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Benedictine Sandwich

George Hirsch April 30, 2019

If it seems like a busy week for celebrating, then you are spot-on. This is what's on the celebrations calendar; there's Cinco de Mayo approaching, and this weekend is the 145th running of the Kentucky Derby. The “fastest two minutes in racing or for most sports,” here’s how to celebrate like a triple crown winner!

To keep your entertaining true to form, here's a traditional Derby Day classic, invented by Jennie Benedict in the 19th century, The Benedictine Sandwich. This sandwich is to Churchill Downs as the Pimento Sandwich is to the Masters; and is one that John Montagu (The 4th Earl of Sandwich) would still be proud to eat.

To Make a Benedictine Sandwich:

In a food processor - mix 1 package softened cream cheese with 2 Tablespoons finely chopped watercress, 1/4 of a finely chopped Vidalia onion, 2 Tablespoons of olive oil mayo, a shot of hot sauce, and a pinch of sea salt. Pulse all ingredients until just blended smooth. Fold in 1 large peeled, seeded and finely chopped English cucumber. Spread cuke filling on thinly sliced white sandwich bread. Trim crusts, if desired.

Equally as good enjoyed with Deviled Eggs

Wash down with a cool Mint Julep!

BTW: Each year, almost 120,000 Early Times Mint Juleps are served over the two-day period of Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby weekend at Churchill Downs Racetrack.

Wash down with a cool Mint Julep!

My 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.

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Tres Leches

George Hirsch April 29, 2019

Tres Leches, aka pan tres leches (three milks bread) and three-milk cake - which is a cake perforated and soaked in a mixture of three different milk products; evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk or heavy cream.

Why three milks? A cake using canned evaporated or condensed milk originated in Latin America to promote the use of the their canned product. Evaporated and condensed milk is widely available throughout the Caribbean, Central and South America. So it's only natural if a highly appealing dessert would use these products, product sales would increase. Both became an immediate success in urban areas where fresh milk was lacking distribution from farm regions. But who knew this cake would become such a highly appealing global dessert.

So what’s the three milk difference?

- Condensed milk first came into use in the mid-1850’s as a way to preserve milk in cans without refrigeration.

- Evaporated milk first became available during the 1870’s when milk companies were able to heat the evaporated milk so that it would not spoil in the cans, thereby making the sugar unnecessary.

Butter or sponge cake is the foundation of this dessert; I suggest sponge cake since it's a better option for a lighter, airy texture and not as soggy, because it can better absorb the cake soaking up the three milks.

Sponge Cake Tips:

- It’s all in whipping the egg yolks and egg whites separately to build a light airy cake batter.

- Use the freshest eggs. The quality of the eggs affects the cake's volume and texture.

- Prepare cake pans by brushing with melted butter, dusting with flour and lining with parchment paper.

- Whisk the eggs and sugar until they have increased in volume about four times it’s original volume and the strands from the whisk are stiff enough to hold a trail on top of egg batter for at least 30 seconds.

- For maximum lightness, use sifted flour; and add flour into the mixture in three stages.

- Fold in the whipped egg whites using a long-handled spatula with an up-and-over motion, while turning the bowl in the opposite direction.

Pastel de Tres Leches

Makes about 10-12 servings

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For the cake:

5 large eggs, separated

1 cup granulated pure can sugar

1/3 cup milk, warmed

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted

1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

1 Tablespoon melted butter

Preheat oven to 350F.

Grease a 13 x 9-inch cake pan or baking dish with butter and flour.

In a mixer, beat 3/4 cup sugar and the egg yolks until light and fluffy for about 5 minutes.

With a very clean wire whisk or whip, beat the egg whites to soft peaks, adding the cream of tartar after 20 seconds. Slowly add remaining 1/4 cup sugar and continue beating until the whites are glossy and firm, but not dry.

Into the egg yolk mixture fold in the flour, baking powder; milk and vanilla. Then, gently fold the whites into the yolks. Add melted butter. Pour batter into cake pan.

Bake the cake until it feels firm about 30-45 minutes, you can test by inserting a skewer or a toothpick and it comes out clean. Cool completely in baking pan.

Pierce the cake all over with a skewer about every 1/2 inch to allow the milk syrup to soak into cake. Prepare milk syrup as directed.

Milk Syrup

1 12 ounce can evaporated milk

1 cup sweetened condensed milk

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 Tablespoon Myers Dark Rum

Combine the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, cream, vanilla and rum in a mixing bowl. Whisk until well blended. Pour the syrup over the cake, spooning the overflow back on top, until it is all absorbed.

When ready to serve top with additional fresh whipped cream or ice cream.

And, Tres Leches is ideal serve after a bowl of Posole, my pre-Columbian soup or stew from Mexico!

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Divided BY Chowder

georgehirsch April 19, 2019

If there is one thing I have learned as a chef, there are many chowder recipes as there are people who enjoy this soup, err…I mean stew..no I think soup?

