All posts by Jeff's Naturals

orzo_salad_artichokes_olives_Feta

Fresh From the Jeff’s Naturals Kitchen: Orzo Salad!

Pasta Dishes, Salads, Soups & Salads, , , , , ,

Jeff's Naturals KitchenOur fabulous Recipe & Development Chef, Peter Kirkpatrick, a.k.a. “Chef P.K.”  has been hard at work in the Jeff’s Naturals kitchen creating amazing dishes using our all-natural line of olives, peppers, capers and sun-dried tomatoes.

One of his recent creations, Orzo Salad With Artichoke Hearts & Kalamata Olives, absolutely knocked our socks off during one of our taste tests. (By the way, taste testing Chef’s P.K.’s dishes is our favorite kind of meeting. It’s hard work, but someone has to do it!)

Like many of Chef P.K.’s creations, this colorful dish has a very easy going California/Napa Valley/Mediterranean flavor to it that’s irresistible. It’s light, yet satisfying and can be made in less than 20 minutes and is a perfect side dish for potlucks or gatherings, tailgating, a picnic, a quick weeknight dinner (just add some diced grilled chicken) or lunch on-the-go!

Orzo is most commonly used in Italian and Greek cuisines and makes a delicious alternative to larger pasta which can sometimes be too heavy. You could get creative with this dish and add some Sliced Golden Greek Peperoncini, Sun-Ripened Dried Tomatoes and/or Imported Non-Pareil Capers for even more flavor. The possibilities are endless!

We hope you’ll enjoy this delicious dish. Be sure to check out all of our Mediterranean inspired recipes and serving suggestions in our growing Recipe Collection.

Recipe of the Month: Orzo Salad With Artichoke Hearts & Kalamata Olives

Prep Time: 10min | Total Time: 20min | Serves: 2-4

Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound orzo, cooked to package instructions
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbles
  • 1 (14.5 Oz) jar Marinated Artichoke Hearts, drained
  • 1 cup Jeff’s Naturals Organic Sliced Greek Kalamata Olives, drained
  • 1 pint Cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 tablespoons red onion, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, toss all ingredients together. Season with salt and pepper to taste and enjoy! Makes about 4 servings.

Ghostly Pizza Jeff's Naturals

Jeepers Capers! Is that a Ghost on My Pizza?

Halloween Fun, , , , , , , , ,

Yes, it’s that time of the year again! Time for some Halloween Fun! Halloween now-a-days is so much more than costumes and candy. Families everywhere are taking Halloween decorating to new heights around the house and in the kitchen. A simple search on sites like Pinterest will yield hundreds of clever Halloween themed dishes adults and kids can enjoy that range from adorable just to plain disturbing!

Here are a few fun ideas you can put into use with our Capers, Peppers, Olives and Sun-Ripened Dried Tomatoes. Enjoy!

ghostly-pizza

Ghostly Pizza

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS
1 store-bought, prepared pizza crust
1 jar store-bought pizza sauce
5 slices mozzarella cheese
10 Jeff’s Naturals Non-Pareil Capers

PREPARATION
Preheat oven per pizza crust instructions.
Spread an even layer of pizza sauce on top of the pizza crust. Next, using Halloween-shaped cookie cutters, cut out ghost cheese shapes from the mozzarella. Place cheese on top of the pizza sauce. Adorn the ghosts with capers for eyes. Bake until hot and bubbly and serve.

More Fun Ideas

Spider Bagel Pizza Bites 
These kid-friendly bites add a little extra fun to your next Halloween party. Click here for recipe and instructions.

spider-pizza-bites
Photo Courtesy of www.allyou.com

Bacon, Spinach, Sun-Dried Tomato, and Goat Cheese Skull Shaped Pizza
Great way to transform a plain pizza into special Halloween treat the whole family will enjoy in no time. Click here to view the post for full recipe.

halloween-skull-shaped-pizza-halloween-edible-crafts-halloween-party-food-halloween-appetizer-halloween-dinner
Photo courtesy of www.hungryhappenings.com

Sundried Tomato Spider Web Pesto Dip ‘
This dip isn’t just fun, it is absolutely delicious! We think our Sun-Ripened Dried Tomatoes would work perfectly in this dish! Click here to get the recipe!

sundried-tomato-spider-web-pesto-dip
Photo courtesy of www.rotisseriechickenqueen.com

Roasted Pumpkin Soup With Red Peppers and Caramelized Onions
We saw this recipe for this savory autumn soup and immediately thought this would be a wonderful way to enjoy our Roasted Bell Peppers & Caramelized Onions. As an added bonus, it would help save some preparation time so you can spend more time “Trick or Treating”. Click here for the full recipe.

roasted-pumpkin-soup-with-red-peppers-and-caramelized-onions-13-wm-eng
Photo courtesy of www.thethingswellmake.com

How to Prepare the Perfect Pasta Dish

Pasta Dishes, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mama Mia! Since October is National Pasta Month, we wanted to give a salute to one of America’s favorite foods! In recent years, pasta has gotten a bad rap (think no carb diets) but we think that pasta dishes can actually be a healthy and filling meal, especially with some help from Jeff’s Naturals all natural line of olives, peppers, capers and sun ripened tomatoes.

Rigatoni_with_Puttanesca_Sauce_cropped

pic_Pasta-Nicoise

Mediterranian-Salad-1

What’s the secret to pasta perfection? It begins with cooking pasta itself. The National Pasta Association recommends the following steps to cook pasta perfectly every time:

1. Boil 4 to 6 quarts of water for one pound of dry pasta. (You can divide this recipe depending on how much pasta you are cooking.)

