All posts by Jeff's Naturals

veggielovingmom

How to Build A Super Salad

Salads, Tips, , , , , , , , , ,

Screen Shot 2015-05-27 at 5.50.38 PM
If you’re like most people, chances are you could use more veggies in your diet. Eating a healthy, nutrient rich, low-cal salad is not only good for you, it can be completely satisfying if you add the right ingredients. In honor of National Salad month, we encourage you to punch it up and wake up your palette with these healthy salad tips.

Be inspired and be healthy!

Step One: More Leafy Greens Please!

Today show nutritionist Joy Bauer says to choose a base for your salad that provides important nutrients like folic acid and lutein. “Give up the iceberg for mesclun greens, baby spinach, or a spring mix that includes a variety of dark green lettuces”, she says in her post, 5 Tips for Building a Healthier Salad.

Instead of adding cheese, add sliced peperonicnis or jalapeño stuffed olives.

Step Two: Get colorful and creative with fruits, vegetables and herbs!

Pile on as many vegetables as possible. The more seasonal and local your vegetables are, the better (think Farmers Markets). Summer is the perfect time to indulge in a multitude of fresh seasonal fruits, veggies and herbs. When making your salad, go for different textures and tastes. You can also use leftovers you find in the fridge (like grilled veggies- YUM) and many pantry staples like olives, peppers, artichoke hearts, and more.

 

Step Three: Add Protein

In her post, Joy Bauer also recommends adding protein to your salad for a satisfying meal.

“If you’re opting for animal protein, select one lean source (or two if you’re extra-hungry), such as four egg whites or three ounces of skinless chicken or turkey breast, water-packed chunk light tuna, wild salmon, or lean sirloin steak. If you’re vegetarian or just want to mix it up, choose half a cup of cubed tofu or three-quarters of a cup of chickpeas, kidney beans, pinto beans, or other legumes”.

Step Four: Add some additional toppings for extra flavor!

Greek Salad
These are the items that can take your salad to the next level, but have the potential to pack in too much fat and calories if you aren’t careful. Toppings like chopped nuts, seeds, shredded cheese, croutons, dried cranberries or raisins, and salad dressings are fantastic on salads, but should be used sparingly. For less fat and more flavor in your meals, think about adding something spicy to your salad.

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.
  • 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 Pepperoncini 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.

photo credit: Pear Dried Cranberries and Candied Pecan Salad via photopin (license)

Top  photo by @veggielovingmom on Instagram http://ow.ly/zZgcj

Fresh New Recipes Featuring Jeff’s Naturals Capers

Jeff’s Naturals Imported Non-Pareil Capers, Recipes, Uncategorized, , , , , , ,

Capers

Our featured recipes this month showcase what we believe to be the unsung heroes of the culinary world, Non-Pareil Capers. 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!

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. Here are three fresh ideas for you to enjoy:

Jeff’s Naturals Imported Non-PareilCapers

#1 Smoked Salmon & Caper Crepes

The salty, slightly briny flavor our our Capers pairs perfectly with smoked salmon and dill. This gourmet dish is simple to create for brunch or dinner.

smoked_salmon_caper_crepe_webINGREDIENTS
Crepe Batter:
1 c. flour
2 eggs
6 Tbsp. melted butter (plus more for coating pan)
1 ½ c. whole milk
½ c. ricotta
¾ c. whipped cream cheese1 lemon, zested and juiced
1 Tbsp. fresh dill, chopped
8 oz. smoked salmon
4 oz. Jeff’s Naturals Imported Non-Pareil Capers
½ sm. Red onion, thinly sliced

PREPARATION
Add all crepe ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. In a large non-stick sauté pan on medium-high heat, add just enough butter to coat the pan. Slowly pour in crepe batter while holding pan off the heat and swirling the crepe batter in a circular motion to get a thin layer of batter on the bottom of the sauté pan. Cook for about 1 ½ minutes or until loosened from the bottom of the pan and lightly browned. Flip the crepe and cook another minute until lightly browned. Remove from pan and place on plate and continue process until batter is gone.

In a small mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, cream cheese, lemon juice and zest, and dill. Season with cracked pepper.

To assemble the crepes, spread a small amount of the cheese and dill mixture over one half of the crepe. Add a thin layer of smoked salmon on top of half of the cheese, generously sprinkle with capers, add thinly sliced onion and fold crepe into quarters and serve.

#2 Baked Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Capers, and Mozzarella

Combine Jeff’s Naturals capers and sundried tomatoes with chicken and mozzarella for 25 minutes for a quick weeknight meal the whole family will love.

baked_chicken_with_sundried_tomatoes_and_artichoke_riceINGREDIENTS
2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
1/4 c. Jeff’s Naturals Sun-Ripened Dried Tomatoes, julienned
1/2 Tbsp. Crushed Garlic
1/4 c. Jeff’s Naturals Imported Non-Pareil Capers
1/2 c. mozzarella cheese, grated
1 c. bread crumbs, seasoned

PREPERATION
Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound them with a bottom of a skillet until thin. Layer the sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and capers along the center of the breasts and top with the mozzarella. Fold one side of the breast over the filling and roll into a long tube, secure with a toothpick.

