Down in the Galley

Everyone has an idea of what is the perfect vacation. But just getting to your vacation destination involves a lot of steps. The packing, planning, driving, flying, driving and unpacking, can be an exhausting ordeal and we have only arrived at one destination. To get to our next destination we must repeat the same steps all over again.

Corp. Exec Chef Alfredo Marzi and George Hirsch

Solution. Cruising offers so many options for rest, relaxation and pampering. And let’s not forget an endless amount of dining options, all within walking distance. From room service, buffets, formal nights and wine tasting programs; there are more possible dining options than you will ever fit into any vacation. It’s OK having all those dining options because the gym is only a short walk to burn off the filet mignon and chocolate soufflé you ate right after the cheeseburger and fries.

So just how does all that food actually get on your plate? Come with me on a behind the scenes tour of the Princess's Cruises ship's galley with Corp. Exec Chef Alfredo Marzi and see just how. I was amazed and I know you will be too.

TV Segment: © Hirsch Productions, George Hirsch Living It UP! TV series

George Hirsch Lifestyle TV Segment: Princess Cruises

Wild Thymes

Unlike a family member of mine, (whose name I shall not mention) I rarely buy premade sauces, dips, or marinades. But when I do, it has to be the best. Define best - You say? First, I am very attracted to any mom-n-pop crafted goods that have been created out of love and respect for food and the ingredients in their product. 

A good sauce or dressing can make a dish. There are many mediocre products on the market, so when I taste a good one, I like highlighting it.

Wild Thymes Farm products had me at hello. I was asked sometime back to guest on the Today Show, with a complete meal made out of premade sauces. At first, I was a little reluctant because if you read most the labels, well- where's the food? But, to my delight, with the first taste of Wild’s Chili Ginger Honey Marinade I was sold.

Check out the ingredient list on the label yourself: Sugar, apple cider vinegar, ginger, whole oranges, red bell peppers, lime juice, garlic honey, whole lemons, red chili peppers, spices, sea salt.

Besides the products being great, so is the Wild Thymes story. Ladies, keep doing what you are doing - you are rock stars of the Hudson Valley.

It's All Greek For Me

Gyro- pronounced jear-ro, or yeer-o, or he-ro. If you pronouce it incorrectly, all is forgiven when said with a smile.

There is something to be said for the art of walking while eating. Or is it eating while walking? Now there are many other forms to this art which aren’t so safe, for example driving while eating. Although I have witnessed first hand - women who can eat, put on make up and text at the same time. Ok, we’ll pray for them, but lets get back to talking gryo.

In the US, gyro meat can consist of a few kinds of mystery meats that are pressed and formed. But, when in Rhodes, Greece I had the most delightful sliced, crispy and juicy shavings of meat in my gyro. I had the perfect opportunity to test my walk and chew without loosing a single drop of tzatziki on my white shirt!

My Greek gyro, was made with a warm pita, roasted and sliced mixed beef & pork, tomato, onion and topped with tzatzikisauce and fried potatoes. Other toppings may be added such as chick peas, olives, etc. depending on where the gyro is made.

This was a good snack to tie me over. My fresh Calamari and Mythos Beer awaited me at Cafe George, just down the street.

Cheers - For my Tzatziki Sauce Recipe. 

images, George Hirsch

George Hirsch Living it UP! cooking & lifestyle book

$24.95

This easy to live with lifestyle plan; with more than 165 of George's easy-to-prepare gourmet recipes, you can lose weight, maintain energy, look better, and enjoy a longer active life, by eating great food!
M.Evans and Company, Inc.

George Starts your year off right!

George Hirsch Living it UP
Recipes for a Healthy Active Life
Product Details
Hardcover: 240 pages; $24.95
Publisher: M. Evans and Company, Inc.; 2000
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0871319241
ISBN-13: 978-0871319241
Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.3 x 1.1 inches

Creative Cooking tips
Fast Easy recipes that allow for an active lifestyle
A 30-Day Menu Plan you can adapt throughout the year
Support and motivation for staying on a healthy eating & exercise routine
Tips for easy food shopping & eating healthy on the run

Each book is personally autographed by George Hirsch.

Add to Cart

Power Pantry

Although it may not be time for spring cleaning in your pantry, winter is a good time to literally take inventory of how many of these power foods you have on hand, and more importantly incorporate into your daily diet. If I could offer you a magical way to stay looking younger, be healthier and feel great - wouldn't you take me up on it? OK, then here you go. They may seem obvious, but it's a good reminder. 

Almonds: good fiber, protein good for your heart. Go ahead and go nuts, it's good snack.

Apples: Vitamin C and soluble fiber and helps keep the doctor away. 

Beets: rich source of folate as well as natural red pigments that may be cancer fighters; save fresh stems for salads for a double bonus. 

Blueberries: big plant compounds to prevent chronic diseases. Toss in cereal and yogurt to get your day started right.

Broccoli: missed your O.J. today? Have a portion of broccoli; it’s powerhouse of calcium, potassium, folate, fiber, Vitiams A & C.  

Red Beans: excellent source of iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, thiamin, and copper, low fat low cal source of protein and fiber. It makes a complete meal with steamed brown rice.

Sardines: high in omega-3’s, loaded with calcium. They also contain iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper and manganese as well as a full complement of B vitamins. Enough said.

Spinach: Vit A and C folate. Good source of riboflavin, vitamin B-6, calcium iron and magnesium. Boost your immune system and keep hair and skin healthy. Seemed to work for Popeye.

Salmon: Omega-3 fatty acids, aids in keeping blood from clotting, good source of protein. Need more reason, just try this tasty recipe for Planked Salmon.

Sweet Potatoes: high in antioxidant beta-carotene which can slow the aging process. Good fiber, fat free, and under 60 calories per tuber. 

Swiss chard: a leafy green vegetable, packed with carotenoids that protect aging eyes. Sorry, the DMV still requires an eye test for your drivers license, even if you eat your Swiss chard.

Turmeric: more than just a yellow color to paella, it contains anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer

Pumpkin seeds: the most nutritious part of the pumpkin; full of magnesium; high levels of the mineral are associated with lower risk for an early death, that's good. Also helpful in the dugout during a World Series Game too.

Wheat Germ: great boost to your immune system and cardio health. Go ahead treat yourself to an ice cream topped with wheat germ, you are doing yourself good. 

Vegetable Juice: when choosing, select a low sodium version; filled with lycopene, an antioxidant that reduces heart attack and prostate cancer. 

Source: 'Recipes for a Healthy Active Life', by George Hirsch, Living it UP! TV series companion cookbook

Manhattan Rye

Rye had not been produced in New York for over 80 years, but Tuthilltown Spirits’ HUDSON MANHATTAN RYE WHISKEY signals the return of the quintessential New York Whiskey. Tuthilltown whiskeys are the only legally distilled and aged grain spirits produced in New York since Prohibition. Imagine that. It's a great story with a nostalgic return of the classic American spirit; each 92 proof bottle hand filled, capped, waxed and numbered.

Tuthilltown Spirits even distributed in Europe.