2. Add the pasta with a stir and return the water to a boil.

3. Stir the pasta occasionally during cooking.

4. Follow the package directions for cooking times. If the pasta is to be used as part of a dish that requires further cooking, undercook the pasta by 1/3 of the cooking time specified on the package.

5. Taste the pasta to determine if it is done. Perfectly cooked pasta should be “al dente,” or firm to the bite, yet cooked through.

6. Drain pasta immediately and follow the rest of the recipe.

Reheating Pasta

To reheat cooked pasta, portion out the amount you need and place in boiling water. For extra-easy draining, you can place the pasta in a stainless steel colander or strainer and then submerge in boiling water. Count 40 to 60 seconds of re-heating time for a four-ounce serving. Drain the pasta well, toss with sauce and serve immediately. Pasta can also be reheated in the microwave oven. Reheat single servings on high for 45 seconds at a time, checking between intervals for doneness.

To create the perfect pasta dish, you must also pair it with the right sauce. The National Pasta Association recommends pairing thin, delicate pastas (like angel hair or thin spaghetti)are better served with lighter, thin sauces. If it’s a heavier sauce you crave, it’s better to stick with thicker pasta shapes, like fettuccine. Pasta shapes with holes or ridges, like mostaccioli or radiatore, are perfect for chunkier sauces.

Now that you know the basics, grab a fork and dig into our newest pasta recipe using Jeff’s Naturals!

Jeff’s Naturals Mediterranean Pasta

Prep Time: 5 min.Total Time: 10 min.Serves: 4

mediterranean-pasta-jeffs-naturals
3 tablespoons Olive Oil
1 pound skinless boneless chicken breasts, sliced diagonally
1 cup Jeff’s Naturals Sun-Ripened Dried Tomatoes, drained, julienned
2 Tablespoons crushed garlic
1 pound angel hair pasta, fresh
1/4 cup fresh basil
1 jar (6.5 ounces) Artichoke Hearts, drained
1/2 cup Jeff’s Naturals Organic Sliced Greek Kalamata Olives, drained
6 ounce crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
PREPARATION

Boil water for pasta. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown chicken strips until no longer pink in the middle, about 3 minutes on each side. Add sun dried tomatoes and crushed garlic to skillet. Sauté for 2 minutes. In the meantime, add the fresh pasta to the boiling water, cook until al dente, about 5 minutes.

Add the basil, artichoke hearts, Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese to the skillet. Sauté 1 minute. Stir in cream. Strain pasta and transfer to a large pasta bowl. Add the chicken sauté to the pasta and toss.

Season with oregano, salt and pepper before serving.

Visit National Pasta Association to see these and other great pasta cooking tips!

SproutsCookingClub

Kids Can Cook With Capers Too!

Company News, Jeff’s Naturals Imported Non-Pareil Capers, , , ,

Jeff’s Naturals is a firm believer in healthy eating and cooking choices for all ages. When we heard about the fantastic work being done by Sprouts Cooking Club, we knew we had to help out any way we could.

This summer, Jeff’s Naturals became one of the sponsors of this program by introducing the magic of cooking with capers to kids! These flavorful nuggets of deliciousness often go unnoticed, yet they add so much to just about any dish whether it’s fish or poultry, appetizers, main courses, and more.

Sprouts Cooking Club was launched in 2006 in an effort to teach children of all backgrounds and socio-economics levels the importance of healthy eating. The program 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.

Capers

We source our capers from Turkey where they are picked by hand as soon as they reach the desired size, then dried in the hot Mediterranean sun before they are pickled in a brine of vinegar. Not only does their piquant, slightly tangy flavor makes them an excellent addition to Mediterranean dishes like authentic scaloppini and picatta recipes, they are naturally low in carbs, contain no fat and are versatile enough to go with just about any meal any time of the day- breakfast, lunch or dinner.

If those of you reading are curious of some of our tips and tricks for cooking with capers, look no further because here are some of our favs:

 

No Cook

Try Our “No Cook” Recipes On Those Hot Summer Days

Jalapeño Stuffed Olives, Jeff’s Naturals Imported Non-Pareil Capers, Main Dishes, Non-GMO, Organic Kalamata Olives, Paninis & Sandwiches, Paninis and Sandwiches, Peperoncini, Products, Recipes, Roasted Bell Peppers, Soups & Salads, , , , , , , , ,

You know what they say, “If you can’t stand the heat, get out off the kitchen”! Nothing could be truer on a sweltering summer day.  But you still have to eat!  What to do?

Not to worry, we have you covered. Anyone can prepare delicious dishes using Jeff’s Naturals all-natural line of olives, peppers, capers and sun-dried tomatoes. Our recipe catalog is chock full of ideas you can use to prepare meals that are not only delicious and refreshing, they come together effortlessly without the heat!

Here are some “no cook” recipes to dash up delicious meals without having to turn on the stove!

New! Stuffed Greek Pita

StuffedGreekPita

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

Ingredients

Preparation

In a mixing bowl combine the tomatoes, spinach, cucumber, feta, olives, peperoncinis, sweet bell pepper strips and capers.

In a separate bowl whisk together the olive oil, oregano, lemon juice, and crushed garlic.

Once ready to serve, toss the dressing with the vegetables. Cut the pita rounds in half and divide the mixture evenly among the 8 pita rounds.

Serve.

Delicious! Watermelon, Olive, Jalapeño and Feta Salad

WatermelonSalad

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

Ingredients

Directions:

In a large mixing bowl add all ingredients and gently mix.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Chill for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Served chilled.

Chef’s note: A refreshing salad, perfect side dish for any meal. Great with grilled dishes and sandwiches.

