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!

Buzzfeed also has its share of waffle iron goodies like these All Day Breakfast Burgers, Cinnamon 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

Ahh, coffee! That first cup o’ joe can usually set the tone for the rest of the day. And certainly the Pacific Northwest is known as THE mecca for coffee drinkers and connoisseurs alike.

We definitely love our coffee just as much as our wine with many local independent coffee shops offering coffee “cuppings” – imagine a wine tasting, but for coffee!

We know Coffee is d’lish paired with dark chocolate … so why not get a bit savory and cook with it?  Ground espresso adds a deep rich flavor to spice rubs like in my Dish D’Lish Rain City Seasoning – excellent on steak, Alaskan salmon or try in my recipe for Savory Roasted Squash.

How about adding a cup of brewed coffee to your next slow cooked beef stew or chili recipe – it will add such a rich flavor to the dish.

On the sweeter side of things, add a little ground espresso to chocolate cupcake batter or your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe for a mocha-licious twist. Or for your next brunch try working in a little strong brewed coffee or espresso into your next “Coffee Cake” – for a true COFFEE cake experience! –Kathy

Savory Roasted Squash
The rich coffee notes in the Rain City Seasoning bring out the sweetness of the squash. Snazz up this tasty side dish with a sprinkling of blue cheese, pomegranate seeds and toasted hazelnuts.

Makes about 6 servings.

1 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 1/2 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 Tbsp. dry vermouth, white wine or apple juice
6 cups peeled 1 1/2-inch cubed winter squash, such as Hubbard, Butternut or Acorn
1 Tbsp. Dish D’Lish Rain City Seasoning

Preheat oven to 375 F.

In a large bowl whisk the oil, brown sugar and vermouth together. Then add the squash and stir to coat well. Sprinkle the squash with the Rain City Seasoning and then toss to coat.

Lay the squash out in a single layer on a sheet pan. Roast the squash for about 25 – 35 minutes until they are tender and the edges are caramelized.

Recipe and Photo © Kathy Casey Food Studios.

Whether you like them as a side sauce cozied to turkey or made into a holiday garland with popcorn, nothing is as perfect for the holidays than cranberries!

Seasonal foods just naturally go together. The apple, for example, is the perfect foil for its seasonal cousin the cranberry. They’re great together in my Apple Cranberry Tart with Walnut Crust and Cranberry Semifreddo. How about a salad of winter greens with slices of crisp galas and spicy toasted walnuts tossed with my favorite holiday dressing, Cranberry Citrus Vinaigrette.

But hey you can get crafty with them, too! For an impressive DIY holiday gift, try whipping up a batch of Crimson Cranberry Sage Vinegar to give out this year. Thread cranberries on a skewer and slip into a decorative clear bottle. Poke in a few sprigs of fresh sage, then add a pinch of sugar and salt to champagne vinegar – whisk together then pour into the bottles, covering the cranberries and sage. Cap and let sit at least one week before using. This vinegar makes a splendid and  colorful gift.

So grab a few extra bags of fresh cranberries while they are in season and freeze a few bags for enjoying later. -Kathy

(Photo from Kathy Casey’s Northwest Table)

Washington Apple-Cranberry Tart with Walnut Crust & Cranberry Semifreddo
Makes 10 servings

Filling
1 tablespoon butter
4 pounds Gala apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/4-inch-thick wedges (6 cups)
1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
2 tablespoons brandy
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Crust
8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter at room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 egg, separated
3 egg yolks
2 1/2 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup very finely chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons sanding or coarse sugar

Cranberry Semifreddo (recipe follows)
10 fresh or frozen cranberries for garnishing

To make the filling, heat the butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat and add the apples and cranberries. Stir in the brandy and lemon juice, then add the sugar and cinnamon. Cook until the apples are just wilted but still firm, and the juices have evaporated and cooked out; the mixture should be almost dry, not wet. Transfer to a shallow pan and cool in the refrigerator while making the crust.

Preheat an oven to 350°F. Line the bottom of a 9- or 10-inch springform pan with a parchment round. Lightly butter the sides of the pan and the parchment, or spray with vegetable-oil cooking spray. Set aside.