Season the chicken with salt and pepper and coat with the bread crumbs and bake in an oven-proof dish for 20 to 25 minutes at 350°F; cook until the chicken is no longer pink. Allow the chicken to cool for 2 to 3 minutes before slicing or cutting in half.

#3 Rigatoni with Savory Puttanesca Sauce

Capers and red wine bring out the natural flavors of tomatoes and artichoke hearts and herbs in this classic Mediterranean recipe.
Rigatoni_with_Puttanesca_Sauce_croppedINGREDIENTS
12 oz. rigatoni, uncooked
1 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 Tbsp. crushed garlic
1 Tbsp. oregano
2 jars (6.5 oz. each) Artichoke Hearts, drained
1 tsp. anchovy paste
2 c. (28 oz. can) tomatoes
2 Tbsp. Jeff’s Naturals Imported Non-PareilCapers
1/2 c. dry red wine
1/2 c. Jeff’s Naturals Organic Sliced Greek Kalamata Olives
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
1/2 c. parsley, chopped (optional)

PREPARATION
Cook rigatoni in boiling water for 10 minutes or until tender. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan. Add onion and garlic and cook until the onion is tender. Add oregano and artichoke hearts and anchovy paste, stir for one minute. Add tomatoes, capers and red wine and stir to break up the tomatoes into large pieces. Bring to boil, and then reduce heat to simmer.

Cover and cook over low heat for 15 minutes. Add olives and red pepper flakes. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes more.

Can’t get enough caper recipes? Pin or print out some of these!

photo credit: bagel and lox with capers : castro, san francisco (2014) via photopin (license)

Simple Ways to Treat Yourself with Garlic Stuffed Olives & Spicy Italian Olive Antipasto

Appetizers, Garlic Stuffed Olives, Recipes, , , , , , , , ,

Jeff's Naturals Garlic Olives Antipasto

April is National Garlic Month, so we are highlighting some of our favorite ways to enjoy Jeff’s Naturals Garlic Stuffed Olives & Spicy Italian Olive Antipasto! Each delectable olive is hand stuffed with locally grown garlic of California, typically within 48 hours of harvest. The quality, consistency and addictive nature of these olives are unrivaled.  Learn more about the farm to table story of our garlic.

Simple serving Ideas for Jeff’s Naturals Garlic Stuffed Olives & Spicy Italian Olive Antipasto

  • Toss Spicy Italian Olive Antipasto into a salad with a delicious vinaigrette made by whisking a bit of it’s marinade with extra virgin olive oil.
Recipe: Rainbow Chard with Garlic Stuffed Olives
Recipe: Rainbow Chard with Garlic Stuffed Olives –Click here for recipe.
Recipe: Artichoke-Green Olive Tapenade
Artichoke and Green Olive Tapenade- Click here for recipe.
Jeff's Naturals Bloody Mary
Jeff’s Naturals Bloody Mary-Click here for recipe.

For more inspiration and to learn more about our products, please visit our recipe page.

Ten Fantastic Ideas For Your Cinco de Mayo Fiesta

Recipes, Tips, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Jeff's Naturals Cinco de Mayo Recipes

Sweet, sweet Cinco de Mayo! This festive holiday is a celebration of Mexican heritage and culture, but it is perhaps the wonderful Mexican cuisine that makes Cinco de Mayo such a favorite among foodies. What’s not to love about spicy dips & chips, margaritas, enchiladas, tacos and more?

Here’s a few of our favorite serving ideas using Jeff’s Naturals Products to help you plan the most fantastic Cinco de Mayo fiesta yet!

#1 Margarita Party Plate

Ingredients:
Jalapeño Stuffed Olives
Pepper Jack Cheese
Smoked Cheddar Cheese
Sliced Hot Cherry Peppers
Garlic Stuffed Olives
Spicy Italian Olive Antipasto

Accompaniments:
*Jalapeño Guacamole, Tortilla Chips,*Black Bean & Roasted Red Pepper Salsa, *Spicy Queso Dip, Cumin-roasted almonds, Fresh Lime Juice Margaritas, *Jalapeño Mangoritas
*Recipe below

#2 Watermelon Jalapeño Margaritas

Watermelon Jalapeño Margaritas

In a blender, puree 5 cups of seedless watermelon cubes and strain juice through a fine wire mesh sieve. Discard any pulp and seed remnants.

In a large pitcher, stir together watermelon juice, 1 cup silver tequila, ½ cup of Cointreau (you could also use triple sec), and ¼-½ cup of fresh lime juice. Add a splash of Sliced Tamed™ Jalapeño brine to taste and stir to combine. Keep cold until ready to use.

In a shallow dish, combine 3 tbsp. of kosher salt and 1 tsp. of chili powder.

