What's That Tuesday

Handforged by a blacksmith. Will last a lifetime. One of a kind. The average household needs one on-average once a week. Answer: a pizza cutter. Made by Artist/blacksmith Al Stephens, Alabama USA.


I've made more than my share of pizza with an infinite number of topping combinations. This recipe is always a crowd pleaser. When the Gorgonzola melts, it becomes creamy and gives the pizza a nutty flavor. Top with pecans for additional nuttiness that is ideal with the creamy cheese. Ideal for luncheon entrée or dinner appetizer served a tossed green salad.

Grilled Three-Cheese Pizza

Recipe George Hirsch | Makes four appetizer servings

4 pieces of George's pizza dough 

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella

1/2 cup crumbled Gorgonzola

1/2 cup goat cheese or feta

2 Tablespoons pecans, chopped

6 fresh basil leaves, lightly torn

1 tablespoon olive oil

Fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Pre heat grill to medium or an oven to 500 degrees F.

Brush dough on both sides with olive oil. Place dough on grill top shelf or bake on a pizza stone for about 2-3 minutes until bottom of crust is crisp, flip over crust, and 

top crust with cheeses and pecans leaving a half-inch border around crust. Continue baking for about 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted. Remove pizza and top with fresh basil, olive oil and pepper, serve immediately.

Chefs note: Top pizza with carmelized onions after cheese melts to sweeten saltiness of cheese. 

Pane Alla Griglia

 

Grilling bread is as old as fire itself. When you are looking for a quick grill fix that can be prepared as quick as making toast, fire-up the grill and char-up good quality, preferably day old sliced tuscan style bread. 

To Do:

- Fire-up the grill on high.

- Bread sliced 1-inch thick, grilled on high heat for under 1 minute or until slightly brown, then flip over and grill a few more seconds and remove.

- Finish with pre-made toppings of your choice; from simple olive oil + fresh herbs or top with a light salad. 

Today's topping is a combo of fresh spinach, fresh mozzarella, vine ripened tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, Vidalia onion, Kalamata olives, and fresh ground black pepper tossed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Toss all ingredients, let flavors bloom and marinate for five minutes. Top over grilled bread. 

Other Topping Suggestions:

Grilled portabella mushrooms

Grilled eggplant

Soft cheeses such as ricotta & honey, goat cheese, or brie, etc. 

Smoked Fish

Grilled Shrimp

image, Hirsch Media

Pick 5 Grilling Essentials

Are you ready for the weekend? There are many types of grillers — the weekenders, the year 'round grillers, and the serious barbecuers; yet the essentials are fit to grill for us all. Check out my five grilling essentials and get ready to Know Your Fire!

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1. Kenmore Deluxe Grip Long Plastic Handle Grill Cleaner: Good grip + stainless steel scraper.

2. 12-Piece Barbecue Set with Digital Fork Thermometer: The complete collection of all the basic tools + skewers.

3. BBQ Pro Charcoal Starter: Have your coals smoldering in minutes; holding 4 lbs. of briquettes.

4. Kenmore 4-Burner Gas Grill with Open Storage: Full size grill with side burner, area for prep + storage.

5. Stainless Steel 3-Piece Barbecue Set: Rust Resistant + 19 inch handles for safety.