Couverture

In order to be properly labeled as "couverture chocolate", the percentage of cocoa butter must be between 32-39%, and the total percentage of the combined cocoa butter plus cocoa solids must be at least 54%. Couverture is primarily used by professional chocolatiers for dipping, coating, molding and garnishing.

Making of a praline from couverture is a Neuhaus invention dating back to 1912. The "praline" is a bite-size filled chocolate. Their variety consists of over 60 pralines with different shapes and fillings.

The best chocolate candies made with couverture are from Belgium, which are still hand made today. Unlike most chocolate companies that receive their chocolate in solid form, which then requires reheating to be prepared into candies. The Belgium process is made with the couverture chocolate, delivered in heated tanker trucks soon after the tempering process. Because the chocolate has not cooled, it retains much more of the aroma than the cooled varieties.

Belgian chocolate praline companies such as Leonidas, Neuhaus, Godiva and Nirvana are famous for their gourmet candies. They all use couverture which is used making of pralines for dipping, coating, molding and garnishing.

Pomegranate Maple

Infused Maple Syrup puts a new spin on traditional weekend breakfasts. Sanoma Syrup Co.'s unique syrups and extracts are made ideally for those inspired to step up the flavors in many kinds of everyday foods.

Pomegranate Maple Breakfast Syrup infused with pomegranate Juice, pure maple syrup, pure cane simple syrup and a dash of our Tahitian and Madagascar Vanilla Blend. This syrup has over 45% real pomegranate juice that has naturally occurring antioxidants that fight free radicals. Maple syrup has a high concentration of minerals and an excellent source of manganese and zinc for antioxidant defense. Enjoy this savory and sweet new twist on a breakfast syrup!

And can also be added to sparkling water for a refreshing drink.

Pour Syrup Over: 

Pancakes

Belgium Waffles

Granola Parfait

Crepes

Gameday Party Plan

Playoffs & Gameday Party Plan

chefgeorgehirsch.com

With this weekends playoffs + Super Bowl XLV is a couple weeks away at Cowboy's Stadium in Arlington Texas, it's time to plan your GameDay party. With the biggest sporting event of the year in Texas - Why not plan an authentic smok'n cowboy style party as fun way to entertain this year's playoffs + Super Bowl. 

In Texas they sure love the flavor of smoke; so whether your party is indoors or out, plan a menu with a little Texan style hickory or mesquite smoke for ultimate flavor! 

A good game plan to consider is serving finger foods such as Mexican Calzones, Pork Sliders and steaming bowls of chili. But, don’t forget to honor the host city with my viewer favorite Crock of Beer Chili. I’ve served it myself in Texas – so you know it’s got to be good. 

Gameday party plan here.

Winter Pesto

It's freezing outside and I’m still six plus months away from fresh basil from my garden. But, I'm not waiting until then to make one of my favorite dishes made with pesto. Solution? My Winter version of pesto. A robust flavored style pesto made with arugula + spinach mix. The peppery flavor makes a nice and welcome flavor and a more bold way to serve an ingredient commonly available year round. 

Winter Pesto

Recipe by Chef George Hirsch | Makes one cup

1 cup packed arugula, washed and dried 
1 cup fresh spinach, washed and dried
4 cloves fresh garlic, peeled 
2 Tablespoon pine nuts, chopped 
1 ice cube
3 Tablespoon grated parmesan cheese 
6 Tablespoon olive oil 

Place garlic and pine nuts in a food processor or blender. Pulse gently. Add ice cube, arugula, spinach and slightly pulse. Do not over grind too long, or you will actually be cooking the tender leaves. Add the olive oil and cheese and process until it makes a paste. Refrigerate until ready to use. Keeps about a week in refrigerator.

Use for more than pasta. Pesto is a great addition to salad dressing, poultry, seafood and vegetables. 

Meal Monday

Getting your oatmeal is a wee bit easier these days. The term Meal Monday originated in old-school Scotland to allow university students to return to their families farms and collect more oats for food. Today, it's as easy as a trip to the market and then the thirty minutes for it to cook. I'd say well worth the time and effort to make a good-for-you breakfast, starting a chilly Monday morning off on the right foot. Oatmeal, not just limited to Mondays.

Steel-Cut Oats are freshly milled from high protein oats and cut into neat little pieces on a steel buhr mill. Steel Cut Oats are one of the healthiest foods you can eat and they make a delightful, full-bodied hot cereal with an appealing texture. Bob's Red Mill