Refreshing! Cold Peperoncini and Cucumber Yogurt Soup

Recipe: Cold Peperoncini and Cucumber Yogurt Soup

Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 10 min | Serves: 4

Ingredients

Directions:

Strain yogurt through cheesecloth to remove excess water and milk.

Add all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Chill and serve cold.

Chef’s Note: Serve as shooters for a small appetizer, as a summer soup, or as a sauce for a light and healthy fish dish.

New! Muffuletta Sandwich

Muffuletta_Sandwich_cropped

Prep Time: 15 min. | Total Time: 15 min. | Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

Olive Salad:

Bread:

  • Hollow out 1 loaf round Italian bread

Cheese, Meats, Garnishes:

  • 6 oz. provolone cheese, sliced
  • 2 oz. capicollo, thinly sliced
  • 2 oz. Genoa salami, thinly sliced
  • 2 oz. ham, thinly sliced
  • 1 tomato, sliced
  • Romaine lettuce

*Calculated ingredients may not always be as accurate as the original recipe.

Directions

Finely chop the vegetables and olives for the olive salad. Combine all salad ingredients; set aside.

Cut the loaf of bread in half crosswise. Use a small, serrated knife to score the inside of both halves about 1″ from the crust. Hollow the bread halves by pulling out the insides with your hands. Leave shells about 1″ thick. Save the bread chunks for other uses.

Spoon salad into bottom half of loaf. Layer 2 oz. cheese over the salad. Top with one type of meat; repeat.

Finish layering with last of cheese and meat. Top with tomato and lettuce.

Use an electric knife to cut the sandwich into four wedges. If you don’t have one, use a very sharp serrated knife. Just saw carefully and don’t press too hard–or you might squish the entire filling out.

Muffulettas can be served hot or cold.

The Inside Scoop on Jeff’s Naturals Jalapeno Stuffed Olives

Jalapeño Stuffed Olives, ,

Natural food consumers everywhere are in for a treat this summer. Many of our most popular items from our all-natural line of olives, peppers, capers and sun-dried tomatoes are going to be on special in retails stores all over the country!

Now is the perfect time to try something new, especially if it’s something as delicious as our Jalapeño Stuffed Olives.

Here are answers to many common questions we get about these delightful snack olives. Hope this helps!

Jalapeno-Stuffed-OlivesQ: Why would you stuff jalapeño peppers into olives?

A: The combination of these two ingredients results in a crisp savory olive with just the right balance of heat and savory olive flavor.

Q: Do they make a good appetizer?

A: Absolutely! You can enjoy them right out of the jar or pair it with wine and cheese for an decadent treat. Since these olives tend to have a little more zing than some of the others, you’ll want to pair them with milder, fruiter dry wines such as Pinot Grigio, Pinot Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc and young, fresh un-aged cheeses like goat cheese, mozzarella and ricotta. FYI, they are also delicious with a frosty margarita on a hot summer day.

Q: Are your Jalapeño peppers fresh and sourced locally?

A: Yes. We use locally grown jalapeño peppers sourced from Central Valley California family farms typically late May through November. Within 24 hours of harvest, the jalapeños are shipped to our Napa Valley facility and packed within twenty-four hours of harvest. The faster they are packed the more heat and fresh-picked flavor they retain.

Q: What about your olives, where do they come from?

A: We use large Spanish-style olives, prized for their firm texture and buttery taste, imported from the sun-drenched Mediterranean. Because of our longstanding relationships with our growers in Europe, we are able to procure the finest quality olives from each harvest.

Q: How do the jalapeño peppers get inside the olives?

A: Once the ingredients reach our production facility in Napa Valley, California, each olive is painstakingly hand stuffed with a jalapeño strip within 24 hours and packed.

Q: What are some different ways a person can serve them?

A: Because this item has a little bit of heat and a lot of flavor, there are unlimited ways they can be enjoyed. Many of our consumers enjoy them in their salads, in breakfast omelets and in pasta dishes. Here are some other ideas:

Do you have some other ideas on how to wake up your palette with parings and serving ideas using Jeff’s Naturals products? Let us know, we’d love to hear!

The Jeff’s Naturals Guide to Perfect Picnics

Recipes, Tips, , , ,

There is nothing like sharing a picnic with loved ones on a beautiful summer day, especially for those of us lucky enough to live in Napa Valley California! Even you if you don’t live in California’s blissful wine country, a perfect picnic can take place any time, anywhere if you follow these simple tips:

1. Keep it light and simple. Think finger foods that are tasty and easy to transport.

2. It’s always better to prepare just a few things and do them well.

3. Don’t pack anything sweet and sticky. Avoid food items such as ice cream, puddings, fruity drinks, etc unless you want to attract insects.

4. Pack everything in lightweight, resealable containers.

5. Keep everything cold. Use ice packs, or fill a couple of resealable bags with ice cubes. One of our favorite tips is to freeze small bottles of water and juice ahead of time so they will keep food cool and you can enjoy a cold drink when you reach your picnic spot!