To prepare the margaritas, rim each glass with the chili powder mixture by wetting the rim of the glass with Cointreau and dipping in the chili and salt. Pour the watermelon margarita over ice and serve with a garnish of watermelon cubes and jalapeño slices. Serves: 4-6

#3 Jalapeño Guacamole

Jalapeño Guacamole

Combine the following ingredients in a large bowl and mix thoroughly: 1-1/2 lbs. firm, ripe avocados, peeled, pitted and diced, 1/3 c. Jeff’s Naturals™ Diced Jalapeño Peppers, 1 Tbsp. of salsa, 4 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice, ¼ tsp. ground cumin, ¼ tsp. crushed garlic and Salt and pepper to taste.

Add more salsa to suit spiciness level. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve with tortilla chips as an appetizer, or top off your favorite Mexican dishes. Serves: 6-8
Click here for original recipe.

#4 Black Bean & Roasted Red Pepper Salsa

Black Bean & Roasted Red Pepper Salsa

Drain and 1 1/2 jars of Jeff’s Naturals Roasted Bell Pepper Strips and chop. In a large mixing bowl, toss red peppers with 1 can of  black beans (drained and rinsed), 1/2 cup of minced red onion, 3 Tbsp of fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup of Virgin Olive Oil, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 Tbsp minced green onions (including tops), 1 Tbsp. Jeff’s Naturals Sliced Tamed Jalapeños, 1 tsp. crushed garlic and 1 tsp. salt. Refrigerate for 25 minutes and serve.

#5 Jalapeño Mangorita

Jeff's Naturals Jalapeño Mangorita

Fill a rock glass ¾ full with ice. Add 1 ½ oz. of tequila and fill with mango juice leaving just enough room for the juice of ½ lime, and a splash of Sliced Tamed™ Jalapeño brine. Stir to combine and serve with a lime wedge and slice of jalapeno. Serves: 1
Click here for original recipe.

#6 Macho Nachos

Recipe: Macho Nachos

Preheat oven to 450º F. Spoon 8 oz. light sour cream onto a large, shallow dish, spreading evenly. Top with 1-½ cup of rinsed black beans, ½ jar Jeff’s Naturals Sliced Hot Cherry Peppers (drained) and ½ jar Jeff’s Naturals Diced Tamed Jalapeños (also drained).

Place tortilla chips around edge of plate, lodging them firmly into the dip. Sprinkle entire plate with 1 cup of queso fresco and ½ cup of cheddar cheese. Heat in the oven for five minutes, or until cheese has melted.

Sprinkle with diced roma tomatoes, avocado and scallions on top of beans. Top with a dollop of sour cream to garnish. Serve with remaining bag of tortilla chips. Serves: 8
Click here for original recipe.

#7 Jalapeño Lime Margarita

Jalapeño Lime Margarita

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 Diced Tamed™ Jalapeño Pepper brine to taste and blend again. Pour into a rimmed glass with salt and garnish with a lime wedge and jalapeño ring. Serves: 6

#8 Spicy Queso Dip

Spicy Queso Dip

In a medium saucepan melt ¼ cup of butter over medium-high heat. Add ¼ cup of flour and cook, stirring constantly, until the roux is pale yellow and frothy, about 1-2 minutes. Do not allow the roux to brown. Slowly whisk in 2 cups of whole milk and continue to whisk until the sauce thickens and comes to a boil, about 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce the heat and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.

Stir in 4 cups of shredded Mexican blend cheese, one cup at a time, and whisk until melted. Next, stir in the 1 c. Jeff’s Naturals™ Diced Tamed Jalapeño Peppers (drained with brine reserved) and 1 cup of drained and roughly chopped Jeff’s Naturals™ Roasted Bell Pepper Strips. If the sauce seems too thick, thin with some of the jalapeno brine or milk until you achieve the desired consistency. Serve with tortilla chips. Serves: 6-8
Click here for original recipe.

#9 Spice-it-up Jalapeño Martini

Pour 3 oz.of vodka and a splash of dry vermouth with 2 oz. Jeff’s Naturals Sliced Tamed Jalapeños brine into a martini shaker with ice. Shake at least 30 seconds and pour into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with 2-3 Jalapeño Stuffed Olives and enjoy!
Click here for original recipe.

#10 Creamy Jalapeño Dip

Recipe: Creamy Jalapeño Dip

Mix together, 1/4 cup mayo, 1/2 cup cream cheese, 1/2 cup sour cream, 2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup Jeff’s Naturals Diced Tamed Jalapeños, 1/2 Tbsp. fresh chopped parsley and salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste. Add jalapeño brine to taste as well. Serve warm or cold with crackers or a sliced baguette. Serves: 8
Click here for original recipe.

Garlic

From Local Farms to Your Table- The Story Behind Jeff’s Naturals Garlic Stuffed Olives

Garlic Stuffed Olives, Local, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , ,
Garlic
April is National Garlic Month!

Throughout history, garlic has been utilized all over the world for its medicinal purposes and unique flavor. It’s versatility makes it a staple in everything from Asian to Mediterranean to Southwestern cuisine. In honor of National Garlic Month, we thought this would be a great time to give our garlic some due recognition.

