All posts by Jeff's Naturals

Napa Valley Picnic Sandwich

Napa Valley Picnic Sandwich

Hurrah, picnic season is here! Whatever your next excursion is, whether it’s a day at the beach or the pool, an evening at an outdoor concert, or a just a relaxing afternoon at the park, picnics are the perfect way to savor summer! That’s one of the reasons why the chefs in the Jeff’s Naturals kitchen are working to create simple, easy-to-transport, delicious picnic-ready recipes for you and your family to enjoy.

This Napa Valley Picnic Sandwich is reminiscent of dining al fresco here in California’s wine country. It’s feast for all senses and has all the ingredients for the perfect picnic dish. Enjoy!

Napa Valley Picnic Sandwich

Napa Valley Picnic Sandwich

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 mins
Serves: 4

Marinated onions

INGREDIENTS
1 small red onion
4 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
1/4 c. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. sugar

PREPARATION
Thinly slice the onion. In a medium-sized mixing bowl toss the onion with the vinegar, oil, salt, pepper, and sugar. Allow to marinate for 15-20 minutes.

Sandwich
1 c. Jeff’s Naturals Sliced Tamed™ Jalapeños (drained)
1 c. Jeff’s Naturals Organic Sliced Greek Kalamata Olives (drained & thinly sliced)
1 jar Jeff’s Naturals Marinated Artichoke Hearts (drained)
8 oz. salami
8 oz. Black Forest ham
1 c. shaved Parmesan
2 c. mixed salad greens
1 baguette

PREPARATION
Slice the baguette into 4 equal size pieces, and begin to layer the salami and ham. Add the jalapenos, and olives. Once the onions have marinated, drain the liquid and add the onions to the sandwich. Finish with the artichoke hearts, mixed greens and shaved parmesan.

Sensational Salads to Celebrate National Salad Month!

Did you know that May is National Salad Month? You do now! We’re celebrating by sharing secrets to creating fabulous and refreshing salads using unique ingredients. Here are some tasty tips to punch it up and wake up your palette with these sensational salads. Be inspired and be healthy!

Start with Leafy Greens to build your base.

Fig Salad with Blue Cheese Olives
Look for dark leafy greens packed with important nutrients like folic acid – think baby spinach, kale, arugula or a spring mix that includes a variety of dark greens.

Pile on colorful fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs!

Citrus and Olive Salad
As a general rule of thumb, the more seasonal and local your vegetables are, the better (think Farmers Markets). This is the perfect time to indulge in a multitude of fresh seasonal fruits, veggies, and herbs.

Add Protein

Salad Nicoise

Adding protein to your salad like grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, water-packed chunk light tuna, wild-caught salmon, lean steak or turkey breast can make your salad more satisfying. If you wish to skip the animal protein, cubed tofu, tempeh, chickpeas, beans or other legumes are great alternatives.

Don’t overdo it with the “extras”

Castelvetrano salad
Toppings like chopped nuts, seeds, shredded cheese, croutons, dried cranberries or raisins and salad dressings are fantastic on salads but have the potential to pack in too much fat and calories if you aren’t careful. For less fat and more flavor in your meals, think about adding something zesty and flavorful to your salad like Sliced Peperoncini or Jalapeño Stuffed Olives.

Here are some more salad tips to inspire you:

  • Toss Sun-Ripened Dried Tomatoes with chilled cooked pasta, sliced Kalamata Olives and Marinated Artichoke Hearts for a colorful and delicious pasta salad.
  • Toss pitted Castelvetrano Olives with mixed baby greens, orange sections, shaved fennel and a light lemon vinaigrette for a beautiful and refreshing salad.
  • Toss Marinated Artichoke Hearts with salad greens, sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes and balsamic vinaigrette.
  • For a tangy vegetarian version of a classic Caesar salad, use Capers in place of the traditional anchovies.
  • Toss Spicy Italian Olive Antipasto, along with its marinade, with romaine lettuce and tomato wedges. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and top with crumbled feta cheese for a super quick and delicious salad.
  • Toss pitted Kalamata Olives with feta cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, olive oil and red wine vinegar for a refreshing Greek salad.
  • Add diced Jalapeño Stuffed Olives to a Southwestern black bean salad.
  • Toss Sliced Peperoncini into a mixed green salad for an extra punch of flavor.
  • Add Sliced Hot Cherry Peppers to salads for a boost of color and flavor.
  • Arrange Roasted Bell Pepper Strips on a serving plate along with sliced fresh mozzarella and julienned fresh basil. Drizzle with olive oil and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Thirteen Ideas for the Perfect Mexican Fiesta Dinner

Jeff's Naturals Cinco de Mayo

Happy almost Cinco de Mayo!