6. Avoid foods that can spoil in warm sun. Anything with mayonnaise based dressings, eggs and dairy (though certain cheeses will work well) can spoil easily. Recipes like the ones below would be easier to keep at a safe temperature picnic:

Peperoncini Potato Salad
Baja Fruit Salad
New! Mexican Marinated Salad
Mediterranean Salad
Black Bean & Roasted Red Pepper Salsa
Cheese Stuffed Fried Green Olives
Spinach and Feta Olive Turnovers
Pasta Nicoise

7. Don’t forget any essentials! Follow this checklist to make sure you’ve got everything you need for your outing.

☐ Casual and easy food and snacks: Sandwiches, Crudités, Chips, Fruit Salad, Cheese, Smoked Meat, Crackers, light side dishes and salads

☐ Plenty of drinks: Water Bottles, Juice Boxes, Wine or Beer (if allowed)

☐ Napkins

☐ Inexpensive cups and plates from your favorite discount store

☐ Utensils

☐ Resealable/Ziploc bags filled with ice cubes

☐ Place mats or table cover

☐ Blanket large enough to accommodate your food and company

☐ Towels to clean up spills or messes (Cloth or Paper)

☐ Trash Bag(s)

☐ Cutting Board

☐ Serrated Knife (wrap the blade in a kitchen towel)

☐ Condiments: Packets of ketchup or mustard or mini jars

☐ Salt and pepper

☐ Plenty of water (again)

☐ Tongs and/or serving spoons

☐ Corkscrew or bottle opener

☐ Moist towelettes

☐ Sunscreen

☐ Bug Spray

Toss in some jars of Jeff’s Naturals products to add a little gourmet flair to your outing!

Jeff's Naturals PicNic
Photo Credit: Bethany Ugarte
blue-cheese_Cocktail

Shaken or Stirred? June 19th is National Martini Day

Cocktails, , , , , , ,

Did you know that National Martini Day is June 19th?  It’s the perfect excuse to break out some glasses, crack open a jar or two of your favorite Jeff’s Naturals olives and take a relaxing and well-deserved sip. National Martini Day comes only once a year, after all!

To honor the occasion, here are some helpful martini making tips and NEW martini recipe ideas!

Martini Making Tips

1. Ice
Be sure to keep your martini chilled with ice, however, you should not chill gin. The ideal combination is warm gin + cold ice.

2. Chill Your Glassware
Cold glassware is a must for keeping your martini chill. We also find it brings a certain degree of class to your drink!

3. Shaken or Stirred?
Forget what James Bond has to say, shaking a martini will create air bubbles that make the martini opaque. Consider stirring the martini instead if you want to keep it clear and see-through.

4. Enjoy
Enjoy your martini before it succumbs to room temperature (but don’t feel the need to rush)!

New! Bleu Cheese Olive Martini

blue-cheese_Cocktail

Prep Time: 5 min | Total Time: 5 min | Serves: 1

Ingredients

Directions

Place the martini glass into the freezer to chill. Pour liquor into a martini shaker with ice. Shake for at least 20 seconds and pour into the chilled martini glass. Garnish with Bleu Cheese Stuffed Olives and enjoy!

New! Hot Cherry Pepper Martini

Hot_Pepper_Martini

Prep Time: 5 min | Total Time: 5 min | Serves: 1

Ingredients

Directions

Fill a chilled martini shaker with ice. Add vodka or gin with a splash of pepper brine and shake well for about 30 seconds. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with a hot cherry pepper or two.

New! “Perfect” Martini

 

Savory MartiniPrep Time: 3 min | Total Time: 5 min | Serves: 1

Ingredients

Directions

Fill a chilled martini shaker with ice. Add gin and vermouth. Shake well, about 45 seconds. Using a cocktail strainer, pour into a chilled glass. Thread three olives (representing health, love and wealth) onto a cocktail stirrer or rosemary sprig and serve.

 

A Quick Word with our Recipe and Development Chef Peter Kirkpatrick

Company News, , ,

Ever wonder who is creating those tasty recipes we keep adding using our all-natural line of olives, peppers, capers and sun-dried tomatoes? Meet our Recipe & Development Chef, Peter Kirkpatrick (known around here as PK).

PK is originally from Gainesville, FL where he cooked at various restaurants for a decade before heading to California to expand his knowledge of food and cuisines of the world at the Culinary Institute of America in St Helena, CA. where he earned an Associate degree in Culinary Arts.

After completing culinary school, PK took an internship in Napa Valley’s Hartwell Vineyards to learn about winemaking process. He soon landed a job at Del Dotto vineyards under the direction of Chef Joshua Schwartz. PK says that his cooking and winemaking experience in Napa Valley has influenced the type of products and dishes that he develops in our test kitchen.

Jeff's Naturals Kitchen

 

We sat down with PK not long ago to learn more about him.

JN: What is your personal favorite Jeff’s Naturals product(s) and how do you serve them?
PK: “My favorite Jeff’s Naturals products are the sliced or whole pepperoncini. For the whole pepperoncini, I like to use them on a simple cheese and charcuterie board when having guests over. For the sliced, I like to use them in Mac N’ Cheese.”

JN: How long have you been cooking with the company? What did you do before this?
PK: “I’ve been with this company for about four years now in the R&D department. Before coming here, I was cooking for a winery in the Napa Valley. I still cook at the winery from time to time, especially during the busy tourist season. As much as I enjoy developing new products in the test kitchen, nothing beats the excitement of cooking in an actual restaurant kitchen.”

JN: What is your favorite dish you prepare for yourself at home?
PK: “I’m slightly embarrassed to admit that I don’t do much cooking for myself at home. If I do prepare a meal, it has to be quick and easy. I find myself falling back on pizza or pasta, with a simple salad on most nights. Luckily for me, almost every Jeff’s Naturals product works perfectly for those type of quick and easy meals.”

JN: Of all the Jeff’s Naturals recipes, which one would you recommend to a beginner?
PK: “Hmm. I would probably say the Peperoncini & Sun-Dried Tomato Guacamole, or the Creamy Jalapeño Dip. Those are both super easy to prepare, and they’re great for summer BBQs!”

JN: Do you have a favorite recipe on our site?
PK: “I reeeeeally like the Castelvetrano Spring Farro Salad. I know, I know, its technically summer; but I promise that nobody will be complaining if you show up to the pool party with this killer salad. Just try it, it’s delicious.”