If you have ever tried one of our Garlic Stuffed Olives, you’d understand why it’s a favorite among our consumers. The quality, consistency and addictive nature of these large, buttery olives hand stuffed with plump and savory cloves of garlic are simply unrivaled.

They can be enjoyed as a snack right out of the jar or used to garnish a bountiful Bloody Mary,  add flavor to your salad,  perk up a morning omelet and so much more!

From Farm to Table- The Story of Our Garlic

Garlic-Stuffed-OlivesWhere does our garlic come from?
The garlic used in Jeff’s Naturals Garlic Stuffed Olives is sourced from local family run farms in Gilroy (also known as the “Garlic Capitol of the World”) and Bakersfield, California.

Why do we only use locally grown California garlic?
Garlic from California is simply better. The mild climate near the coast in California is perfect for growing garlic (preferable over the garlic from China), and our consumers get a much fresher product with more flavor.

How many pounds of garlic does Jeff’s Naturals use every year?
Our materials manager estimates we currently use about 15,000 pounds of garlic each year, and hope to double that number in the coming years!

When is the garlic harvested?
The garlic harvest season is July through September.

What happens to the garlic once it is harvested?
Since we harvest during the hot summer months, the garlic is brought in to special cooling rooms immediately after harvesting in the field (garlic needs to be cooled or else it will spoil in the heat). Once the garlic is cooled, it is peeled and placed in boxes before it is loaded onto refrigerated trucks where it stays fresh as it is transported to our Napa Valley production facility.

How long does will it take to make our Garlic Stuffed Olives?
The entire process usually happens within 48 hours of harvest. Once the garlic arrives, we almost immediately begin the process of handstuffing stuffing the olives (sourced from family farms in the Mediterranean) before we put them into jars and ship them to your local natural foods store for you enjoy.

Jeff's Naturals Garlic

Now that you know the story behind our fresh garlic, click here for simple serving ideas to help you enjoy Jeff’s Naturals Garlic Stuffed Olives and Spicy Italian Olive Antipasto even more!

photo credit: garlic via photopin (license)

photo credit: IMG_8297 viphotopa in (license)

Easter Entertaining Tips

Easter Entertaining Made Easy!

Uncategorized, , , , , , ,

 

Everyone has their own way of celebrating spring holiday traditions such as Easter and Passover, but when it comes to holiday gatherings, we can all agree that delicious food is a must!

Jeff’s Garden wants to help simplify your springtime holiday entertaining! If you are celebrating Passover, the following products are manufactured under stringent kosher supervision and are  KSA Kosher certified:

Jeff’s Garden ™ Roasted Bell Pepper Strips
Jeff’s ™ Garden Roasted Bell Peppers & Caramelized Onions
Jeff’s Garden™ Sliced Hot Cherry Peppers
Jeff’s Garden™ Diced Tamed™ Jalapeño Peppers
Jeff’s Garden™ Sliced Tamed™ Jalapeños
Jeff’s NGarden™ Sliced Golden Greek Peperoncini
Jeff’s Garden™ Whole Golden Greek Peperoncini
Jeff’s Garden™ Imported Non-Pareil Capers
Jeff’s Garden Sun-Ripened Dried Tomatoes

Here are some helpful tips and serving ideas for easy Easter Sunday celebrations.
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Easter Sunday Brunch

Amazing Appetizers

Easter Dinner Sides

 

photo credit: yum deviled eggs via photopin (license)

Jalapeño Mangorita Madness & Natural Products Expo West

Company News, , , , , ,
Expo West
Jeff greets Expo West attendees there to sample from our world famous olive bar.

 

Like all good things, Natural Products Expo West 2015 is history!  But the memories and the new friends we made will last a lifetime! With an estimated 60,000+ attendees and 3000+ exhibits, Natural Products Expo West is the world’s largest trade show for the natural, organic and healthy products industry.    The annual event showcases the newest products in natural and specialty foods, organic, health and beauty, natural living, supplements and pet products.

Jeff and the rest of our team had a magnificent time chatting with folks and sharing samples from our world famous olive bar and other delicious appetizers.

Expo West

Our Jalapeño Mangoritas made with Lakewood Organic Mango Blend Juice, and Tillen Farms Bada Bing Cherries, and of course Jeff’s Naturals sliced Tamed Jalapeños were a huge hit with the crowd!  To complement our cocktail we served hummus generously laced with Jeff’s Naturals Diced Tamed Jalapenos, and a blue corn tortilla chip to scoop it up.

Expo West

Expo West

We enjoyed seeing some of our favorite retailers including Whole Foods, Moscow Co-op, Natural Grocers, Sunrise Natural Foods, Vita Cost and many others. There were lots of new products to see and to try, foods, supplements, health and beauty products, you name it. We also loved visiting La Terra Fina for their chips, dips and beer bash, snacked on Bakery on Main’s new Granola Crunch, and enjoyed ice cream treats from the Double Rainbow booth across the aisle.

