Better Batter

If you are planning on a house filled with guests this upcoming summer season, waffles are a crowd pleaser. It is always a request, prior to guests arriving at my house. I guess I'm wanted for more than just my good company. I always say, your only as good as your next meal. And, good meals are always remembered.

TIP: I make the batter the night before, it gives the gluten in the flour time to rest, making lighter textured waffles. The only step you will need to do prior to baking the waffles is whip + fold-in the egg whites.

Blueberries, add them to the batter or serve on-top to get your daily dose of antioxidants. 

KitchenAid Pro-Line Waffle Maker

KitchenAid Pro-Line Waffle Maker: The impressive feature of this waffle maker is its dual-sided baking capacity for plating-up continuous hot waffles. For more information on this product from GOOD STUFF.

George's Steamy Belgium Waffles 
recipe by Chef George Hirsch | makes 8 waffles
As seen on George Hirsch Living it UP! TV Series
chefgeorgehirsch.com

2 egg yolks
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 Tablespoons Sugar
2 cups milk
1/3 butter, melted
2 cups flour
2 egg whites, stiffly beaten
1 Tablespoon baking powder

Preheat waffle maker. Put all ingredients, except egg whites, in a large mixer bowl. Beat on low until moistened. Increase to medium, mix until smooth. By hand, gently fold in beaten egg whites. Pour 1/2 cup batter over grids. Close waffle maker, bake until steam no longer escapes, about 3-5 minutes. Repeat. Serve while hot with your favorite topping.

Note: Serve with fresh fruit, maple syrup, whipped cream or ice cream.

chefgeorgehirsch.com

George Hirsch's Classic Pancakes

In honor of Mother's Day, start the day off right this weekend by serving her breakfast in bed!

Pancakes are one of the earliest forms of bread and are served up geographically in many different ways. You can be-all-traditional with baking powder, or try prospecting with sourdough pancakes like the early pioneers. Flip’em with oatmeal or buckwheat when in Vermont; or for a Dutch style treat serve with lemon, powdered sugar and jam. Substitute the flour for cornmeal and you’ll be enjoying it as Native American speciality.

Go Pollack by designing your own pancake creations with sliced apples, bananas, blueberries, strawberries, chocolate chips, chopped nuts.  

George Hirsch's Classic Pancake Recipe

Makes eight pancakes | recipe by George Hirsch

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 Tablespoon pure cane sugar

1 1/4 cups milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 egg, beaten

3 Tablespoons butter, melted

In a large bowl, mix together well with a whisk all dry ingredients the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. In a separate bowl mix all wet ingredients the milk, vanilla, egg and melted butter. Yes, use two bowls so the dry and wet ingredients blend better when combined. Add the wet to the dry and just strip with a large spoon or spatula until the dry ingredients have absorbed the wet. There may still be a few lumps, thats OK. Do not over mix, or pancakes will become tough.

Pre heat a non stick pan or lightly grease a griddle over medium high heat at 375 degrees F. Test the temperature by dropping a drop of water on surface of pan. Water will dance across the surface when at the correct temperature. You can test one cake before proceeding.

Pour one 1/4 cup scoop of batter onto the griddle for each pancake. If adding any fresh fruit or creations add at this time. You will begin to see bubbles form on the top side when brown on bottom, flip and brown on second side. Serve hot with syrup or favorite topping eaten immediately right off the griddle.

Finish off your stack with honey, molasses, can syrup, preserves, Nutella, or maple syrup.

Mercato Al Minuto

One of my favorite activities when traveling is to visit the local markets. There you get a real sense of the surounding culture and get to be part of the local daily lifestyle. When in Cologne Germany, the wursts come to mind. In Paris, the pastries and cheeses. But of all the markets I enjoy most, the Mercato al Minuto in Venice is truly spectacular.

Here are a few of my pics from the local market in Venice, Italy. You must rise early to see the action. The fish market or the pescheria is the best display of fresh seafood, under one roof. The fruit & vegetable market is just across the way; with their bounty of fruits and veggies lined up like sardines. The Italians have their goods and product displays down to an art form; which makes perfect sense in the land of Michelangelo. A fun part of the whole experience is the constant loud vocals from the merchants adding a bit of excitement to the market experience. And, I restrain myself from replying. It's a feast for all the senses.

This photo trip is perfect inspiration for my Fritto Misto Recipe. Ciao!

all images: Hirsch Media

Old Kentucky Tradition

This Saturday is the Kentucky Derby and it will mark the 141st running at Churchill Downs. 

Part of the Derby tradition drink of choice is the Mint Julep. If you like a mojito, you'll probably take a liking to a Mint Julep.

Mint Julep Recipe

It's easy to make with only four ingredients; Bourbon Whiskey, mint, crushed ice and sugar. Simply muddle/pestle the sugar and mint; to release the oils in the mint, Add ice to top off highball glass, top with Bourbon. Traditionally served in silver cup with a straw. Hat, optional.

Vanilla Infused

Seems like the perfect match–freshly tapped maple syrup and Madagascar vanilla. There are a few recipes I can immediately think of that would benefit from a warmed topping of D&D's new infused syrup; like my steamy belguim waffles, holiday maple cookies or hot stack of flapjacks! Thumbs up!

Suggested Companion Recipes:

George's Belguim Waffles

Stack of Choc Chip Griddle Cakes