Jeff's Naturals Salad Recipes

Five New Savory Salad Ideas from Jeff’s Naturals

Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives, Health, Non-GMO, Organic Kalamata Olives, Products, Recipes, Roasted Bell Peppers, Salads, Soups & Salads, , , , , , , , , ,

Break out the dressings because May is National Salad Month! Celebrate the greener side of life by eating a plate of delicious healthy vegetables, spiced up with Jeff’s Natural’s range of healthy, non-GMO products!

If you’re in need of a little salad inspiration, you should check out our new recipes below! With so much variety, we’re pretty sure you’ll be asking yourself “what hamburger?”

New! Fig Salad with Bleu Cheese Olives

FigSaladWithBleuCheeseOlives

Prep Time: 10 min – Total Time: 13 min – Serves: 2

Ingredients

  • 4 cups mixed salad greens
  • 4-6 fresh figs cut in half or in quarters
  • 1/3 cup Jeff’s Naturals Blue Cheese Olives, sliced
  • 2 ounces prosciutto, torn into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/3 cup candied nuts or chopped hazelnuts

Dressing:

  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • ½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 shallot, minced
  • ½ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, gently toss salad ingredients together.  Drizzle salad dressing over the top until lightly coated and toss to gently.  Serve immediately.

New! Kale & Citrus Salad

KaleAndCitrusSalad

Prep Time: 15 min – Total Time: 18 min – Serves: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch kale, destemmed and thinly sliced (about 4 cups)
  • 1 ½ cups seasonal citrus segments, we used pink grapefruit, naval orange, and satsumas (reserve any citrus juice from slicing into segments)
  • 5 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced on mandoline slicer
  • ¼ red onion, thinly sliced on mandoline slicer
  • ½ cup Jeff’s Naturals Castelvetrano Olives, pitted and quartered

Dressing:

  • 1/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/3 cup reserved citrus juices
  • ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Apple cider vinegar or champagne vinegar to taste, if needed

Directions

In a large salad bowl, combine all salad ingredients and set aside.

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, citrus juice and Dijon.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.  If needed, add a few splashes of vinegar for a little more acid.

Drizzle enough dressing over the salad and to lightly coat and toss.

Serve immediately.

New! Marinated Mexican Salad

MarinatedMexicanSalad

Prep Time: 5 min – Total Time: 1 hr. 5 min (including marination time) – Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

Directions

Stir together the first eight ingredients in a large bowl.

Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Remove chilled salad and top with lime juice, and salt and pepper.

Garnish with avocado.

New! Grilled Fennel, Orange & Kalamata Salad

Prep Time: 10 min – Total Time: 20 min – Serves: 2

GrilledFennelAndOrangeSalad

Ingredients

Dressing:

  • 1 tablespoon champagne vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon minced shallot
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper

Directions

Preheat grill to high heat.

Drizzle sliced fennel with olive oil, season with salt and pepper and grill on each side until nice grill marks have developed, about 5 minutes each side.

Prepare the oranges by cutting the segments out in between the membranes. To the orange juice, add the segments, kalamata olives, and parsley. Add the grilled fennel and toss.

In a small bowl, whisk all dressing ingredients together and pour over fennel salad. To serve, garnish with parmesan shavings.

New! Cherry Balsamic Dressing

CherryBalsamicDressing

Prep Time: 10 min – Total Time: 10 min – Serves: 4

Ingredients

Directions

Finely mince the Hot Cherry Peppers

In a bowl combine all of the above ingredients and whisk until well incorporated.

 

Pitted Castelvetrano Olives

Great News About Jeff’s Naturals Castelvetrano Olives (And a New Recipe!)

Castelvetrano Olives, Company News, , , , , ,

N Pitted Castelvetrano Olives (2) Great news for fans of Castelvetrano Olives. Consumers can now get these irresistible snack olives pitted!

Yes, pitted! Jeff’s Naturals new Pitted Castelvetrano Olives make it even easier to enjoy these delicious olives in snacks and meals.

Now you can spend less time making and more time enjoying your favorite dishes like Heirloom and Castelvetrano Tuna Salad, Castelvetrano Spring Farro Salad, and Cheese Stuffed Fried Green Olives just to name a few. The new Pitted Castelvetrano Olives are also perfect for your favorite martini!

More ways to enjoy our new Pitted Castelvetrano Olives:

  • Add to braised meat dishes, especially chicken or duck.
  • Toss with mixed baby greens, orange sections, shaved fennel and a light lemon vinaigrette for a beautiful and refreshing salad.
  • Add them to hot couscous, along with salt, pepper, lemon juice, olive oil, sliced green onions and chopped flat-leaf parsley.

Castelvetrano Facts:

  • Castelvetranos are Italy’s number one snack olive, chosen three to one over any other type of olive.
  • Italians often refer to them as “dolce” (meaning “sweet” in Italian).
  • Castelvetranos are produced exclusively in Castelvetrano, Sicily, from the olive variety known as nocerella del belice.
  • They are easily recognized by their distinctive bright green hue and meaty, buttery flesh.
  • Castelvetranos came on the U.S. scene only recently, first appearing on the bulk olive bars of specialty food stores.
  • Jeff and our Italy-based import manager travel to Sicily each fall to inspect the harvest and foster relationships with generations-old family farmers, ensuring that our customers have access to the finest Castelvetrano olives available.

Enjoy them in this new recipe:

Pistachio & Castelvetrano Olive Pesto

Pistachio_and_Castelvetrano_Olive_Pesto_WEB

Ingredients
1 cup pitted Jeff’s Naturals Pitted Castelvetrano Olives
½ cup shelled pistachios
1 small clove fresh garlic
1 lemon, zested and juiced
¼ cup + 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Pinch of red pepper flakes
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
¼ cup fresh parsley leaves
2 sprigs fresh thyme leaves

Directions
In a food processor, pulse all ingredients to desired consistency. Serve on a nice white fish, baked chicken, or veggies, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil.

