Time for Tzatziki

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What to do with all those garden cukes? Now is the time to Tzatziki. A creamy appetizer that can be used as a dip, spread or condiment. Serve with warm pita, bread or vegetables. Or, use as a topping on Gyros and grilled: fish --- meats --- and shellfish.

Tzatziki Sauce Recipe by Chef George Hirsch

Tzatziki Sauce

Makes about 3 1/2 cups

chefgeorgehirsch.com | George Hirsch Lifestyle

3 cups thick Greek yogurt; or regular plain yogurt- strained very well 

juice of one lemon 

3-6 cloves garlic, chopped

2 medium cucumbers; peeled seeded and sliced

1 Tablespoon kosher salt for salting cucumbers

1 Tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped 

1/2 teaspoon hot sauce

fresh ground black pepper to taste

1 Tablespoon Olive oil

Put sliced cukes in a colander, sprinkle on salt, and let stand for 30 minutes to draw out water. Drain well and wipe dry.

In a food processor add cucumbers, garlic, lemon juice, dill, and hot sauce. Mix until well blended, remove and add to yogurt. Add fresh ground black pepper to taste. 

Place in refrigerator for at least two hours before serving. 

Serve in small dishes; make a well and drizzle a small amount of olive oil in center.

Thanksgiving Countdown: Appetizers & Snacks

Let’s get this party started. The most important parts of a party or holiday menu is how it starts, the first impression and the ending, the last impression. So let's start with appetizers and we'll get to desserts next week. Til then, have a great weekend.

Savory Crab Cakes

Cheddar Potato Chive Soup

Tuscan White Bean Artichoke Soup

Curried Hot & Sweet Pecans

Brie Calzone

©Jason Gayman | istock

What's Coming Up On Monday: Thanksgiving Countdown Gets Serious with Desserts. Pie anyone?

Ecosystem Engineers aka Oyster

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Historically in the 19th century oysters aka “ecosystem engineers” were abundant and the food of working-class people, with NY Harbor the world’s supplier of millions of bivalves in the harbor on any given day. Then they disappeared; oysters in LI waters took a dive in 1992 due to MSX. Ecologically, they keep our shores clean by filtering phytoplankton. And the socioeconomic significance, a mainstay to the positive impact of the L.I. fishing industry—bagging upwards of 118K bushels until ’92. As passionate as fans are of their hometown NFL team, for culinary fans, oysters are an endless slurp of pleasure as they cheer on their local Briney delicacy. Plus, where would chefs be without oysters on the menu? I cannot imagine what Antoine's of New Orleans the creator of Oysters Rockefeller would have done without serving four million oysters since they began serving this dish in 1899 as a substitute for the lack of snails...I guess snails are another cover? 

Even if you pass when the oysters are served you can see the importance they play in our daily life. I am delighted Edible East End has considered a homage to the importance of this mollusk!