Lemon Ricotta Pound Cake

George Hirsch May 16, 2026

A pound cake is a type of cake traditionally made with a pound of each of four ingredients: flour, butter, eggs, and sugar. The addition of ricotta makes this cake moist, while the lemon gives a hint of freshness.

***Wrapped loaves of pound cakes as a special gift.***

If you're looking for the best pound cake, this is it—full Stop. If you are planning a special cake to gift or happen to be entertaining family or friends, the lemon ricotta pound cake is an outstanding dessert with broad appeal. It's perfect for finishing a special dinner or for an afternoon tea. I created this recipe knowing it would be one of those cakes that improves with age, meaning it tastes even better the day after it’s baked.

Lemon Ricotta Pound Cake

It makes one large loaf or three demi-loaves

chefgeorgehirsch.com | George Hirsch Lifestyle

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon kosher salt

3/4 cup sweet butter, softened

1 1/2 cups (15 oz container) fresh whole-milk ricotta, drained

1 1/2 cups Turbino or granulated sugar

3 eggs, beaten

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

2 teaspoons grated lemon zest

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Confectioner’s sugar for dusting

Preheat oven to 350°F degrees. Grease and flour 9-inch loaf pan.

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until smooth and light. Fold in ricotta in three parts. Scrape the bowl well with a spatula. Mix dry ingredients- flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add to butter and sugar and mix just until flour is absorbed with eggs one at a time, scraping the sides of the bowl after each addition. Add lemon juice and vanilla.

Scrape the downsides of the bowl, and mix on low speed for 30 seconds just until the batter is completely mixed. Do not over-mix. Over-mixing will toughen the cake and produce air pockets. Pour the batter into greased pan and smooth on top. Once the pan is filled with batter, tap the pan against a table or counter to remove air pockets.

Bake for 45-55 minutes. After 40 minutes, lower to 325 degrees until done. Allow cake to cool in pan for 5-10 minutes. Remove from pan; finish cooling on wire rack. Top with confectioner’s sugar before serving.

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13 EPISODES on 4 HD-DVD Disk Set, season one

$19.95

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.

Gather 'Round the Grill Cookbook, Vintage (new)

$50.00

LIMITED OFFER, LIMITED EDITION, signed by Chef George.

From the original Grilling TV Series host, 200 Fabulous Recipe—Celebrating the joyous rituals of sharing food at year-round festivities, the star of PBS's Grilling with Chef George Hirsch provides a wealth of recipes and ideas for great party foods, plus advance preparation tips to ease the strain of last minute chores.

Hardcover: 310 pages
Publisher: Hearst Books-HarperCollins; 1St edition (June 12, 1995)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0688142257
ISBN-13: 978-0688142254
Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 8.1 x 1.3 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds

George Hirsch Living it UP! cooking & lifestyle book

$24.95

This easy to live with lifestyle plan; with more than 165 of George's easy-to-prepare gourmet recipes, you can lose weight, maintain energy, look better, and enjoy a longer active life, by eating great food!
M.Evans and Company, Inc.

George Starts your year off right!

George Hirsch Living it UP
Recipes for a Healthy Active Life
Product Details
Hardcover: 240 pages; $24.95
Publisher: M. Evans and Company, Inc.; 2000
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0871319241
ISBN-13: 978-0871319241
Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.3 x 1.1 inches

Creative Cooking tips
Fast Easy recipes that allow for an active lifestyle
A 30-Day Menu Plan you can adapt throughout the year
Support and motivation for staying on a healthy eating & exercise routine
Tips for easy food shopping & eating healthy on the run

Each book is personally autographed by George Hirsch.

George Hirsch Lifestyle Apple Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

Grilled Pork Sliders as seen on George Hirsch Lifestyle

George Hirsch May 14, 2026

There’s nothing quite like classic, slow-cooked BBQ pulled pork, but sometimes life calls for a quicker fix. That’s where my Grilled Pork Sliders come in. With a flavorful rub and your favorite sauce, pork tenderloin transforms into something special in no time at all—right on your grill or even roasted indoors if that’s what you have. The beauty of cooking is making it work for you, wherever you are. So fire up your grill, gather your friends, and let your creativity lead the way. Trust yourself, savor the moment, and remember: every meal you make is a chance to share a little joy.

George's Grilled Pork Sliders

Makes six servings

chefgeorgehirsch.com | George Hirsch Lifestyle

1 1/4 TO 1 1/2 pounds pork tenderloin, trimmed

1/4 cup Pork Rub

2 Tablespoons olive oil

12 soft potato slider buns

1 1/2 cups shredded cabbage, or 1 cup slaw

1 cup Chipotle Sauce

One day before or at least two hours before cooking, dry rub the pork tenderloin.