To make the crust, in a mixing bowl, beat the butter with the sugars on medium-high speed with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then add the vanilla and the 4 egg yolks, one at a time, beating a few seconds after each. Beat until smooth and light, about 1 minute. (Reserve the egg white.)

In a medium bowl, mix the flour, salt, and walnuts, then add the flour mixture to the egg mixture in 2 parts, mixing on low until just combined.

Divide the dough into 2 equal pieces. Put a piece of the dough into the prepared pan and press it out evenly on the bottom and up 1 1/2 inches on the sides. (If the dough is too soft to work with, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 10 to 20 minutes to slightly firm up.) Pile the cooled filling into the dough-lined pan.

On a lightly floured surface such as a cardboard disk or big piece of plastic wrap, press the remaining piece of dough into a round 9 or 10 inches in diameter, depending on the size of your springform pan. Slide the dough onto the filling and press it into place. This top crust should fit just inside the dough that extends up the sides of the pan and come all the way to its edges. Carefully seal the seam where the top joins the side dough, making sure the edges are straight and even.

Whip the reserved egg white in a small bowl until slightly frothy. Brush the top crust lightly with the egg white and poke the top with a fork in 5 places. Sprinkle with the sanding sugar.

Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling out a bit. Cool to just slightly warm or room temperature before removing the pan sides. You might want to run a knife along the sides before unmolding. (When serving, be sure that the parchment paper is not stuck to the tart.)

To serve, slice the tart into 10 wedges. Place each wedge on a dessert plate. Top with a nice scoop of the semifreddo and garnish with a cranberry.

Cranberry Semifreddo
Makes about 10 servings

2 eggs, separated
1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
2 tablespoons cranberry juice cocktail
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons mascarpone cheese
2 tablespoons superfine sugar
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Let the eggs come to room temperature while you proceed with the recipe.

Combine the cranberries, juice, and 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook until the cranberries pop, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat, let cool, then purée until smooth.

In a medium stainless-steel bowl, whisk the egg yolks, remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and cranberry purée. Set the bowl over a pan of simmering water, taking care that the bowl does not touch the water. Whisk until the mixture is thickened and hot—but be careful not to overcook (scramble) the egg mixture; this takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in the mascarpone. Keep whisking until the mixture cools down, then refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.

Meanwhile, in a thoroughly clean and grease-free mediuim mixer bowl, whip the egg whites on high speed with an electric mixer until they just start to get frothy. Start sprinkling in the superfine sugar and whip until the whites are peaking. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the chilled cranberry mixture.

Whip the cream until stiff, then gently fold it into the cranberry mixture, taking care not to lose volume.

Spoon the mixture into a 4-cup plastic container with a lid. Tap the container on a counter to release any bubbles, then smooth the top. Close the container, then place in a freezer for at least 8 hours, or until frozen.

Recipe from Kathy Casey’s Northwest Table Cookbook

Cranberry Citrus Vinaigrette
Makes 1 1/2 cups

2/3 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup white wine vinegar or distilled white vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup orange juice
3/4 cup vegetable oil or light olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Combine the cranberries, sugar, and vinegar in a small nonreactive saucepan and cook over medium heat until the cranberries pop, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool.

Purée the mixture in a blender, then blend in the mustard and orange juice. With the machine running, gradually drizzle in the oil. The dressing should become smooth and emulsified. Blend in the salt and pepper. Refrigerate up to 3 weeks.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios®

Crimson Cranberry Sage Vinegar
Makes 6 cups

1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
Fresh Sage
1 large shallot, peeled and quartered
6 cups white wine vinegar or distilled white vinegar
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt

Arrange the cranberries and shallot attractively in 2 clear glass wine bottles (you can skewer the cranberries, if you like, on long wooden skewers).

In a non-aluminum pan, bring the vinegar, sugar and salt to a boil. Immediately pour the liquid into the bottles, filling them 1 1/2 inches from the top. Let cool to room temperature, then cork. Let sit a minimum of 2 days before using. Store in a cool, dark place for up to 2 – 3 months, or refrigerate for up to 6 months.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios®

Ever since ancient times, salt has been a valuable ingredient for everyday life. From food preservation to food enhancer, it was even used as currency to trade amongst earlier civilizations.