A special thanks goes to the great organizers from Natural Products Expo for making this event such a success!

Counting Down to Expo West 2015!

Company News, Non-GMO, , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Natural Products Expo
The Jeff’s Naturals team were all smiles at Natural Products Expo West last year.

As members of the growing natural products community, we always look forward to our annual trek to Anaheim, CA for Natural Products Expo West, the world’s largest trade show for the natural, organic and healthy products industry. The Jeff’s Naturals team cannot wait to connect with the thousands of attendees looking for the newest and most innovative natural, organic, and healthy lifestyle products the weekend of March 5–7, 2015.

“At last year’s Expo West event, it was quite noticeable that the non-GMO movement is really taking hold and influencing the food choices consumers make,” says Irene Fay, the Natural Channel Sales Manager for Jeff’s Naturals. “We are proud to be among the exhibitors that are non-GMO certified. In fact, people flocked to our booth last year just to sample our products. Nice to see so many olive and pepper lovers out there!”

Bloody Mary Bar Jeff's Naturals
Jeff’s Naturals joined Lakewood Juices and Tillen Farms to host a very popular Bloody Mary Bar at the 2014 Natural Products Expo West event.

If you have never been to Expo West, it is quite the experience! Our Bloody Mary Bar from last year’s event was such a hit, that we have decided to reunite with Lakewood Juices and Tillen Farms to host another special cocktail hour (for attendees 21 and up) at the 2015 event!

We hope you will visit the Lakewood Juices Booth, #2816, and the Tillen Farms Booth, #2673.  Then, be sure to stop by the Jeff’s Naturals Booth, #4144, on Saturday, March 7th from 12 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. for some fun Jalapeno Mangorita Madness!!

Screen Shot 2015-02-23 at 1.37.31 PM

ABOUT NATURAL PRODUCTS EXPO WEST
Natural Products Expo West is the premier trade show for the natural, organic and healthy products industry. With an estimated 60,000+ attendees and 3000+ exhibits it is also the largest. The annual event showcases the newest products in natural and specialty foods, organic, health and beauty, natural living, supplements and pet products. To learn more, visit expowest.com.

Try Samples of Jeff’s Naturals Olives at PCC Natural Markets this Month!

Featured Retailers, , , , , , , , , , ,

Nourish Everyone Around Your Table With Wholesome Foods from PCC Natural Markets

Photo courtesy of PCC Natural Markets - Fremont
Photo courtesy of PCC Natural Markets – Fremont


Businesses that are owned and operated by a group of individuals for their mutual benefit, a.k.a. co­‐ops, are commonly recognized as a force for positive economic and social change throughout the world. We are proud that consumers can find Jeff’s Naturals products in food cooperatives across the United States,  including PCC Natural Markets.

Puget Consumers’ Co-op (PCC) is a certified organic co-op with 10 stores in the Seattle and Puget Sound area, specializing in all-natural foods. As the demand for natural foods continues to increase, organizations like PCC continue to evolve to accommodate more families.  In fact, what began as a small food-buying club in 1953 has grown into the largest consumer-owned natural food retail co-operative in the United States.

PCC Natural Markets is more than just a business. It is a growing group of individuals who strive to educate its members about food and environmental issues, and create a marketplace for organically grown foods.

We understand why more consumers value the options offered at natural-products stores. Our natural line of olives, peppers and specialty items were developed to meet the needs of health conscious individuals searching for more natural alternatives free of preservatives, sulfites and GMOs.

This month, PCC Natural Markets has been offering taste samples to shoppers in various stores to try our stuffed Olives. If you are in the greater Seattle area, we hope you will stop by these locations to try them out for yourself!

Greenlake Aurora PCC 2/17 11:30-3:30
View Ridge 2/24 11:30-3:30

Featured Natural Foods Store: Lamb’s Nature’s Choice Market

Featured Retailers, Local, Non-GMO, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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We know that everyone loves to find a great sale or bargain, so we are happy to let you know that Jeff’s Naturals is part of the It’s Only Natural sale at Lamb’s Nature’s Choice Market stores during the month of February!

That means that this is the perfect time for consumers to stock up and save up to 25% off of their favorite Jeff’s Naturals items at all Lamb’s Markets!

Jeff's Naturals
This is the time to stock up on Jeff’s Naturals!

Castelvetrano Olives

Lamb’s Nature’s Choice Market operates a number of independently managed food stores in the Pacific Northwest including

  • Nature’s Choice Market in Lake Oswego, OR
  • Garden Home in Portland, OR
  • Stroheckers in Portland, OR
  • Nature’s Choice Market in Wilsonville, OR

Our all-natural line of Mediterranean pantry staples can be found in all the above Lamb’s Market stores and in addition to Cutsforth Marketplace Thriftway in Canby, OR and Shop n Kart in Chehalis, WA.

