A Good Family Member

Garlic, did you know, it's part of the onion family? And its cousins include shallots, leeks and chives. The inclusion of raw garlic into your diet can have beneficial antioxidant effects. Antioxidants can help to protect the body against damaging free radicals (not the people). The medicinal properties and benefits of garlic are strongest when it is raw and crushed or very finely chopped. Garlic makes a good health supplement combined with sensible eating and appropriate exercise. Always consult your doctor or nutritionist before starting something new; regarding any change to your diet or medical condition.

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What I eat today is very important, because each day of my life depends on it. - George Hirsch

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Caramelized Garlic

Makes six heads

chefgeorgehirsch.com | From George Hirsch Lifestyle

6 heads fresh garlic

2 Tablespoons olive oil

one 12‑inch square aluminum foil

Pre heat oven to 325 degrees.

Lay each garlic head on its side and cut off 1/4 inch from the bottom or root end, exposing the garlic cloves. Brush with olive oil.  

Place the heads, exposed end down, in a single layer in an ovenproof pan.   Roast in a 325 degree oven 10-15 minutes or until light brown.  Cover with aluminum foil and roast 8-10 minutes longer, or until creamy.

Allow garlic to cool and remove cloves from head as needed.  Garlic may be stored in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator for several days.  

To puree, crush garlic cloves with the flat of a knife. 

RECIPE: No Yolk Caesar Salad Dressing 

George Hirsch Signature ALL PURPOSE OFFSET KNIFE George Hirsch Signature ALL PURPOSE OFFSET KNIFE
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George Hirsch Signature ALL PURPOSE OFFSET KNIFE
$38.00

Rosewood Forged Cutlery - 9 1/2" ALL PURPOSE Offset, Serrated KNIFE
Retails for $90.
Offered here for $38.

 

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Rosewood Forged Cutlery - 9 1/2" ALL PURPOSE Offset, Serrated KNIFE

Rosewood key features:

  • Made from the finest high-carbon stainless steel from Solingen, Germany: Grade 4116
  • Precision forged from a single piece of steel
  • Hardened and tempered to the perfect 58° Rockwell
  • Full tang blades
  • Natural Rosewood handles with mineral oil finish that provides a comfortable non-slip grip
  • Triple riveted handles for perfect balance and weight
  • Brass rivets
  • Taper-ground blades that are polished, hand-edged and honed
  • Made in America
  • @ chefgeorgehirsch.com

Gameday Dip

Hummus might just be the "original dip". Versions of it date back to biblical times. Chickpeas, the main ingredient in hummus, were plentiful in Southeast Turkey—thought to be the place of the chickpeas origin. Hummus has made itself into a household name..not so widely known when I first became a chef. 

The Chickpea, as it known around the world: Bengal gram (Indian), Chickpea (English), Garbanzo (Latin America), Hommes, Hamaz (Arab world), Nohud, Lablabi (Turkey), Shimbra (Ethiopia)

Whether you are rooting for New York or New England this dip will make the fans happy!

BTW- Tahini, included in my Hummus Recipe is a paste made from sesame seeds and is a good source of zinc and calcium.

George's Hummus 

makes four servings | Recipe by Chef George Hirsch 

Serve as a dip or spread. Either way, it's a great healthy way to snack!

1 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained
3 cloves Caramelized Garlic (get this recipe)
1 Tablespoon tahini paste (optional)
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon hot sauce
juice of 1/2 a lemon
3 Tablespoons plain lowfat yogurt

Puree chickpeas in a food processor. Add garlic, tahini, cumin, hot sauce, lemon, and yogurt. Mix all ingredients well. Allow to set for 30 minutes prior to serving.

Serve with toasted pita and raw vegetables.

MORE DIP: Caramelized Garlic and Tomato Dip

Black Garlic

That's right, black garlic - not to be confused with my signature honey-colored caramelized garlic. But I predict it won't be long before this too becomes a common ingredient in every gourmand's kitchen. Garlic has been commonly used for centuries in the Far East in foods and also for its health benefits and medicinal properties. As for black garlic in its concentrated state; does this mean a higher concentration of antioxidants and benefits? Maybe so, the verdict is still out. But in terms of culinary seasoning, think concentrated or "reduction" version of caramelized garlic. The result is a complexity of mellow molasses meets rich sweetness, like a balsamic reduction. 

Tip: Black garlic is an excellent seasoning to add to porcini mushroom risotto.

Unfortunately this is something we can not replicate at home. It's a 30 day fermentation process requiring a specially made oven. Available from BlackGarlic.