Salt varieties are bountiful these days. Just take a look at your local grocery store. There are so many d-lish options to choose from fleur de sel (a French sea salt) to hickory smoked flavored and even cabernet red wine salt – so yummy on a steak!

Salt just pops the flavor of any dish. Chicken, grilled fish, roasted veggies…and even cocktails! Just remember, a little bit goes a long way.

We have a great new salt in our Dish D’Lish line up: Rain City Seasoning – inspired by Seattle’s coffee addiction. It’s a blend of Caffè Umbria Coffee Roasters coffee and Theo Chocolate cocoa nibs with two types of salt, dried orange peel, allspice, and other spices to deliver a versatile and d’lish seasoning! Rain City Seasoning is perfect on salmon or steaks or sprinkled on roasted root vegetables. And it’s D’lish as a Bloody Mary rimmer.

But why not get creative and try your hand at making your own flavored salts? It’s easy! Here is my favorite method and a great combination for a DIY Citrus Salt:

Place 2 cups of kosher salt in a bowl
Add in 2 tablespoons each: of lemon zest and finely minced fresh rosemary, sage or thyme
Toss together then spread on a sheet pan.
Let sit out for about a week uncovered in a cool dry place – mixing daily.
Once the lemon and herbs dried, place in a food processor and whiz it up – or go old school and use a mortar and pestle.

You can also add in orange zest, or lime zest too to switch it up! Or double the amount of zest and herbs for extra flavor.

Now you have a delicious hand crafted salt – great on almost everything! –Kathy

Fresh Walla Walla Onions are hitting the market soon and I can’t wait! Sweeter than a regular yellow onion, it has been said that biting into a fresh Walla Walla and biting into an apple are just about the same. I’ve never tried but I will if you do!

I DO know that they are mild and sweet enough to serve thick raw slices cozied up with garden fresh tomatoes, some fresh mozzarella, and a sprinkling of fresh basil. Drizzle balsamic vinegar and EVOO, then finish it with coarse salt and a fresh grind of pepper. Simplicity at its best.

I also love them in a quick pickle preparation. Put equal parts vinegar, sugar and water in a zip lock bag. Add in a pinch of salt then toss in some slices of Walla Walla onions. Shake that around until the sugar is dissolved then refrigerate for a few hours, or overnight. D’lish on grilled salmon, tossed with some fresh herbs like tarragon, chives, dill and Italian parsley.

If you’ve got the grill fired up then toss on some slices. Get some nice charred marks, then chop and add to your favorite guacamole or fresh salsa recipe for some SWEET summer dipping– Yum!

P.S.: If you’re an onion crier like me be sure to refrigerate your onions before slicing OR have a pair of onion goggles ready– it helps! –Kathy

Photo from Kathy Casey’s Northwest Table

Herb Marinated Walla Walla Sweet Onions
For a summer buffet table, grill a whole side of salmon and serve it on a large platter, festooned with the herbed onions and fresh herb sprigs. This is also great served with steak.

Makes 4 servings – and enough to top 4 salads, pieces of fish or grilled meats.

1 large Walla Walla Sweet onion, cut into 1/2-inch-thick rings
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
3 Tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 Tbsp. coarsely chopped fresh basil or cilantro
1 Tbsp. coarsely chopped fresh tarragon
1 Tbsp. 1/2-inch-long pieces fresh chives
2 Tbsp. coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

To make the onions, carefully separate the rings and place in a resealable plastic bag. In a small bowl, whisk the vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper flakes, and oil. Pour the marinade over the onions and close the bag, expelling excess air. Turn the bag to coat the onion evenly, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, turning the bag occasionally. Just serving, gently toss the onions and marinade in a large bowl with the chopped herbs.

Recipe from Kathy Casey’s Northwest Table, Chronicle Books.

Turkey day is here ….and gone and you just MAY have a few leftovers in your fridge. Need some tasty ideas? Don’t worry, I’m here to help!

A d’lish Thanksgiving Day feast!