Rub pork spices over the pork tenderloin and refrigerate until ready to cook.

Pork Rub:

2 teaspoons each of powdered garlic, paprika

1 Tablespoon each of black pepper, rosemary, thyme, and Chipotle rub

To Cook Pork: Preheat the grill or a cast-iron grill pan to high heat, or preheat a 375-degree oven.

Rub olive oil over the pork tenderloin. Place the tenderloins on high heat and grill to a golden brown, turning once on all sides (Use a roasting pan if cooking in the oven). Lower the heat to medium; cook until the pork is fully cooked, about 15-25 minutes. Remove the meat from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Slice pork tenderloin very thin and pile high on soft buns. Drizzle Chipotle Sauce over the meat, and top with finely shredded cabbage or slaw.

Chipotle Sauce

1/4 cup BBQ Sauce

1/4 cup Steak Sauce

1/4 cup Hoisin sauce (Chinese BBQ sauce)

2 Tablespoons ketchup

2 Tablespoons cider vinegar

2 Tablespoons Chipotle roasted paste

Mix all ingredients. Heat up to warm, and serve the sauce warm or at room temperature.

If you are setting up for a BBQ or just a weekend social, an ever-popular menu for comfort recipes such as mac-and-cheese, crispy oven-fried garlic chicken, steamy waffles, BBQ pork sliders, and double-chocolate brownies!

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13 EPISODES on 4 HD-DVD Disk Set, season one

$19.95

Gather 'Round the Grill Cookbook, Vintage (new)

$50.00

LIMITED OFFER, LIMITED EDITION, signed by Chef George.

Hardcover: 310 pages
Publisher: Hearst Books-HarperCollins; 1St edition (June 12, 1995)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0688142257
ISBN-13: 978-0688142254
Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 8.1 x 1.3 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds

George Hirsch Living it UP! cooking & lifestyle book

$24.95

Grilled Show Stopper

George Hirsch May 7, 2026

I’m excited to share a dish that truly transformed the way I look at salads: my signature grilled romaine. I first created this recipe years ago, and it’s been delighting guests ever since. There’s something magical about taking simple, fresh ingredients and turning them into something extraordinary right on the grill. Whether you’re looking to wow your friends at your next gathering or just want to treat yourself to a quick, flavorful meal during the week, this twist on a classic salad is sure to inspire.

I first shared this recipe on my PBS grilling shows, and I’ll never forget the surprised looks when I put lettuce on the grill. It’s a simple technique that brings out incredible flavor, turning an everyday salad into a memorable appetizer or side. And it only takes a few minutes! Serve with No Yolk Caesar Dressing.

Grilled Romaine

Makes four servings

chefgeorgehirsch.com | Adapted from Adventures in Grilling, 1996

2 heads of hearts of romaine lettuce, split in half & washed

4 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

6 cloves caramelized garlic

A pinch of sea salt

1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1 Tablespoon fresh Italian parsley, roughly chopped

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Shaved Parmesan cheese

Preheat the grill to high heat.

Cut the romaine heart in half lengthwise, leaving the stem end intact. Soak romaine heads in a bowl of cold water. Brush with olive oil.

Put romaine halves on a hot grill. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side until lettuce begins to blister slightly and lettuce gets a slight char. Turn over and grill for 2 additional minutes.

Remove and plate cut side up. Top each with the remaining olive oil, balsamic, garlic cloves, Parmesan, prosciutto, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Serve while still warm. Optional: Serve with thinly sliced prosciutto.

Note: Serve Oven Fried Garlic Chicken with Grilled Romaine Salad for a perfect meal combo.

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13 EPISODES on 4 HD-DVD Disk Set, season one

$19.95

Gather 'Round the Grill Cookbook, Vintage (new)

$50.00

LIMITED OFFER, LIMITED EDITION, signed by Chef George.

Hardcover: 310 pages
Publisher: Hearst Books-HarperCollins; 1St edition (June 12, 1995)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0688142257
ISBN-13: 978-0688142254
Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 8.1 x 1.3 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds

George Hirsch Living it UP! cooking & lifestyle book

$24.95

BBQ Burrito

George Hirsch April 30, 2026

May is here. What a great way to kick off grilling season! Although my grilled chicken burrito recipe is not traditional for Cinco de Mayo, you will still get rave reviews. I have.