Consumers with food sensitivities and allergies will appreciate “Free From” at Lamb’s, an Allergen Awareness Program developed to help their customers find appropriate foods for their special dietary needs. The store even offers a Gluten Free store tours with a local Gluten Free Lifestyle expert who offers suggestions for replacing old favorites with new ones. For more information on Lamb’s Market, please visit www.lambsmarkets.net.

Jeff’s Naturals can be found in natural food stores all over the country. To find a store near you, try our new store locator.  You never know when you’ll find a great sale! Happy Shopping!

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Game Day

What’s On Your Game Day Menu?

Appetizers, Recipes, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Game Day FoodThe “Big Game” is coming up, are you ready? Millions of us will gather with family and friends on Sunday February 1st to watch a (hopefully) suspense-filled football game while enjoying tasty snacks and appetizers. If you are hosting, delicious appetizers are a must.

Chef Natalie, our “Chef in Residence” has been hard at working creating tasty party recipes using only the best ingredients. Click here to see our growing recipe collection of salads, soups, appetizers and entrees to delight your taste buds.

Score major points with these crowd pleasing appetizer dishes for your big bash using Jeff’s Naturals™ non-GMO products:

Spicy Queso Dip

¼ c. butter
¼ c. flour
2 c. whole milk
4 c. shredded Mexican blend cheese
1 c. Jeff’s Naturals Diced Tamed Jalapeño Peppers, drained with brine reserved
1 c. Jeff’s Naturals Roasted Bell Pepper Strips, drained and rough chopped
Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions:
In a medium saucepan melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until the roux is pale yellow and frothy, about 1-2 minutes. Do not allow the roux to brown.

Slowly whisk in the milk and continue to whisk until the sauce thickens and comes to a boil, about 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce the heat and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the cheese, one cup at a time, and whisk until melted. Next, stir in the jalapenos and roasted peppers. If the sauce seems too thick, thin with some of the jalapeno brine or milk until you achieve the desired consistency.

Great dip with chips or drizzled over broccoli or baked potatoes.

Creamy Jalapeño Dip

1/4 c. mayo
1/2 c. cream cheese
1/2 c. sour cream
2 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 c. Jeff’s Naturals™ Diced Tamed Jalapeños, add brine to taste as well
1/2 Tbsp. fresh chopped parsley
Salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste

Directions:
Mix all ingredients together. Serve warm or cold with crackers or a sliced baguette.

Grilled Pizza with Bacon, Blue Cheese and Caramelized Onion

1 favorite store bought frozen pizza dough (makes 2 small pizzas)
¼ c. extra virgin olive oil
½ c. Jeff’s Naturals™ Roasted Bell Peppers & Caramelized Onions
1 jar pizza sauce
½ c. bacon crumbles or cooked Italian sausage crumbles
½ c. blue cheese crumbles

Heat grill on high heat. When grill is heated, brush olive oil on grill grates, use half the pizza dough and roll out and stretch until desired thickness is achieved. Carefully lay dough onto oiled grill. Dough will start to bubble and char. After about 2-3 minutes, flip dough over and spoon on some pizza sauce. Evenly distribute peppers and onions. Sprinkle blue cheese and bacon crumbles on top. If adding olives, add those as well. Grill for about 2-3 minutes and slice and serve hot.

Cheese Stuffed Fried Green Olives

1 wedge of manchego cheese, or your favorite cheese
1 jar Jeff’s Naturals™ Whole Castelvetrano Olives, drained & pitted
1 c. flour
3 eggs, beaten
1-1/2 c. panko bread crumbs, ground finely
Vegetable or canola oil for frying

Cut the manchego cheese into small rectangle pieces so they’ll fill the hole of the olive. Place one cheese plug into the center of each olive. Prepare the breading station with 3 separate shallow bowls. Use one for flour, one for eggs, last one for panko. Drop the stuffed olives into the flour first, remove and gently shake off any excess, place into beaten eggs to coat, then drop into panko and roll around until fully covered with breadcrumbs.

Heat a few inches of oil in a saucepan to 350º F. Fry olives in small batches until golden brown in color. Remove with a slotted spoon and place olives onto a plate with paper towels to absorb the excess oil. Let sit for 5-10 minutes and serve warm.

Supreme Artichoke Dip

1 c. mozzarella cheese, shredded
½ c. parmesan cheese, shredded
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
¼ c. mayonnaise
2 jars marinated artichoke hearts, drained and rough chopped
1 tsp. minced garlic
½ Tbsp. Jeff’s Naturals™ Tamed Diced Jalapeno Peppers
¼ c. Jeff’s Naturals™ Roasted Bell Pepper Strips, drained and diced
Salt and Pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400º F. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients. Place into an 8×8 baking dish. Bake for about 15 minutes or until bubbly around the edges. Serve hot with pita chips or bread cubes for dipping.

