessert, Dishing with Kathy Casey Blog, Foodie News, Kathy Casey, KOMO Radio, Recent Posts, Recipes, seafood, seasonings, Snacks, spices

Maple Syrup

When I think of Maple Syrup, I can’t help but think of warm and fuzzy memories – especially about breakfast.

So where does this d’lish treat come from? The mighty sugar maple tree! Quebec is by far the largest producer of this sticky syrup – producing 70 percent of the world’s supply. Thanks Canada!

There are several grades of syrup – ranging from extra light to extra dark – each with their own flavor profile and characteristics.

But this sugary delight isn’t just for sweet breakfasts or desserts. That’s right – maple syrup is delicious in savory dishes too! Added to a pot of slow-roasting baked beans; in a salad vinaigrette; or even a pork marinade.

Or how about some maple roasted veggies, finished with sea salt and topped over a piping hot bowl of creamy polenta – yum!

So branch out – and discover all that maple syrup has to offer.
-Kathy

Maple Vinaigrette

Makes about 1 cup

6 tablespoons real maple syrup, preferably grade B
3 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon finely minced shallots
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
pinch of cayenne pepper

In a medium bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, vinegar, mustard and shallots. Combine the two oils and then, while whisking continuously, drizzle the oil into the syrup mixture. The dressing should be well mixed and emulsified. Whisk in the seasonings.

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Rewhisk before using.

*Chef Note: It’s also great to shake ingredients together in a jar.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios®

Posted by Kathy on October 20th, 2020  |  Comments Off on Maple Syrup |  Posted in appetizers, breakfast, dessert, Kathy Casey, KOMO Radio, salads, sides

Upside Down Cakes

Sometimes things are just better upside down. Bust out the baking dish – I’m talking about delicious Upside Down Cakes!

Light and fluffy cake batter encased by a sugary-butter topping and jeweled with chopped fruits – baked until ooey gooey and caramelized. What could be better than that?

So versatile and decadent – these cakes are a total crowd pleaser and often seen during the holidays. Pineapple Upside Down Cake is by far the most popular – but there are plenty of variations that are just as scrumptious! Apples, peaches, cherries, or plums – it’s the perfect vehicle for your favorite fruit.

This d’lish dessert is sometimes considered a little retro – but that shouldn’t stop you from giving it a try. Throw in some chopped nuts or layer on a boozy caramel glaze for a fun twist. Or throw that rule book out the window and try my Oatmeal Apple Upside Down Cake for breakfast!

You can even make mini versions using your trusty cupcake tin as the baking vessel!
-Kathy

Oatmeal Apple Upside Down Cake
Makes 1 10-inch round cake, serving 8 to 10

Batter
2/3 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup golden raisins
3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1 cup boiling water
2/3 cup, packed, brown sugar
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 cup flour
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt

Apple layer
1 Tbsp brown sugar
1 Tbsp flour
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 Gala apple, cored, skin on, sliced in thin wedges
—————————–
vanilla yogurt (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 10-inch round cake pan with vegetable cooking spray, and set aside.

Mix oats, raisins, cinnamon and nutmeg in a heat-proof container, and pour measured boiling water over mixture. Let sit for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare the apple layer: In a small bowl, mix together the 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, and the pecans, and pat out into the bottom of the cake pan. Then lay the apple slices out evenly on the brown sugar mixture. Set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the 2/3 cup brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, and oil, and mix well. In a small bowl, mix together the 1 cup flour, soda and salt, then add to sugar mixture. Add plumped oat mixture and stir well.

Without disturbing the apple layer, add batter into the cake pan carefully, and then lightly rap pan on counter to release any bubbles. Bake in preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until cake tests done.

Let sit 5 minutes after coming out of the oven, loosen sides of cake from pan with a table knife, and then immediately invert cake onto a large plate.

Serve warm or at room temperature, topped with dollops of vanilla yogurt if desired.

Recipe © Kathy Casey Food Studios®

Posted by Kathy on September 15th, 2020  |  Comments Off on Upside Down Cakes |  Posted in breakfast, dessert, Dishing with Kathy Casey Blog, Fruit, Kathy Casey, KOMO Radio, Snacks
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