The possibilities are endless! Crack open a jar and let your creativity run wild.

Mother's Day Brunch Recipes

Tips and Recipes to Surprise Mom this Mother’s Day

Peperoncini, Recipes, Roasted Bell Peppers, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mothering is a full-time job, there’s no question about it. They help you grow, they educate you, and they love you unconditionally without asking for anything in return. Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to show them just how much they mean to you and how much you appreciate everything they’ve done.

If you ask us, there’s no show of love quite as thoughtful as a delicious home-cooked meal. So sit back, have a read, and plan that Mother’s Day brunch that will leave them smiling from cheek to cheek.

Brunch Tips!

  1. Set up everything the night before – You don’t want to be in a mad rush to do this the following morning, trust us!
  2. Plan your menu – Don’t wait until the last minute to plan your meal. That said, if you’re reading this post you’re already ahead of the game!
  3. If you can cook it ahead of time, do it! – If you have anything on your menu that can be prepared ahead of time, do so. This can be bloody mary mixes, mimosas, sausages, and so forth.
  4. Offer a mix of sweet and savory – That’s the magic of brunch, after all! A nice balanced meal will leave everybody satisfied.
  5. You can’t go wrong with fresh breads and/or scones – I mean… what’s brunch without delicious breads?

A brunch would be nothing without food, so  feast your eyes on these recipes guaranteed to really impress mom!

Baked Eggs with Olives

Prep Time: 5 min | Total Time: 11 min | Serves: 2

BakedEggswithOlives

Ingredients

  • 4 eggs
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • ¼ cup Jeff’s Garden Whole Castelvetrano Olives, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 sprig fresh thyme leaves
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil, for drizzling
  • Serve with a crusty baguette

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Crack 2 eggs into 2 individual-sized baking dishes. Season with salt and pepper.  Drizzle a tablespoon of heavy cream into each dish, and distribute the olives and herbs into each dish. Bake about 6 minutes, until the whites are set and yolks are very loose. Once removed from the oven, the eggs will continue to cook for a few minutes.

Drizzle eggs with olive oil and serve hot with warm crusty bread for dipping.

Ultimate Bloody Mary

Bloody Mary Party

 

Prep Time: 5 min  |  Total Time: 5 min  | Serves: 1

Delicious paired with any of these recipes along with Smoked Salmon with Dilled Crème Fraiche on Bagels, Frittata with Roasted Red Peppers and Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Ricotta Cheese & Meyer Lemon Blintzes, etc.

Ingredients

Directions:

Stir together Bloody Mary mix and vodka. Add a few dashes of hot sauce, squeeze of lemon, and a splash of Jeff’s Naturals Olive or Pepper brine.

Pour over ice in a highball glass.

Garnish with your favorite Bloody Mary ingredients including Jeff’s Naturals Olives and Peppers.  Finish with a dash of pepper and enjoy!

 

Baja Fruit Salad

Baja Fruit Salad

Prep Time:  10min | Total Time: 45min | Serves: 2-4

Ingredients

  • 2 cans (20 oz.) juiced packed pineapple chunks, drained
  • 1 can (15 oz.) mandarin oranges, drained
  • 1/2 c. Jeff’s Garden Roasted Bell Pepper Strips, chopped
  • 1/2 c. jicama, chopped
  • 1 tsp. brown sugar
  • 1 tsp. fresh lime juice
  • 1 tsp. chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 Tbsp. shredded coconuts

Directions:

Combine all ingredients except coconut in a large bowl and toss well to mix. Top with coconut just before serving. Makes about 4 servings.

Breakfast Panini

Breakfast_Panini_WB

Prep Time: 5 min | Total Time: 10 min | Serves: 2

Ingredients

Directions

Preheat panini press.

If adding pancetta to your sandwich, place pancetta slices in panini press and cook about 3 minutes or until crispy. Remove from press and set aside.

To assemble the paninis, add a tablespoon of pesto on the top inside slice of each sandwich. Add the eggs to the bottom slice of bread. Top the egg with arugula, pancetta, and a layer of roasted red pepper. Top the sandwich with the pesto bread slice and place into the panini press for about 5 minutes or until slightly crispy and golden.

Vegetarian Recipes

Two Vegetarian Recipes You Will Actually Want to Make

Jeff’s Naturals Imported Non-Pareil Capers, Main Dishes, Organic Kalamata Olives, Roasted Bell Peppers, Sun-Ripened Dried Tomatoes, , , , , , , , , ,

Summer is coming and that means our selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables are even better! We all know there is overwhelming evidence that people who follow a diet high in fruits and vegetables tend to enjoy benefits such as lower blood pressure, lower risk of death, lower chance of life threatening disease (i.e. cancer, heart disease, diabetes), and a much lower risk of obesity.

The more simple and delicious meat-free recipes you can learn the better off your diet will be in the long run.

Here are two recipes that you will actually enjoy vegging out on:

Zucchini Ribbons with Kalamata Olives & Sundried Tomatoes

unnamed
INGREDIENTS
2/3 cup fresh ricotta
1 fresh lemon, zested and juiced
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced on mandolin
2 shallots, thinly sliced on mandolin
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper chili flake
5 medium zucchini, thinly sliced on mandolin
½ cup julienned Jeff’s Naturals Sun-Ripened Dried Tomatoes, drained with some oil reserved.
½ cup Jeff’s Naturals Organic Pitted Whole Greek Kalamata Olives, drained and rough chopped
Salt and freshly ground pepper

PREPARATION
In a small mixing bowl, combine the ricotta with the lemon juice and zest and set aside.