Whether you’re celebrating with a fiesta or you’re just in the mood for Mexican inspired food, here are thirteen delicious ideas you can try to spice things using Jeff’s Garden Non-GMO products. Enjoy!

#1- Add a drained jar of Roasted Bell Pepper Strips to fajita-style beef or chicken and serve with flour tortillas, spicy salsa, and fresh guacamole.

#2- Add diced Jalapeño Stuffed Olives to a Southwestern black bean salad.

#3-Combine diced Sliced Hot Cherry Peppers with sour cream, lime zest, minced cilantro and hot or mild chili powder for an addictive taco dip to serve with tortilla chips.

#4- Top nachos with sliced Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives or Feta Cheese Stuffed Olives.

#5- Make a refreshing salsa with diced Sunshine Mix Mild Banana Pepper Rings, fresh tomatoes, onion, cilantro and lime juice.

#6- Unforgettable guacamole option #1: Mash avocado in a bowl and add Diced Tamed™ Jalapeño Peppers along with diced tomato, lime juice and salt to taste.

#7- Unforgettable guacamole option #2: Mash avocado in a bowl and add chopped Jalapeño Stuffed Olives along with diced tomato and a squeeze of lime.

#8- Combine Diced Tamed™ Jalapeño Peppers with diced tomatoes, diced red onion, lime juice, minced cilantro, and salt to taste for a fresh salsa. Dice up and add or substitute Sliced Hot Cherry Peppers for a spicer version

#9- Substitute your usual black olive with sliced Garlic Stuffed Olives on your next taco for a twist with some added color.

#10- Use sliced Jalapeño Stuffed Olives as a unique, spicy filling for tacos, burritos and quesadillas or as an unexpected topping for classic nachos.

#11- Pour an entire jar of Sliced Golden Greek Peperoncini, brine and all, over a pork roast and braise for several hours until the meat is tender. Shred the meat and use as a scrumptious taco filling.

#12- Give your margarita an unexpected pop of flavor by adding or blending in brine from a jar of Jeff’s Naturals Sliced Tamed™ Jalapeños.

#13-Make a spicy chicken quesadilla by layering shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, sliced grilled chicken and Sliced Tamed™ Jalapeños into a large flour tortilla. Cook in an oiled skillet to melt the cheese.

Got more delicious ideas? Share them with us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter!

Avocado Toast Sampler

Tasty Avocado Toast with a Delicious Twist

We love avocado toast in the morning, at lunch, in the afternoon, for a late evening snack or appetizer. You can never go wrong with this tasty and simple snack idea. As perfect as we think avocado toast is, why not elevate it by adding wholesome Mediterranean ingredients like from our all-natural line of olives, peppers, artichoke hearts, capers and sun-dried tomatoes?

This “toast with a twist” is light enough for spring and summer gatherings but hearty enough to satisfy any appetite. Get creative and prepare one topping or all of them for a vivid and tasty sampler!

AVOCADO TOAST SAMPLER

Avocado Toast Sampler
Prep Time: 10 min.Total Time: 20 min.Serves: 16

INGREDIENTS
1 small baguette (4 ounces)
2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 large ripe avocado
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

Toppings (each tops 4 toasts):
2 teaspoons Imported Non-Pareil Capers, drained
2 slices smoked salmon, about 1 ounce
1 extra-large hard-boiled egg, sliced
2 tablespoons Sun-Ripened Dried Tomatoes, coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons Roasted Bell Pepper Strips, coarsely chopped
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons Organic Sliced Greek Kalamata Olives, coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons crumbled feta
2 teaspoons lemon zest

PREPARATION
Preheat oven to 350°. Slice baguette diagonally into sixteen ½-inch slices. Brush both sides with the olive oil. Transfer to a baking sheet and bake until golden, about 8 minutes.