Cooking for Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of tradition, flavor, and togetherness. Whether you’re making classic dishes or adding your own twist, remember that the joy comes from sharing and savoring each bite with friends and family. Don’t be afraid to try something new or put your heart into every recipe—after all, the kitchen is where memories are made. And as always, if I can do it, you can do it!"

Barbecue Burrito

Makes 6 servings

2 pounds boneless and skinless chicken thighs

1/4 cup Barbecue Chicken Burrito Rub

2 Tablespoons olive oil

2 cups of your favorite barbecue sauce

Twelve 10-inch flour tortillas

Season chicken with rub and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Preheat grill to high.

Brush chicken with olive oil, place on the grill, and sear for 2 minutes on each side. Move the chicken to a cooler side of the grill and continue cooking for 4 to 5 minutes longer. Remove the chicken from the grill and allow it to cool for five minutes. Shred the meat, combine it with barbecue sauce in a small saucepan, and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes on the grill or side burner.

To serve, place 3-4 Tablespoons of the chicken mixture in the center of each flour tortilla. Fold each side toward the center and roll up from the bottom. Place the burritos on a medium-hot grill and heat on both sides for a total of 1 to 2 minutes.

Chicken Burrito Rub

Makes 1/3 cup

1 Tablespoon each sweet paprika, oregano, black pepper, garlic powder, ground cumin, lemon zest

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Store in a tightly covered jar.

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13 EPISODES on 4 HD-DVD Disk Set, season one

$19.95

Gather 'Round the Grill Cookbook, Vintage (new)

$50.00

LIMITED OFFER, LIMITED EDITION, signed by Chef George.

Hardcover: 310 pages
Publisher: Hearst Books-HarperCollins; 1St edition (June 12, 1995)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0688142257
ISBN-13: 978-0688142254
Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 8.1 x 1.3 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds

George Hirsch Living it UP! cooking & lifestyle book

$24.95

Vine Ripen Pizza

George Hirsch April 23, 2026

When it comes to making any type of pizza, let imagination and the season rule your toppings. I love this Caprese-style pizza in the summer with an abundance of vine-ripe tomatoes. And if you are up to expanding your hand-tossed style, take the dough to the grill for an added fire-roasted flavor.

George_Hirsch_pizza_Flatbread basil 112s.png

Caprese Flatbread Pizza

Makes four servings |

chefgeorgehirsch.com | George Hirsch Lifestyle

the art of making pizza dough, easy as 1, 2, 3

Mix the Dough and place it in a bowl lightly oiled with olive oil. Cover loosely with a towel or plastic wrap. Place in refrigerator overnight.

The next day, preheat *oven to 475 degrees F.

Stretch out the dough to a rectangular shape and cut it into two pieces. Sprinkle a teaspoon of fine-grind cornmeal on the surface of a heavy-gauge pizza pan or sheet pan. Place the two pieces of dough on top of the cornmeal. Brush the top lightly with olive oil.

Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the pizza flatbread crust is fully baked. You can check for doneness by tapping on the edge of the dough with your finger. It should be hollow.

Remove from oven, place two pizza flatbreads on a rack, and allow to cool.

When cool, top with sliced vine oak leaf lettuce, ripened tomatoes, fresh basil, and pesto; sprinkle a small amount of sea salt, fresh ground pepper, and olive oil.

*NOTE: If grilling, pre-heat the grill to high heat. After stretching and right before placing the dough on the grill surface, brush heavily with olive oil.

George's Pizza Dough

Makes enough for 2-3 pizzas

chefgeorgehirsch.com | George Hirsch Lifestyle

1 teaspoon active dry yeast

1/4 cup warm water (between 105 and 115 degrees F)

1 teaspoon sugar

3 1/2 cups bread flour

1/4teaspoon salt

3/4 cup warm water

1 Tablespoon olive oil

In a small bowl, combine the yeast and water. Add the sugar and stir well. Set aside for 10 minutes or until tiny bubbles appear on the surface.

Place 3 cups of the flour in a mixing bowl. Make a well in the center and pour the yeast mixture and the water. Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough comes together. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes, using the additional 1/2 cup flour if the dough is sticky.

The dough is sufficiently kneaded when you can stick two fingers into it, and it springs back without leaving an indentation.

Cut the dough into four pieces and roll each piece into a ball. Let the dough rest in an oiled bowl for 45-60 minutes. Lightly oil the top of each ball with 1 Tablespoon of olive oil, cover with plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator for 3 hours.

- Mixing with a mixer & dough hook: Mix for eight minutes at medium speed

- Mixing with a food processor: process for 40 seconds until smooth; add one additional Tablespoon of flour until all of the flour is combined into the dough.