Thanksgiving for breakfast – why not! Thanksgiving Benedict is a delicious idea a chef friend shared with me. Form leftover stuffing into patties, pan sear, then top with some sliced turkey, a poached egg and a dollop of gravy. YUM!

And you know there is never enough gravy left over- right? Why not make some more? Pick that turkey clean (save the meat for soup and sandwiches.) Now it’s time to make a Simple Turkey Gravy.

Take that extra turkey meat and stock then make a soup. Or make gravy and add some veggies and leftover turkey meat and serve over biscuits for a d’lish open face hot turkey sandwich.

Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving Weekend! –Kathy

Simple Turkey Gravy
Makes about 5 cups

6 Tbsp. butter
2 Tbsp. minced onion AND/OR 1/4 cup chopped mushrooms
1/2 cup flour
5 cups homemade turkey stock (see above for method using your leftover turkey carcass)
1 tsp. salt
pepper to taste

Melt the butter in a large, heavy saucepan. Add the onions (and mushrooms if using) and sauté over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes. Add the flour and stir vigorously until combined and smooth. Cook for about 1 minute. Add the stock all at once and whisk vigorously so as to eliminate any lumps. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, until the gravy is nicely thickened. Season with salt and white pepper.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios® – www.KathyCasey.com

Summertime and refreshment go hand-in-hand, so why not change up the norm and make your own infused waters?

We all know you’re supposed to drink at least 8 glasses a day. I know that I struggle with drinking my daily share of water. But adding in some d’lish flavors makes it easier and tastier to drink.

Let’s make a basic recipe. First, get a large pitcher and add in a sliced fresh lemon, make sure wash the outside first. Then add in some of your favorite seasonal fruits: juicy melon chunk, fresh-picked berries, or a sliced nectarine or peach.

Afterwards, the skies the limits with flavors! For an herbal note, add in a few basil leaves, a sprig of rosemary, or even a couple of lavender flowers from the garden. I also like to add a teaspoon or so of chia seeds to plump – I love their fun texture! And if you like a touch of sweetness you could add a tiny splash of honey or agave.

Now, fill up your pitcher with filtered or spring water. Slightly stir, then cover and refrigerate overnight for all that goodness to infuse.

If you want to make this for work, make smaller batches in quart jars or mason mugs with a lid – tasty hydration on the go. So get creative with your water and stay hydrated! –Kathy

For me, nothing says summer like fresh corn on the cob. Personally, I love my corn with just a bit of seasoning, but naked is just fine by me! A little smear of butter is the perfect complement to hot corn on the cob.

Put on your thinking caps; it’s time to get creative. Try whipping in a bit of local honey with chili powder (like in my Honey Butter recipe below) or combine fresh basil, roasted garlic and some finely grated cheddar cheese. The combinations are endless!

More commonly 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, throw your corn on, too. 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 for my Summer Roasted Pepper, Corn, and Arugula Salad. Other options are to add the kernels to fresh salsa, folded into a chopped veggie salad, or in your favorite potato salad with some roasted hot peppers.

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.

Photo from Simply Recipes

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

Grilled Corn on the Cob with Honey Butter
Pull back the husks and pull out the silk, then tie off the husks with a strip of husk. This makes for a decorative and very useful handle.

Makes 8 servings.

8 whole ears fresh corn

Honey Butter
1 stick (1/4 lb.) butter
2 Tbsp. local honey, such as my “5130” Honey
2 tsp. Tabasco or hot sauce (more or less if desired)
2 Tbsp. coarse chopped Italian parsley

Dish D’Lish French Seasoning Salt – or sea salt
fresh lime wedges

Peel back corn husks and pull out corn silk. Heat barbecue coals or wood fire.

Meanwhile, in a mixer whip the butter, honey, Tabasco and parsley together until fluffy.

When coals are hot, place corn on grill and cook, turning every few minutes. Cook until corn is lightly charred and cooked through. Spread corn with Honey Butter and sprinkle with seasoning.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios® – www.KathyCasey.com

Summer Roasted Pepper, Corn 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 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
3 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
2 tsp. 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 oz soft chevre goat cheese
—————————————
4 to 6 cups 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 heat in the oven or on the grill until just warmed and toasty.

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

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios® – www.KathyCasey.com