Baked Jalapeño Stuffed Olive Cheddar Puffs

4 oz. butter (softened)
1 c. all purpose flour
2 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp hot sauce
1 Tbs water
1 jar Jeff’s Naturals® Jalapeno Stuffed Olives (drained)

In a mixing bowl, beat the butter with an electric mixer for several minutes. Add in the flour, cheese and spices. Mix for one minute, add the hot sauce and water and mix until combined. Transfer the dough to a piece of plastic wrap and flatten into a disk. Chill in the refrigerator for one hour.

Once the dough is chilled, scoop one tablespoon at a time. Press the dough flat in the palm of your hand. Place an olive in the center and wrap the dough around the olive and roll into a ball shape. Once wrapped, chill the balls for 10 minutes in the freezer.

In the meantime, preheat your oven to 400º F. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve this appetizer warm.

photo credit: runneralan2004 via photopin cc

5 Reasons to Follow a Mediterranean Diet in 2015

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Mediterranian Diet

Is eating healthier part of your plan for the New Year? Why not consider following a Mediterranean diet? Combined with physical activity, the Mediterranean diet could improve not only your health, but your overall quality of life!

A traditional Mediterranean diet consists of large quantities of fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, fish, whole grains, legumes, olive oil, and less red meat and dairy. Replace processed foods and refined sugars and flour with natural ingredients, and your body and taste buds will thank you.  Click here to see some of our wholesome Mediterranean recipes.

Here are 5 more reasons to consider switching!

1. More and more studies are linking the Mediterranean diet with disease prevention.
Numerous studies have linked the Mediterranean diet to reduced heart disease, Alzheimer’s, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and other conditions. Refined breads, processed foods, and red meat are discouraged in a Mediterranean diet, and it encourages drinking red wine instead of hard liquor, which have all been linked to heart disease and stroke prevention.

2. It’s Budget Friendly.
Not only is this way of eating good for your health, it’s good for your wallet too! If you stick with meals that emphasize vegetables, whole grains and legumes, you may discover that the Mediterranean diet to be less expensive than serving dishes with larger portions of meat, cheese, and processed foods.

3. It’s not just what you eat, HOW you eat your meals could make you healthier and reduce stress.
Though food choices play a large factor, you might enjoy adjusting your habits to reflect the Mediterranean lifestyle. Rather than rushing through your meals or eating in front of a television (or even worse, a car!); sit down for a relaxed, leisurely meal with others. It could be as important for your health as what’s on your plate.

4. Fewer cravings = weight loss.
A Mediterranean diet is rich in fiber, which makes you feel fuller longer by slowing down digestion. A fiber rich diet has also been shown to prevent huge swings in blood sugar, which can curb your appetite and reduce cravings for sweets and other processed foods.

5. It could help you age gracefully.
The nutrients and high levels of antioxidants associated with a Mediterranean diet may reduce the risk of developing muscle weakness and other signs of frailty. Researchers speculate that the Mediterranean diet may improve cholesterol and blood sugar levels and overall blood vessel health. When there is a reduction in developing heart disease or cancer, as in the case when you follow a Mediterranean diet, there is a 20% reduced risk of death at any age.

bell-pepper-harvest

Mediterranean products that have been enjoyed for generations are now available in an all-natural line. We, at Jeff’s Naturals,  are passionate about healthy eating and are pleased to offer a line of Mediterranean products that are free of preservatives, stablilizers, artificial colors, flavors and sulfites.  Click here to learn more about our 100% natural line of olives, peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, capers and more!

Article Sources:
www.hsph.harvard.edu
www.helpguide.org/life

photo credit: flippinyank via photopin cc

Five Savory Holiday Cocktail Recipes

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Fabulous Jeff’s Naturals Cocktail Recipes to Enjoy for the Holidays!

Cheese Stuffed Olives Martini

The holidays are a time for festivity, fun, and yes, libations!  We’re not saying everyone should consume adult beverages this holiday season, but if you do, drink responsibly and use only the best olives and garnishes.  These simple cocktail recipes and tips will go a long way to make your spirits bright. Playing bartender has never been easier!

Tips for Tasty Cocktails-

  • Always save your olive juice to “dirty” your Bloody Mary or cocktail.

Savory Martini

Peperontini

Recipes for Tasty Holiday Cocktails-

1. Spice-it-up Jalapeño Martini

3 oz. vodka
2 oz. Juice from jar of Jeff’s Naturals Sliced Tamed Jalapeños
Splash of dry vermouth
2-3 Jalapeño Stuffed Olives for garnish

Prep:
Pour liquor and jalapeño juice into a martini shaker with ice. Shake at least 30 seconds and pour into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with Jalapeño Stuffed Olives and enjoy!