In a large skillet on medium high heat, add the olive oil and heat until hot. Add the garlic, shallots and chili flake and cook 5-7 minutes or until onions and garlic are softened.

Add the zucchini, season with salt and pepper, and toss frequently for about 5 minutes until zucchini is tender. Turn heat off and add the ricotta, sundried tomatoes and kalamata olives. Toss to mix.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with a little sundried tomato oil drizzled over the top.

Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini, Capers & Peppers

unnamed
1 large cauliflower, trimmed and cut into florets
3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
2 tablespoons Jeff’s Naturals Imported Non-Pareil Capers, drained
½ cup diced Jeff’s Naturals Roasted Bell Pepper Strips, drained
Tahini sauce
½ cup tahini
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 clove garlic, pressed or minced
½ cup water
PREPARATION
Preheat oven to 500ºF

Toss cauliflower with olive oil. Season with S & P, toss again. Roast at 500ºF for about 15 minutes or until slightly charred and tender. Check the cauliflower frequently and stir on the sheet tray to get even roasting.

Remove cauliflower from oven, and place in a mixing bowl. Toss with capers, red peppers and add enough tahini sauce to thoroughly coat the cauliflower. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.

Great served hot or room temperature.

Jeff's Peperoncini & Sun-Dried Tomato Guacamole

Five Fabulous Cinco De Mayo Dishes to Make With Jeff’s Naturals

Appetizers, Cocktails, Main Dishes, Recipes, , , , , , ,

With Cinco de Mayo just a couple of weeks away, we thought it would be fun to share Five FABULOUS Southwest/Mexican inspired recipes you can make with Jeff’s Naturals products in your pantry!

Cinco de Mayo’s the perfect opportunity to craft  a menu with a little heat to it (and an assortment of delicious drinks to wash it down)! These five easy and delicious recipes made with Jeff’s Naturals Non-GMO products are bound to have your guests chanting “mas mas mas!”

NEW! Turkey Chili Burritos

Turkey Chili Burrito

Prep Time: 15min | Total Time: 45min | Serves: 8

Ingredients

Directions

In a large skillet, over medium high heat, stir turkey, garlic, olive oil, bell pepper and onion, breaking turkey apart, until juices evaporate and turkey meat is lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Add the chili powder, ground cumin and pepper.  Stir and cook 2 minutes. Then add the marinara sauce, jalapenos, cilantro, and olives. Stir often, until flavors are blended, about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, stack flour tortillas and seal in foil. Bake in a 350° F oven, until hot in the center, about 7 minutes. To assemble each burrito, spoon the turkey mixture down the center of each tortilla. Top equally with hot sauce, cheese, lettuce and sour cream. Fold bottom, then sides of tortilla over filling to enclose. Hold to eat.

NEW! Mexican Nachos

Mexican Nachos

Prep Time: 10min | Total Time: 20min | Serves: 4

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces of tortilla chips
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican Cheese Blend
  • ¾ cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken
  • 1 cup Jeff’s Naturals Sliced Tamed Jalapeño Peppers
  • 1/3 cup sliced green onion
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup guacamole
  • ¼ cup Chili Pepper Spread

Directions

On a sheet pan, spread the chips out in an even layer.  Layer on the toppings and evenly sprinkle the cheese, beans, chicken, jalapenos and green onion over the chips.  Bake about 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.  Remove from oven and top with sour cream, guacamole and chili pepper spread.  Serve immediately.

CLASSIC: Jalapeño Lime Margarita

JALAPENO LIME MARGARITA

Prep time: 5mins.   Total Time: 5 mins.   Serves: 6

Ingredients:

Directions:

Combine 4-6 cups of Ice, 1 (12 oz.) can frozen limeade concentrate, 1 cup tequila and ¼ cup of triple sec into a blender and blend until smooth. Add a splash of Sliced Tamed™ Jalapeño Pepper brine to taste and blend again. Pour into a glass rimmed with salt and garnish with a lime wedge and jalapeño ring.

NEW! Peperoncini & Sun-Ripened Dried Tomatoe Guacamole

Guacamole

Ingredients

Directions:

In a large mixing bowl, mash the avocado with a fork. Stir in the peperoncini, tomatoes, onion and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Great served with pita chips for a fun twist!

FAVORITE: Black Bean & Roasted Red Pepper Salsa

Black Bean & Roasted Red Pepper Salsa

Prep Time: 10min | Total Time: 35min | Serves: 4

Ingredients

Directions:

Drain and 1-½ jars of Jeff’s Naturals Roasted Bell Pepper Strips and chop.

In a large mixing bowl, toss red peppers with all other ingredients. Refrigerate for 25 minutes and serve.

Three Recipes for a Delicious Easter Dinner

Main Dishes, Recipes, , , , , , , ,

Easter’s the perfect time of the year to spend a moment together with loved ones and converse over a delicious, well-cooked meal. When you’re hosting, however, it can be very easy to feel overwhelmed with preparations.

Let us take some of the weight off your shoulders with these easy-to-prepare, healthy, succulent recipes made with Jeff’s Naturals line of all natural Mediterranean products).

Encrusted Salmon with Olive Pesto

Encrusted-Salmon-with-Olive-Pesto

Prep Time: 10 min  |  Total Time: 25 min  |  Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

For the Pesto:

  • 3/4 c. Jeff’s Naturals™ Whole Pitted Kalamata Olives
  • 1 c. Italian fresh parsley leaves
  • 1/3 c. basil leaves
  • 2 tsp. crushed garlic
  • 1/2 c. + 1 tsp. extra virgin olive oil (divided)
  • 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • 1/3 c. toasted pine nuts
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Salmon:

  • 6 salmon 5 oz. each
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • Lemon wedges for garnish

Directions:

Place all pesto ingredients in food processor and blend until thoroughly mixed into a textured pesto sauce.