Halve avocado lengthwise and remove pit; scoop flesh into a small bowl. Add lemon juice, salt and pepper and mash to a chunky paste. Spread on toasted bread. Top with your preferred topping (or all of them!) along with a dash of coarse salt.

Tuna Salad Sandwich

Fresh New Recipe From the Jeff’s Naturals Kitchen: Mediterranean Tuna Salad Sandwich

When was the last time you enjoyed a really good tuna salad sandwich? Like a really, incredible, gourmet tuna sandwich? Perhaps it is time to give this classic lunchbox staple an upgrade.

You will be amazed how delicious and satisfying a tuna sandwich can be! Simply adding wholesome flavorful ingredients like fresh veggies and Jeff’s Naturals Imported Non-Pareil Capers, Roasted Bell Pepper Strips and Organic Sliced Greek Kalamata Olives can take an otherwise ordinary sandwich to a whole new level.

Tuna Salad Sandwich

Jeff’s Mediterranian Tuna Salad Sandwich
Prep Time: 7 min.
Total Time: 10 min.
Serves: 2

INGREDIENTS
2 (8 inch) crusty rolls, sliced in half horizontally
2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna packed in olive oil1½ tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons Jeff’s Naturals Imported Non-Pareil Capers, drained
2 tablespoons diced red onion
1/3 English cucumber, thinly sliced
2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced thinly
4 Jeff’s Naturals Roasted Bell Pepper Strips
Cherry tomatoes, for garnish
Jeff’s Naturals Organic Sliced Greek Kalamata Olives, for garnish

PREPARATION
Remove some of the soft interior of the rolls to allow for the sandwich filling and set aside.

In a medium bowl, mix together the tuna with its oil, red wine vinegar, capers and onion. Set aside.

To assemble the sandwiches, spread the tuna on the roll, top with sliced cucumber, egg and roasted red peppers. Serve with cherry tomatoes and olives.

Crock Pot Vegetable Lasagne

Fresh From Jeff’s Kitchen: Slow Cooker Vegetable Lasagna

For busy families, the slow cooker can be a real time and energy saver. There is nothing more comforting than coming home and having a delicious, hot meal ready to for the whole family to enjoy. This slow-cooker vegetable lasagna recipe makes for an easy dinner and puts a nutritious and delicious Mediterranean twist on a comfort food classic. All you will need are some fresh veggies from your local farmers market or grocery store and some everyday pantry items like marinara sauce, lasagna noodles and of course,  jars of your favorite Jeff’s Naturals Mediterranean pantry staples.

This recipe calls for Sliced Golden Greek Peperoncini, but feel free to add your own flavors like Organic Sliced Greek Kalamata Olives,  Roasted Bell Pepper Strips, Marinated Artichoke Hearts and more!

Crock Pot Vegetable Lasagne
Sometimes a classic recipe needs a little extra something! Try layering your favorite lasagna with sliced peperoncini for a new dimension of flavor.

Slow Cooker Vegetable Lasagna

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 12 servings

INGREDIENTS
4 c. or 2 jars marinara sauce
2 c. water
2 zucchini, diced into 1/2″ cubes
1 medium onion, diced
1 yellow squash, diced into 1/2″ cubes
1/2 eggplant, diced into 1/2″ cubes
16 oz. Sliced Golden Greek Peperoncini, drained
30 oz. ricotta cheese
1 tsp oregano
1/4 c. parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 c. mozzarella cheese, shredded
pinch of salt and pepper, to taste
16 oz. lasagna noodles (regular, not oven-ready)
16 oz. mozzarella cheese, shredded
non-stick spray
Italian parsley, for garnish (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS
In a large saucepan, bring the marinara sauce and 2 c. water to a simmer. Add the zucchini, onion, squash, eggplant and peperoncini and stew, on low, for 5-10 minutes.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ricotta, oregano, parmesan and mozzarella. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, to taste.

Spray the inside of a 2.5 qt. casserole crock pot* with non-stick spray and spread a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom. Place the lasagna noodles on top in a single layer. Some overlap is fine.

Spread about 1/3 of the ricotta mixture on top, then spoon the vegetable and sauce mixture on top of that. Sprinkle with a layer of mozzarella cheese.
Repeat this process two more times, ricotta, vegetables and sauce and mozzarella cheese.

