Chutney

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I’m up to my waist in tomatoes. Today's inspiration. Opting for a quick appetizer to serve with some cool rosé. 

Tomato chutney is a South Indian style condiment that goes well with savory foods such as roasted pork, ham, turkey or chicken. But it is also a spicy way to top Neufchâtel (lower in fat than cream cheese) or farmers cheese served with toasted naan flat bread as a hors d’ oeuvre. 

Tomato Chutney

Makes about 1 cup 

chefgeorgehirsch.com | George Hirsch Lifestyle

1 pound ripe roma tomatoes, chop & puree in food mill to remove skin and seeds

2 Tablespoons fresh ginger root, peeled and chopped

1 clove garlic, peeled and chopped

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1 sweet onion, chopped fine

2 Tablespoons golden raisins, plumped

1/4 teaspoon each: chili powder, paprika

3/4 teaspoon curry paste such as Bhuna or Pataks 

Pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg

1 Tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped 

Puree tomatoes, ginger and garlic in a food processor or blender.

Place tomato mixture, sugar, vinegar, onions, and golden raisins in a large saucepan. Season with chili powder, paprika, curry paste, cinnamon and nutmeg. Simmer over medium heat until thick. Cool. Add cilantro. Refrigerate until ready to use; keeps about one week. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Read Guide for any type of canning.

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Long Live The King

Tune-in GHL 7:30AM + 1:30PM Tuesdays and Thursdays on Create TV

So what does it take to create a company that keeps producing the same superior quality products for more than one-hundred years? King Oscar's explanation might sound simple, but it's true.

You start a company. You make good products. The word gets out and more people want what you make. You grow. You expand into new markets. And all of a sudden you are over 100 years old. - King Oscar

The Rich Norwegian heritage of King Oscar might have a bit to do with it too. Maybe the only thing that has changed is the way you open the can; keyless entry. 

Anchovies are a perfect addition to my no yolk dressing. May even fool the authentic Caesar Dressing diehard with a discriminating palate adding a little saltiness without the non-lover anchovy bite. And, served with my Tomato Tapenade becomes a perfect entertaining starter!

No Yolk Caesar Dressing

Makes 2 servings

chefgeorgehirsch.com | George Hirsch Lifestyle

With the backside of a tablespoon, combine 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 2 cloves fresh garlic (or I really prefer 4 cloves of caramelized garlic and a Tablespoon of Dijon mustard together, into the bottom of a wooden bowl. Add lemon juice from half a freshly squeezed lemon and a few anchovies to taste. Crush anchovies into a paste with back of the spoons. Finally, whisk in 4 Tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, until emulsified. 2 Tablespoons freshly shaved Parmigiano Reggiano. Set aside. Note, dressing can be refrigerated for up to one week.

Wash and dry Romaine lettuce leaves. Add Romaine lettuce leaves to wooden bowl. Add dressing, and toss. Add fresh made croutons and top with freshly shaved Parmigiano Reggiano and freshly ground pepper. Serve with additional whole anchovies on the side. 

Quantity:

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The Dip

If you are in a salsa rut — walking around with your pita, looking for a refreshing twist on a dip, search no more. Having prepared this dip for numerous occasions, I asure you it has never disappointed.

And yes, my TV crew has also signed off on this recipe—as indicated by the empty bowl!

How To Grill Tips

Plum Tomatoes: Cut in half, through stem ends. Brush with olive oil and grill over high heat cut-side down, until lightly charred, about 2-3 minutes per side. 

Onions: Cut horizontally into 1/2 - 3/4 inch slices, brush lightly with olive oil, and grill over high heat until tender, 3 to 4 minutes per side. 

Caramelized Garlic: Slice 1/4 inch from the bottom of whole heads of garlic, rub with olive oil, and place on the grill, cut side down over low heat. After about 20 minutes, cover loosely with foil and cook until caramelized, for about 25 to 35 minutes longer. It's best to prepare multiple heads in advance, as it will keep in the refrigerator for at least two weeks.

Caramelized Garlic and Tomato Dip
From Adventures in Grilling by George Hirsch | Makes about 2 cups

Sticky, sweet caramelized garlic balances perfectly the acidic tomato. Serve with toasted crostini or pita. 

12 plum tomatoes, grilled and chopped
2 heads Caramelized Garlic, pureed
1/4 sweet onion, grilled and chopped fine
4 leaves fresh basil, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
Fresh ground pepper, to taste
A pinch of sea salt

In a medium saucepan, combine the tomato, garlic, onion, and basil and simmer for five minutes. Stir in the mascarpone and cook until dip is warm.  

Add fresh ground pepper to taste and pinch of sea salt.

Serve as a spread or dip. 

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.

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

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 

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Dip or Spread?

I always encourage my viewers + readers to step outside the box when it comes to condiments or spreads; like making your own aioli. With just a few ingredients on hand can whip-up a healthy and tasty dip or spread and make a delicious summer snack. Oh, and calling it a dip or spread really only depends on what you are serving it with. 

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.

BTW- Tahini is a paste made from sesame seeds and is a good source of zinc and calcium.

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