Each of my cookbooks and TV series has a version of some sort of a chowder recipe. I have judged chowder contests, participated in chef chowder tastings, and been a referee at a few chowder-boxing matches. Well, not really, but people do get heated up over red or white chowder.

What really is chowder? The word "chowder" comes from the French word chaudiere, or caldron, the vessel in which the dish was cooked. And, derives from the word "jowter," meaning fishmonger, a term that was used in 16th century coastal regions of England.

Is it soup or stew? Early versions of chowder simmered from the New England area: a frugal recipe of pork fat, onions, potatoes, fish, herbs, dry biscuits or flour for thickening, and layered in a pot and cooked in water, with a bit of milk added at the end. In the 1800s, the Manhattan clam chowder was notable because it contains tomatoes. Manhattan clam chowder has been described as "that rather horrendous soup resembling a vegetable soup that accidentally had some clams dumped into it." All respect Mr. Beard, but those are fighting words. As a New Yorker and from coastal Long Island, an East Ender, we take our chowder VERY seriously.

Tomato-based clam chowders came about with the newfound popularity of the tomato in the mid-1800s with the large population of Italians and Portuguese in the New York and Rhode Island region. In 1939, Maine legislators introduced a bill outlawing tomatoes in chowder because it is far more of a vegetable soup. What?

I can end this entire soup divide right now. Aside from any vegetables, corn, chicken or other non-seafarer ingredient for the stew--here are three versions you can enjoy from my TV series and cookbooks. They have satisfied many and with hope can prevent a nation from future chowder conflict.

Manhattan vs. New England Chowder N.E. not my fav..

Seafood Chowder Yes, now this is a stew!

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Masters' Pimento-Cheese Sandwich

George Hirsch April 9, 2019

Join me + Tune-in/DVR CreateTV GHL Sat 4/13 8AM/8PM + Sun 4/14 3PM

The pimento cheese sandwich is to The Masters Tournament (begins April 9th - Sunday April 14th in Augusta, GA) - as a good BBQ slider would be at a Super Bowl weekend tailgate. There are many stories claiming the sandwich's origin (not sure which one to believe) and there are many versions of this recipe (I have my own). BTW, you can get one at The Masters for the reasonable price tag of $1.50.

The Masters' pimento-cheese sandwich is a highly guarded secret recipe. I'm thinking the recipe might come with the green jacket though! If you are not in contention to receive the jacket this weekend you might want to watch comfortably at home with your own sandwich— after watching George Hirsch Lifestyle on Create TV this weekend Sat 8AM/8PM + Sun 4PM.

To make six Pimento-Cheese Sandwiches, use whole wheat or white bread spread with pimento-cheese filling.

Blend all ingredients in a food processor, 1/4 cup each shredded extra-sharp cheddar yellow cheese, Monterey jack cheese, softened cream cheese, drained jarred pimento, 1 Tablespoon mayonnaise. Add a pinch of sea salt, pepper and a dash of hot pepper sauce.

Optional additions: chopped hard boiled eggs, sliced vidalia onions, watercress

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Know Your Fire: Asian-Style Tuna Burger

George Hirsch March 28, 2019

Hamburger is the most popular food for the grill, followed by steak and chicken. Did you know — one out of every five times Americans fire-up the grill, it's to cook a hamburger? A burger does not have to be all beef. The solution, try a meaty tuna burger. It's delicious, lean, and good for you too. Top of with wasabi dressing and you are off to a hot start for the weekend.

George's Tuna Burger

Makes 4 servings

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1 1/2 pounds fresh tuna, either yellowfin, blue, or ahi

2 egg whites

1 teaspoon chopped cilantro

1/4 teaspoon hot sauce

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 marinade recipe

4 soft burger buns such as whole grain, brioche or potato bun

Toppings: boston lettuce, sliced cukes & tomatoes

For Asian Style Marinade

Makes 1 cup

2 fresh limes

1/4 cup olive oil

1 Tablespoon sesame oil

3 cloves garlic, chopped

1 Tablespoon soy sauce

2 Tablespoons ginger, chopped fine

1 teaspoon hot sauce

1 Tablespoon fresh Cilantro, chopped

Cut the zest from the limes. Place the limes on a cutting board and firmly roll them back and forth with the palm of your hand to loosen the juice. Cut the limes in half and squeeze out the juice. In a small bowl, combine the lime juice with the remaining ingredients and mix well.

Cut the tuna into 1-inch pieces and place them in the bowl of a food processor. Using an on-off motion, grind the tuna for 45 to 60 seconds, or until it is chopped but not pureed. Over processing the tuna will make it warm.

Transfer the tuna to a bowl, stir in the egg whites, and mix well. Add the cilantro, lime zest, hot sauce and mustard. Blend well. Shape the tuna mixture into four burgers. Place them in the marinade and refrigerate 2 to 3 hours.

Place the burgers on a preheated hot grill and cook them 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until rare or medium rare. Over cooking the burgers will dry them out. Place the burgers on a bun and serve with wasabi dressing & toppings.

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