On the top layer, place lasagna noodles, the remainder of the sauce and vegetables, then mozzarella cheese.

Cover and cook on high for 4 hours. Garnish with chopped Italian parsley (optional) and serve warm.

14 Ridiculously Simple Ways to Enjoy Marinated Artichoke Hearts

If you haven’t tried our Marinated Artichoke Hearts, you are missing out! Our artichoke hearts are hand-picked for freshness and marinated in a seasoned family recipe. The result? Delicious bold flavor without the hassle!

These deeply flavorful artichokes can easily be added to salads, pasta, pizza, dips and antipasti platters, or to enjoy straight from the jar. Ready to add classic, Mediterranean flavor to your cuisine?

Mediterranean Flatbread Pizza

Here are 14 ridiculously simple and delicious ways Jeff’s Garden Artichoke Hearts can make your meals even better. 

#1 Pair Jeff’s Garden Artichoke Hearts with tangy goat cheese to top a gourmet pizza.

#2 Toss Jeff’s Garden Artichoke Hearts with chilled cooked pasta, Sun-ripened dried Tomatoes, fresh basil, lemon juice, and olive oil for a light yet satisfying pasta salad.

#3 Sautée them with minced garlic, diced tomatoes, and a splash of red wine for a quick, delicious pasta sauce.

#4 Add them to a fritatta along with Roasted Red Bell Peppers.

#5 Stuff a chicken breast with Artichoke Hearts and goat cheese, coat with seasoned breadcrumbs and bake until nicely browned and cooked through.

#6 Stir them into a creamy risotto, along with grated Parmesan cheese and finely grated lemon zest.

#7 Mix Artichoke Hearts into potato salad along with fresh peas and diced red onion.

#8 Add to a simple piccata sauce of butter, lemon juice, Non-Pareil Capers, and white wine and serve over pan-seared chicken or fish.

#9 Mix Artichoke Hearts with hot pasta and Basil Pesto.

#10 Sautée them with minced garlic, diced tomatoes, and a splash of red wine for a quick, delicious pasta sauce.

#11 Add Artichoke Hearts to an omelet along with Sun-Ripened dried Tomatoes.

#12 Create a plentiful antipasto platter using our Pitted Castelvetrano Olives, Marinated Artichoke Hearts, Roasted Bell Pepper Strips, Whole Golden Greek Peperoncini, and assorted meats and cheeses.

#13 Layer Roasted Bell Pepper Strips, Marinated Artichoke Hearts, fresh mozzarella, and arugula on rustic Italian bread for a killer panini.

#14 Toss Marinated Artichoke Hearts with salad greens, sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes and balsamic vinaigrette.

 

Jeff's Naturals Loaded Sweet Potato

Quick & Healthy Weeknight Dinner: Jeff’s Naturals Loaded Sweet Potato

Back in November, we asked our fans to submit their favorite recipe & photo using Jeff’s Naturals products for a chance to win some cash and some Jeff’s Naturals goodies. Lucky for us, Emily from One Lovely Life  shared her delicious and super simple Black Bean & Chipotle Stuffed Potato recipe and photo. “One of my favorites,” she writes. “Such an inexpensive and easy meatless dinner. Use your favorite taco toppings to build an amaaaaazing potato.”

This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy our Roasted Bell Pepper Strips and Sliced Tamed™ Jalapeños. It also reveals Emily’s fail-proof method for baking the perfect sweet potato. Read One Lovely Life’s post, 6 Amazing Ways to Stuff a Baked Sweet Potato for more creative ideas.

Black Bean & Chipotle Stuffed Potato

Recipe by One Lovely Life
Note: There are no measurements to track, all you have to do is stuff your potato according to your individual tastes.

Jeff's Naturals Stuffed Sweet Potato

 

Ingredients:
Sweet potatoes (however many you’d like to bake)
Olive oil
Kosher salt
Black beans
Avocado
Jeff’s Naturals Roasted Bell Pepper Strips
Chipotle Ranch Dressing
Baby tomatoes (optional)
Jeff’s Naturals Sliced Tamed™ Jalapeños (optional)

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Wash all potatoes and stab with a fork or a knife several times each (6-8 times at least).

