Man's Best Friend Snack

Beatrice, guest blogger

With Father's Day near, my best friend George asked me to guest post for him today with a special timely message important to all my doggy friends. As you know, George is a big advocate of nutrition and well being among people, but I find it important to point out some good work being done for my doggie friends and we all need your support today. 

I'm asking you to please take one second and vote; (it's only one click) with your support our friends at dogOdog can receive a grant to further their Organic products for pets. And, please pass along the link to all your dog loving friends. Please be a part of a doggie's dream for good treats by going to missionsmallbusiness.com and cast your vote for dogOdog Organics in East Hampton, New York. 

THANKS A MILLION! - Woof. Beatrice

More About dogOdog: Dog Healthy and Earth Friendly US Certified 100% Organic Products for your dogOdog. FEEL GOOD ABOUT THE WELL-BEING OF YOUR DOG AND PLANET. Made by hand in the USA. and made to order Organic dog treats and toys.  

Treat Well™ with all natural, wholesome and delicious human-grade 100% Organic Biscuits for snacking. 100% US Certified Organic Ingredients Organic: Rolled Oats, Brown Rice Flour, Oat Bran, Golden Flaxseed Meal, Pumpkin, Apple Juice and Honey.

"Play Safe with 100% Organic Cotton Play-Tug-Chew-Toy great for teething puppies and playful dogs. Treat Well with all natural, wholesome and delicious human-grade 100% Organic Biscuits for snacking.All packaging reflects dogOdogOrganics eco-friendly dogma using USA recycled, compostable materials and soy-based inks." 

Eco-Conscious and GREEN in every way from start to finish. All materials and ingredients used in our products are sourced from USDA Organic suppliers in the USA.  

DogOdog’s packaging materials are also sourced and manufactured in the USA: We use kraft paperboard boxes for the biscuits that are reusable and recyclable, as are our gift boxes that are made from recycled paper.  The stay-fresh cello bags in the biscuit boxes are made from sustainable wood-cellulose bio-film bags that are home-compostable. 

Treat Well and Have Fun! - DogOdog Organics

What's That Tuesday

Handforged by a blacksmith. Will last a lifetime. One of a kind. The average household needs one on-average once a week. Answer: a pizza cutter. Made by Artist/blacksmith Al Stephens, Alabama USA.


I've made more than my share of pizza with an infinite number of topping combinations. This recipe is always a crowd pleaser. When the Gorgonzola melts, it becomes creamy and gives the pizza a nutty flavor. Top with pecans for additional nuttiness that is ideal with the creamy cheese. Ideal for luncheon entrée or dinner appetizer served a tossed green salad.

Grilled Three-Cheese Pizza

Recipe George Hirsch | Makes four appetizer servings

4 pieces of George's pizza dough 

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella

1/2 cup crumbled Gorgonzola

1/2 cup goat cheese or feta

2 Tablespoons pecans, chopped

6 fresh basil leaves, lightly torn

1 tablespoon olive oil

Fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Pre heat grill to medium or an oven to 500 degrees F.

Brush dough on both sides with olive oil. Place dough on grill top shelf or bake on a pizza stone for about 2-3 minutes until bottom of crust is crisp, flip over crust, and 

top crust with cheeses and pecans leaving a half-inch border around crust. Continue baking for about 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted. Remove pizza and top with fresh basil, olive oil and pepper, serve immediately.

Chefs note: Top pizza with carmelized onions after cheese melts to sweeten saltiness of cheese. 

U-Pick

Sure berries are available year round these days, so you may be thinking what's so special about berries now?  Well, believe it or not, it is prime berry season. For me in the Hamptons I am minutes away from picking up my local favorites, strawberries. I'm looking forward to serving up berry shortcake, cobbler and even simply plain yogurt or cream with local fresh picked berries.

What I like to do when I gather a mixture of wild blueberries or raspberries from my backyard is make a cool refreshing smoothie. It’s quick and good for you (packed with valuable antioxidants) but most importantly, it just tastes great! Go pick this weekend..

Berry Smoothie

recipe by George Hirsch | from George Hirsch Living it UP! cookbook

1 cup strawberries

juice from 1/2 lemon

1 cup frozen low fat yogurt

1/2 cup fat free milk 

Place berries in blender and puree. Add the lemon juice, frozen yogurt and milk. Blend until smooth. 

Optional: blueberies, raspberries, or blackberries

Pane Alla Griglia

 

Grilling bread is as old as fire itself. When you are looking for a quick grill fix that can be prepared as quick as making toast, fire-up the grill and char-up good quality, preferably day old sliced tuscan style bread. 

To Do:

- Fire-up the grill on high.

- Bread sliced 1-inch thick, grilled on high heat for under 1 minute or until slightly brown, then flip over and grill a few more seconds and remove.

- Finish with pre-made toppings of your choice; from simple olive oil + fresh herbs or top with a light salad. 

Today's topping is a combo of fresh spinach, fresh mozzarella, vine ripened tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, Vidalia onion, Kalamata olives, and fresh ground black pepper tossed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Toss all ingredients, let flavors bloom and marinate for five minutes. Top over grilled bread. 

Other Topping Suggestions:

Grilled portabella mushrooms

Grilled eggplant

Soft cheeses such as ricotta & honey, goat cheese, or brie, etc. 

Smoked Fish

Grilled Shrimp

image, Hirsch Media

Tapenade

Think cool. This is one of those recipes that has the flavor power, great to add a bit of zest as a topping and condiment. Pair with a chilled pino gris.

olives-kalamata.jpg

Tapenade comes from the word tapeno which means capers in Provence. The addition of sun dried tomatoes adds a little sweetness.

Olive Tapenade

Makes 1 cup

chefgeorgehirsch.com | George Hirsch Lifestyle 

2/3 cup black oil cured olives (Kalamata or Nicoise), pitted and finely chopped 

2 anchovy fillets in oil, drained and finely chopped 

4 cloves caramelized garlic 

2 Tablespoons capers, drained, rinsed under cold tap water and finely chopped 

2 small sun dried tomatoes, finely chopped 

4 Tablespoons virgin olive oil 

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 

3 basil leaves , chopped

In a bowl, mix together the olives, anchovies, garlic, capers, sun dried tomatoes, oil, pepper, and water. Spread Tapenade on toasted French baguette bread, top with fresh basil, or serve with your favorite sandwich. 

13 EPISODES on 4 HD-DVD Disk Set, season one
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13 EPISODES on 4 HD-DVD Disk Set, season one
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AS SEEN ON PUBLIC TELEVISION & CREATE TV- SEASON ONE
FEATURING CHEF GEORGE HIRSCH DEMONSTRATING HIS SAVORY COOKING, BAKING AND GRILLING RECIPES; WITH HIS EXPERT CULINARY TIPS & TECHNIQUES, ALONG WITH VISITS TO HIS INSPIRING HAMPTON LOCATIONS.