A Botanical Superhero

As national herb week wraps up today, I hope you have drawn inspirition to plant and cook with more fresh herbs in your daily diet. Last year dill held the title spot and this year horseradish is herb of the year. It happens to be one of those ingredients that I have integrated in many of my cookbooks + TV show recipes over the years to add a little kick in flavor and dress up even the most ordinary dishes to be more memorable, like smashed potatoes. Caution, fresh horseradish is one of those flavor profiles that sneaks up on your palate, and is usually followed by a teary eyed "wow that's got bite!" response.

Fresh horseradish root has a shelf life of a few weeks in the refrigerator. It's also always good to have prepared horseradish in long lasting jarred condiment form on hand, like Golds, for those impromptu entertaining moments to quickly fix up dips, sauces or dressings.

Horseradish is also considered a botanical superhero, recorded since ancient times with great medicinal properties; ideal for healing sinus conditions and boosting circulation. It's easy to grow in your garden, but been known to be a bit invasive, aka a root bully.

As per many hollywood movies, the bloody mary has the reputation for being a hangover helper, but today's inspiration is all about horseradish and making this refreshing cocktail for a late spring evening cocktail which can be enjoyed with or without liquor.

The Bloody Mary

It's one of those cocktails that doesn't have an exact recipe, per say. Everyone seems to have their own rendition of this recipe. I prefer mine with a bit of spicy kick; horseradish and a little hot sauce. 

To Make Bloody Mary Mix | from George Hirsch Living it UP! TV series
Fill a two quart glass pitcher with: 
46 ounces tomato juice
2-4 Tablespoons horseradish
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon crushed celery seed
2 teaspoons hot sauce
Juice of two limes 
Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
 
For a Virgin Mary, serve Bloody Mary Mix over crushed ice and garnish.

For a Bloody Mary Cocktail; add 1 oz vodka to a highball glass filled with ice, then fill glass with pre-made bloody mix. Stir, garnish and serve. 

Garnish should include a celery stalk and lime wedge. Optional additions may include olives, pickles, pickled asparagus spears, carrots, cured meat, smoked fish and semi-hard cheeses. 

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.