Rub each potato with a thin layer of olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt and place on baking sheet to prevent spills. You can place them directly on the rack if you like.

Bake 45-60 minutes, or until you can pierce them easily with a knife.

Make a slit lengthwise end-to-end across the top and fluff the inside with a fork. Stuff with toppings: black beans, avocado, peppers, Chipotle Ranch Dressing and (optional) tomatoes & Jalapeños.

Visit One Lovely Life for more delicious ideas and recipes.

How Can I Rock Pasta Night with Jeff’s Naturals?

When it comes to fast and easy weeknight dinners, pasta reigns supreme. Pasta is one of the most versatile ingredients and pairs well with any of our Jeff’s Naturals Mediterranean pantry staples. Whether it’s a light, summery pasta salad or a heaping bowl of comfort food (like Spinach & Artichoke Mac ‘n Cheese mmmmmmm) there is a pasta dish to match every mood and occasion.

We put together a list of a few of our favorite pasta ideas you can put together in a pinch.

In a rush? Try this pro tip from Serious Eats: You don’t have to wait for a huge pot of water to boil. Using a skillet and just enough water to cover the noodles is a better way to go.

Here are some more pasta recipes you may want to add to your repertoire.  Click on the image to get the recipe. Enjoy!

Pasta-Nicoise

Mediterranian-Salad-1

Rigatoni_with_Puttanesca_Sauce_cropped

Roasted Lemon Cauliflower Pasta

Celebrate the New Year with a Whole Foods Coupon for Jeff’s Naturals Olives & Antipasto

Who doesn’t love a good coupon? There are very few (that we know of)! We are excited to announce that shoppers can get $1 off Jeff’s Naturals Olives and Spicy Italian Olive Antipasto at any Whole Foods store across the country through January 16th, 2018. It’s our holiday gift to olive lovers.

 

Jeff’s Naturals fans are already downloading and utilizing the coupons to make great holiday antipasto dishes- like this one our friend Kelly from Texas made with Garlic Stuffed OlivesWhole Castelvetrano Olives, Organic Greek Kalamata OlivesRoasted Bell Pepper Strips, Feta, Gruyere, Balsamic vinaigrette made with olive oil and fresh parsley right from her front porch!

Antipasto Appetizer

You can also use your olives to make some of our favorite dishes you can find on our Recipe Page.

This coupon is available only on the Whole Foods Market® app. To take advantage of this offer and other digital coupons to use in the store, download the latest version of the Whole Foods Market app for your iPhone or Android phone. With just a few taps, you’re on your way to big savings. Visit www.wholefoodsmarket.com to learn more about digital coupons and how to utilize the Whole Foods Market® app.

Stuffed Olives Holiday Appetizer

13 Fool Proof Party Appetizers Using Jeff’s Naturals Olives & Peppers

‘Tis the season for parties, gatherings, shopping, overnight guests and no school!  You have a lot on your plate, so better have some “last minute” easy appetizer ideas on hand!

Here are some simple suggestions for a fabulous and easy holiday spread you can serve while relaxing and enjoying with friends and family.

Stuffed Olives Holiday Appetizer

#1-Combine diced Sliced Hot Cherry Peppers with sour cream, lime zest, minced cilantro and hot or mild chili powder for an addictive taco dip to serve with tortilla chips.

#2-Serve Spicy Italian Olive Antipasto with feta cheese, hummus and warm pita triangles.

#3-Mix Diced Tamed™ Jalapeños with fresh cilantro and garlic. Blend with a stick of softened butter and spread it on crusty bread for a delicious snack!

#4-Cube your favorite cheese and serve with a combination of Castelvetrano Olives, Organic Pitted Whole Greek Kalamata Olives, Feta Cheese Stuffed Olives, olive oil and a few shavings of citrus peel for an easy party appetizer.

#5-Arrange sliced Roasted Bell Pepper Strips on a serving plate with sliced fresh mozzarella and julienned fresh basil. Drizzle with olive oil and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

#6-Roughly chop Organic Sliced Greek Kalamata Olives and toss with olive oil and capers. Spoon mixture over a block goat cheese and serve with pita chips.

#7-Combine Garlic Stuffed Olives in a food processor with anchovy filets, Capers, lemon juice and olive oil for a terrific tapenade. Spread it on fish or chicken or serve it as an appetizer.

