Horchata

Although Cinco de Mayo is not a national holiday celebrated in Mexico, in the US it has become a day of celebrating Mexican heritage and pride. Cinco de Mayo was commemorated in the late 1880s in the US - and naturally food and drink made their way to the center of the celebration. We've all had margaritas, cervezas, guacamole, salsas + tortilla chips, but there's also a popular border-town beverage called horchata that deserves to be part of the celebration. 

Horchata is a traditional Mexican beverage that looks and tastes like milk, but it's rice-based. It is best served over ice. This sweet beverage has many variations (depending on Spain or Latin American influence) and can be flavored with almonds, cinnamon, sesame seeds, and vanilla. This beverage is good news for the lactose-intolerant, but better yet a perfect drink to finish-off spicy Mexican food; supposedly good for the stomach. 

You can find horchata commonly served at Mexican restaurants or taquerias - on the menu under aguas frescas. Making horchata from scratch at home is also an option, but it is a very long process requiring a few days to make the rice-based milk. I suggest shopping in a Spanish market for good quality bottled versions or fine organic instant mixes.

For more Cinco de Mayo food ideas:

Mexican Calzone
George’s ’60 Second Guacamole
Tomatillo Sauce
George's Salsa Fresca

Pinkberry

The New TCBY? Maybe, but so much better for you. Be on the lookout for Pinkberry. Their focus is on high quality yogurt and super-flexible service options. The yogurt is made from real non-fat milk. The company, originated in California and is fast growing to be a global sweet sensation. The concept is sweet and simple; pairing an exceptional secret yogurt recipe with a pleasing aesthetic atmosphere. The list of positives are quite long, reminding me of the Seinfeld episode, is this fat free? Too good to be true! But, Pinkberry stands by their Swirly Goodness as being non-fat goodness.

What is the Pinkberry Fruit Parfait?
Our six layer parfait is made-to-order with three heaping scoops of our delicious daily cut in-store fresh fruit, Pinkberry Original and our new all-natural honey almond granola. Each parfait is made-to-order, customization of fruit and yogurt combinations is easy, and we encourage customers to get creative with their favorite fruit-and-Pinkberry pairings!

 

Rock Solid Food

Today it is very common to hear chefs being compared to rock stars, but has it come full circle that rock stars will be compared to chefs? I hope so with Jon Bon Jovi's new restaurant. 

If making a reservation at this New Jersey community dining spot Soul Kitchen, you'll be surprised to find no prices on the menus. Each guest pays what they can afford, with a suggested donation of $10 per person; or if you are unable to pay, the guest can volunteer their time to work in exchange for the family meal. Check the Michelin star expectation at the door, (however, they should qualify for 5 good neighbor stars) as their mission is to serve nutritious dinners in a warm and welcoming setting where families can come and meet their neighbors. Embracing the sense of community through a good hot meal.

In addition to Jon being a legendary rock star he's earned the right to be compared to a celebrity chef with a mantra "Happy are the hands that feed". Good Stuff! 

207 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, New Jersey
For Reservations: 732-291-7232

Soul Kitchen is a program of the Jon Bon Jovi Foundation.

Everyone's Favorite Dessert

Spring and Easter Time holiday is here, ready or not. Do you want to bake a dessert that is fool proof and enjoyed by all? Sure you do, luckily I have the solution - my New York Style Sour Cream Cheesecake Recipe. This recipe has been adapted from a recipe that requires 90 pounds of cream cheese, yielding some thirty 10-inch cheesecakes. So, I can say that it has been well tested by thousands; plus more importantly, my own family. I hope you and your family enjoy it just as much!

P.S. Feel free to improvise and use any of your favorite kind of cake or cookie crumbs for the bottom of the cheese cake and put on your own signature.

 George Hirsch Cheesecake Recipe 

image credit: JurgaR | istock

All Occasion Hors D'Oeuvre

With all those eggs that are being colored in your house during the next few weeks, it's a good opportunity to make deviled eggs. It's one of those hors d'oeuvre platters that spans the occasion ladder from high brow to low brow; and which always empties fast because it is so difficult to have just one.

The name deviled implies hot, but need not be. It is simply hard boiled eggs chilled and halved with the yolk whipped into a flavorful filling of a wide variety of flavors such as; mayonaise, sour cream, yogurt, Dijon mustard, etc.. You can even spice it up for a grown up palate with a touch of cayenne, hot sauce or wasabi. Use a touch of fresh herbs like dill, cilantro or chives. Make special occasion up-end garnishes such as; chopped proscuitto, crisp chopped pancetta or a sliver of smoked salmon, sour cream and caviar. Optional, sprinkle with paprika, like mom did.