Buck Moon

This Friday, July 15th at 2:39:36 am (EDT) the moon will be in it's full phase. The July full moon is aka "Hay Moon' and 'Buck Moon'. You say you will be sleeping? Before you nod off under the brightness in the sky, you may want to consider the magical occurrences that take place during a full moon. I'm not talking folklore like werewolves or the loony effect on human or animal behavior—I'm referring to the making of a great artisanal cheese.

One Monday night in February under a full moon, using milk just coaxed from the cow, Tim Welsh and Pat Ford decided to skip the pasteurization process and stay up late to make cheese, while the milk was most fresh. After letting it age 60 days (a federal health requirement for unpasteurized milk cheese) and giving it a final approving taste test, they named the cheese Beehive's Full Moon Cheddar and hit the market running. The cheese is made with clean, raw milk from Wadeland South Dairy. Full Moon Cheddar carries earthy flavor undertones that reflect the unique four season climate of their farm in Utah.

Celebrate this lunar phase with a full moon late night picnic. Serve Beehive Full Moon Cheese—a Good Stuff pick—with my spiced nuts, a good crisp rose, and sliced crunchy baguette bread. Just kick back and enjoy the magical power of the summer solstice.

Fresh Catch

We are blessed on the East End of Long Island to have access to freshly caught seafood + restaurants that prepare it well. Bostwick's in East Hampton does a fine job of serving up some of my favorite seafood plates. Their lobster roll, baked clams and bowl of steamy mussels hit the spot when I have a hankering for summer's fresh catch in an informal, alfresco and family friendly setting after a day at the beach.

Bostwicks, East Hampton

images, Hirsch Media

Inspiration: Summer Vacation

Celebrating the First Day of Summer

I first encountered the one and only Mohonk Mountain House quite a few years ago as an invite from my long time friend Paul McIlhenny, CEO of Tabasco to speak at one of their themed foodie weekends. Ever since, I've been a lover of this well preserved resort. At first I was torn; tape my TV shows there and let the world know about this jewel of an destination in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains, or keep it to myself as a relaxing get-a-way place. I decided it's better to share.  

Built on the deep-blue waters of Lake Mohonk in 1869, this grand 266-room Victorian castle is one of America's oldest family-owned resorts. The National Historic Hotel property with thousands of acres of pristine forest, is just 90 minutes north of New York City with over 85 miles of hiking trails.

Start your day off hiking the trails and be-one with nature after a bountiful breakfast. Be sure to indulge on a stack of fresh blueberry pancakes! Take a stroll after a satisfying lunch touring Mohonk's award-winning gardens and get lost in their Victorian Garden Maze with someone special. Midday is tea time at the Lake Lounge; try Mohonk's Own Tea Blend! Take a short stroll to the Antique Barn which is filled with neat objects—I found a real treasure to take home with me, an antique cottage dresser with some authentic patina.

Pampering expands beyond being ensconced in nature at Mohonk. At their world class spa I've enjoyed some peaceful hours of treatments that have totally recharged me for a twilight round of golf; which is complimentary for guests on weekdays.  

One of my favorite dining venues while staying at Mohonk Mountain House is the outdoor Granary overlooking Lake Mohonk. The Granary offers breakfast and a daily barbecue for lunch and evening lobster-bake cookouts three nights a week, during the summer season. 

See how I could fit in all these activities and still find time to recharge. I also met up with another chef also named George: 

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George Hirsch Living it UP! TV Segment:

Signs of the Season

 

Earlier this week my subscribers to George Hirsch Lifestyle extra received an advance on this week's Know Your Fire Friday post, "All Fired UP!" with the recipe for my Secret Sliced Strip Steak as I prepared on Live with Regis and Kelly.

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Meanwhile, as summer 2011 kicks-in with Memorial Day Weekend, here's a peak at signs of the season.