#8-Chop Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives and/or Feta Cheese Stuffed Olives and sprinkle on hummus. Use as a dip for crudité.

#9-Make an olive tapenade by putting Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives and/or Feta Cheese Stuffed Olives into a food processor with some of the olive brine and olive oil.

#10-Serve Castelvetrano Olives as a quick and addictive snack by themselves or alongside Spanish Marcona almonds and Manchego cheese.

#11- Create an antipasto platter using Garlic Stuffed Olives and Marinated Artichoke Hearts, Roasted Red Bell Peppers and assorted meats and cheeses.

#12-Top deviled eggs with slices of Jalapeño Stuffed Olives.

#13-Make a refreshing salsa with Sunshine Mix Mild Banana Pepper Rings, fresh tomatoes, onion, cilantro and lime juice.

Need more inspiration? We’ve added new appetizers, cocktails and side dish recipes to our recipe page for your enjoyment! Happy Holidays!

 

Jeff’s Naturals “What’s On Your Holiday Menu?” Recipe & Photo Contest

Do you have a great recipe idea using Jeff’s Naturals olives, peppers, capers or sun-dried tomatoes? Share it along with a photo for a chance to win your share of $500 and a gift basket filled with your favorite Jeff’s Naturals gourmet olives, peppers, capers and sun-dried tomatoes. We’re looking for “Best Cocktail”, “Best Appetizer”, “Best Entree”, “Best Side Dish” and “Best ‘Next Day’ Sandwich”! Good Luck!

*All entries must be original content. Copied or plagiarized material will be disqualified. 

Sprouts Cooking Club

Jeff’s Naturals is Proud to Support Sprouts Cooking Club for Youth!

Photo Source: www.sproutscookingclub.org

We believe everyone deserves to eat wholesome foods with real ingredients, no matter who you are and where you came from. When we learned about an organization that invites children from all backgrounds an opportunity to learn how to cook sustainable, healthy meals for themselves and their families, we knew we had to be a part of it.

Sprouts Cooking Club was launched in 2006 in an effort to teach children from all socio-economic levels the importance of wholesome eating. The program provides subsidized cooking classes and camp that pairs children with established chefs in their restaurants where they learn how to cook with real and nutritious ingredients they may not have known otherwise.

The organization also hosts a Chef-in-Training Program for at-risk young adults who need a chance to turn their lives around by learning new skills.

Jeff’s Naturals helped to sponsor the program back in 2016 and we’re happy to help out once again by donating Roasted Bell Pepper Strips, Imported Non-Pareil Capers our new Sunshine Mix Mild Banana Pepper Rings from our all-natural line. It’s our sincere pleasure to provide these kids access to ingredients that are certified non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan and contain no preservatives, additives, sulfites, artificial colors or flavors.

To learn more about this program or see how you can help, please visit www.sproutscookingclub.org.

Roasted Tomato Sauce with Pasta- Photo @Vegetarianmamma.

How to Conquer Fast Weeknight Dinners

Roasted Tomato Sauce with Pasta- Photo @Vegetarianmamma

If you’re like most people, you’re probably have a lot on your plate and the idea of putting dinner on the table for your family each night seems like a daunting if not impossible task. However, we all know that making time for family meals during the week is important. Multiple studies have demonstrated that a family who spends just 20 minutes at the dinner table each night is likely to spend less money on food, have better eating habits, better grades, and experience less stress overall.

We know your schedule is tight, especially during the week, so we wanted to share a few tips for making quick, quality meals that help you spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your family. These simple meal ideas using Jeff’s Naturals pantry staples will help create family friendly dinners on the fly!