Season 5 oz. salmon with salt and pepper. Drizzle roasting pan with olive oil and place salmon over it.

Spread pesto on the salmon and roast in oven at 375° F for about 10 to 12 minutes.

Squeeze fresh lemon on salmon just before serving.

Chef Notes: Also very good for sea bass, grilled steak, grilled shrimp and grilled chicken. Use as a spread on toasted bread topped with Jeff’s Naturals Roasted Bell Peppers Strips and goat cheese.

Peperoncini Potato Salad

Peperoncini Potato Salad

Prep Time:  5min | Total Time: 25min | Serves: 4

Ingredients

Directions:

Place washed potatoes into a pot with cold water, season with salt so it tastes “salty like the sea” and bring water to a boil on high heat. Cook potatoes until they are easily pierced with the tip of a knife, about 15 minutes.

Drain and rinse under cool water. Cut potatoes into bite size pieces and place into a medium sized mixing bowl. Add the peperoncini, capers, zest and parsley. Drizzle on the olive oil and gently toss to combine. Add a tablespoon or two of the peperoncini brine for some added “zing”. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.

Spring Spinach Salad with Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives

Recipe: Spring Spinach Salad with Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives

Prep Time: 20 min | Total Time: 30 min | Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

For the Salad:

For the Dressing:

  • 2/3 c. extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp. crushed garlic
  • 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
  • 3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp. lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Cook bacon, drain and set aside to cool. Chop blue cheese stuffed olives crosswise, into rounds. Slice apple into 1/2-inch by 1/2-inch pieces. Chop bacon. Combine all ingredients with spinach.

Combine all dressing ingredients and whisk until combined, and drizzle over salad. Serve immediately.

Three Easy Comfort Food Recipes

Main Dishes, , , ,

You know what they say about March.  “In like a lion, out like a lamb”.  We thought this would be a good time to share some of our favorite comfort food recipes to get you through these last few weeks of winter.

Here are some recipes for those days when you just want to feel a little nostalgic while eating a meal that almost rivals the ones mom used to make.

Mediterranean Pot Roast

Recipe: Mediterranean Pot Roast

Prep Time: 10 min. | Total Time: 4-6 hrs. | Serves: 8-10

Ingredients

Directions

Season all sides of the pot roast liberally with salt and pepper.

In a large Dutch oven or slow cooker, add the onions, garlic, bay leaves, and wine.  Next sprinkle in the Italian seasoning.  Lay the pot roast in and add the peperoncini, red bell peppers, artichoke hearts, and sundried tomatoes.  Add enough broth to cover everything in the pot.

Cook either in a 325º F oven or in a slowcooker on medium for approximately 4-6 hours or until fork tender.  If vegetables begin to get too soft before meat is fork tender, remove vegetables from sauce and continue to cook the meat only until done. (At this point the sauce can be degreased, finished and served or it can be put into the refrigerator overnight to let the fat harden for easy removal the following day.)

Pour the sauce into a saucepan and place on the stove on medium heat.  In a small bowl combine the cornstarch and mix some hot cooking liquid in to create a smooth paste.  Add cornstarch slurry to sauce and stir/whisk until smooth.  Let the sauce simmer to thicken for a few minutes until desired consistency is reached.  Re-season with salt and pepper to taste if necessary.

To serve, place the shredded meat, veggies and sauce over egg noodles, cheesy grits, creamy polenta, or mashed potatoes.

Grownup Spicy Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

 Grownup-Spicy-Grilled-Cheese-Sandwiches

Prep Time: 10min  |  Total Time: 20 min  |  Serves: 4

Ingredients

Directions:

In Milan, toasted cheese sandwiches are a popular gourmet treat. The cheese is laid over the artisan bread and then topped with olives, roasted peppers and herbs. The sandwich is closed, pressed tightly and browned on both sides with olive oil. This easy to make recipe is perfect for anyone in a time crunch.

Mix the sliced olives and sliced roasted red peppers in a bowl with the garlic and cilantro or green onion. Sprinkle 4 slices of bread with half of the cheese and then top with pepper/olive mixture. Apply the remaining cheese as another layer. Top with a second piece of bread and press together.

Use a Panini press or heat the olive oil in a skillet and gently brown the sandwiches, turning once or twice as the cheese melts and holds the bread together. Some of the cheese will ooze out and crisp in the skillet, which is delicious, even if it browns slightly.

Place sandwiches on a napkin lined plate to absorb the excess cooking oils. Serve hot.

Jalapeño Cornbread

Jalapeño Cornbread

Prep Time: 10 min |  Total Time: 25 min  | Serves: 8

Ingredients

  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 c. buttermilk
  • ½ c. whole milk
  • 4 tsp. butter, melted
  • 2/3 c. Jeff’s Naturals Diced Tamed™ Jalapeño Peppers, drained
  • ½ c. all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ c. corn meal
  • 1 ½ tsp. baking powder
  • ½ tsp. baking soda
  • 2 Tbsp. cilantro, finely chopped
  • ½ tsp. salt

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425°F. In one bowl, mix eggs, buttermilk, milk and butter. Stir in jalapeños.

In another bowl, mix flour, corn meal, baking powder, baking soda, cilantro and salt.

Fold wet mixture into dry mixture. Pour into a buttered baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes.

Rest and allow corn bread to cool. Cut into squares or wedges and serve with butter or a black pepper-flavored honey.