  • Roughly chop Jeff’s Naturals Garlic Stuffed Olives, scatter over grilled steak and drizzle with a bit of the wine and herb marinade.
  • Combine Jeff’s Naturals Imported Non-Pareil Capersin a hot pan with butter, lemon juice, and white wine for a classic Chicken Picatta.
  • Sautée Jeff’s Naturals Marinated Artichoke Hearts with minced garlic, diced tomatoes, and a splash of red wine for a quick, delicious pasta sauce.
    Pour an entire jar of NVB Italian Olive Antipasto, marinade and all, over a pot roast and braise for several hours until the meat is tender.
  • Stuff a chicken breast with Jeff’s Naturals Marinated Artichoke Hearts and goat cheese, coat with seasoned breadcrumbs and bake until nicely browned and cooked through.
  • Stir Jeff’s Naturals Marinated Artichoke Heartsinto a creamy risotto, along with grated Parmesan cheese and finely grated lemon zest.
  • Substitute your usual black olive with diced Jeff’s Naturals Garlic Stuffed Olives on your next taco for a twist with some added color.
  • Toss diced Sun-Ripened Dried Tomatoes with hot cooked pasta, minced garlic and fresh basil. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and enjoy!
  • Simmer minced Sun-Ripened Dried Tomatoes with diced fresh tomatoes, garlic and fresh herbs for a light pasta sauce with intense tomato flavor.
  • Add pitted, sliced Pitted Castelvetrano Olives to hot couscous, along with salt, pepper, lemon juice, olive oil, sliced green onions and chopped flat-leaf parsley.
  • Use sliced Jeff’s Naturals Jalapeño Stuffed Olives as a unique, spicy filling for tacos, burritos and quesadillas or as an unexpected topping for classic nachos.
  • Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in olive oil, toss in a handful of sliced or pittedJeff’s Naturals Organic Sliced Greek Kalamata Olives and a cup or two of diced tomatoes. Simmer and serve over chicken or fish with a garnish of minced fresh herbs.
  • For a quick, satisfying meal, toss sliced Jeff’s Naturals Organic Sliced Greek Kalamata Olives with hot pasta and a dash of olive oil Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese and enjoy!
  • For a special soup, add a drained jar of Roasted Bell Pepper Strips to sauteed onions and garlic along with broth and a diced potato. Simmer until potato is soft, puree until smooth, add heavy cream and season to taste.
  • Add a drained jar of Roasted Bell Pepper Strips and sliced Yellow Bell Peppers to fajita-style beef or chicken and serve with flour tortillas, spicy salsa and fresh guacamole.
  • Pour an entire jar of Jeff’s Naturals
    Sliced Golden Greek Peperoncini, brine and all, over a pork roast and braise for several hours until the meat is tender. Shred the meat and use as a scrumptious taco filling.
  • Make a spicy chicken quesadilla by layering shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, sliced grilled chicken and sliced Jeff’s Naturals Sunshine Mix Mild Banana Pepper Rings into a large flour tortilla. Cook in an oiled skillet to melt the cheese.

It’s possible to come with great meals, even during hectic weeknights. Browse our recipe page for more quick, delicious, family-pleasing dishes!

Prosciutto, Provolone & Peperoncini Grilled Sandwiches

Fresh From Jeff’s Kitchen: Prosciutto, Provolone & Peperoncini Grilled Sandwiches

Prosciutto, Provolone & Peperoncini Grilled Sandwiches

What is it about Grilled Cheese sandwiches that make it a common “go-to” comfort food? The simple flavors of your favorite cheese melted just right into irresistable buttery crispy bread almost never disaapoint!

This month’s featured new recipe puts a modern gourmet twist on this American classic by adding Prosciutto, Provolone & Peperoncini.  The best part? This sandwich can be on the table and in your belly in less than 20 minutes! Enjoy!

Prosciutto, Provolone & Peperoncini Grilled Sandwiches

Prep Time: 8 min.
Total Time: 20 min.
Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS

1/2 jar Jeff’s Naturals Sliced Golden Greek Peperoncini
8 slices sourdough bread
4 tsp. Dijon mustard
8 oz. Provolone cheese
8 oz. Serrano Ham or Proscuitto
4 Tbsp. butter

PREPARATION

Drain Peperoncini.Spread a teaspoon of Dijon on to each of four slices of bread.

To build the sandwiches, divide up peperoncinis, ham and cheese equally, place them on top of the slice of bread that has the Dijon mustard on it.

Melt two tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet. Cook two sandwiches on medium heat, covered, about six minutes per side.

Repeat procedure with the remaining butter and other two sandwiches.

Want more Grilled Cheese inspiration? Read A+ Grilled Cheese Sandwiches to Rock your Back-to-School Routine. Find more delicious Sandwich and Panini ideas on our Recipe Page!