2. All Natural Castelvetrano ‘tini

2 oz. dry gin or vodka
1 oz. dry vermouth
Ice
Jeff’s Naturals Castelvetrano Olives

Prep:
Place a cocktail glass in the freezer to chill. Combine the gin or vodka and vermouth in a shaker, fill halfway with ice, and stir or shake vigorously until well chilled, about 20 seconds. Strain into the chilled glass and garnish with castelvetrano olives

3. Jeff’s Savory Martini

3 sprigs rosemary (one inch in length)
3 Tbl. vermouth (or use juice of any Jeff’s Naturals Castelvetrano or Garlic Stuffed Olives)
5 oz. vodka or gin
Jeff’s Naturals Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives (for garnish)

Prep
Chill martini glasses in freezer for 15 minutes. Add one rosemary sprig to cocktail shaker and muddle to release oils. Add ice to shaker. Pour in vermouth and vodka or gin. Shake vigorously. Remove reserved rosemary leaves from the base of each sprig and thread with an olive or two. Remove glasses from freezer. Pour martini into glasses through a fine strainer, (this will insure no rosemary bits end up in the cocktail). Garnish with rosemary sprig and olives.

4. The Greek Peperontini

3 oz. gin (or vodka)
2 oz. Jeff’s Naturals Golden Greek Peperoncini brine
Splash of dry vermouth
Whole Golden Greek Peperoncini for garnish

Prep:
Pour liquor and peperoncini brine into a martini shaker with ice. Shake at least 30 seconds and pour into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a peperoncini or two and enjoy!

5.Jeff’s Naturals Bloody Mary

4 oz. Bloody Mary mix
1-½ oz. Vodka
Splash of your favorite hot sauce
Dash of Worcestershire sauce
Splash of brine from Jeff’s Naturals Olives or Peppers
Ice for serving
Assorted Jeff’s Naturals Peppers and Olives for garnish
1 celery stalk

Prep:
Stir Bloody Mary mix and Vodka together. Add a dash of hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and a splash of Jeff’s Naturals Olive or Pepper brine. Pour over ice in a highball glass. Garnish with your favorite Jeff’s Naturals Peppers and Olives. Finish with a stalk of celery.

Rules for T-Shirt Tuesday

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Official Rules for Jeff’s Naturals T-Shirt Tuesday Promotion

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN THIS PROMOTION. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING A PRIZE. ODDS OF WINNING WILL DEPEND ON THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ENTRIES RECEIVED. VOID IN PUERTO-RICO, ALL U.S. TERRITORIES AND POSSESSIONS AND WHERE PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED BY LAW. BY ENTERING THE PROMOTION, YOU, (“PARTICIPANT”) AGREE TO THESE OFFICIAL RULES, WHICH FORM A CONTRACT. WITHOUT LIMITATION, THIS CONTRACT INCLUDES INDEMNITY OBLIGATIONS ON THE PART OF PARTICIPANT AND A LIMITATION OF PARTICIPANT’S RIGHTS AND REMEDIES.

1. ELIGIBILITY: Jeff’s Naturals T-Shirt Tuesday (the “Promotion”) is open only to legal adult residents of the 50 United States and D.C., who are at least the legal age of majority in the state in which they reside (19 in NE and AL, 21 in MS and 18 in all other states) as of the date of entry. Employees of Jeff’s Naturals (hereinafter “Sponsor/Administrator”) and its parent and affiliate companies, as well as the immediate family (spouse, parents, siblings and children) and household members of each such household are not eligible. Participation constitutes Participant’s full and unconditional agreement to these Official Rules and Sponsor’s/Administrator’s decisions, which are final and binding in all matters related to the Promotion. Winning a prize is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements set forth herein. 2.

PROMOTION PERIOD: The Promotion begins on or about 12:00 PM PDT October 30, 2015 and ends at 11:59 PM PDT on January 30, 2015 (“Promotional Period”). Administrator’s computer is the official time-keeping device for the Sweepstakes.

3. HOW TO ENTER:.
VIA NEWSLETTER:
Sign up for the Jeff’s Naturals Newsletter by visiting http://bit.ly/1USQbmm.
Instructions on how to enter will be included in each monthly Newsletter.

VIA FACEBOOK:
If you are not already a member of Facebook, you can create an account at www.facebook.com; creating an account is free. Once you have a Facebook account, go to facebook.com/JeffsNaturals

There will be one (1) entry per household, per address. Multiple Participants are not permitted to share the same Facebook profile. Any attempt by any Participant to obtain more than the stated number of orders by using multiple/different profiles, identities, registrations and logins, or any other methods will void that Participant’s entry and that Participant may be disqualified. Use of any automated system to participate is prohibited and will result in disqualification. In the event of a dispute as to any registration, the authorized account holder of the Facebook profile used to register will be deemed to be the Participant. The authorized account holder is the natural person assigned an email address connected with the Facebook profile by an Internet access provider, online service provider or other organization responsible for assigning email addresses for the domain associated with the submitted address. Each potential recipient may be required to show proof of being the authorized account holder.

4. PRIZE DETAILS: Prizes will vary week to week and will include a Jeff’s Naturals T-Shirt, coupons and other prizes as they are available. Estimated value of each prize is less than $499. Prizes are not exchangeable or transferable; no prize substitutions or alternatives allowed except as provided herein. Sponsor may substitute a prize of equal or greater value if advertised prize becomes unavailable. All prizes will be awarded provided a sufficient number of qualified entries are received. Limit of one (1) Jeff’s Naturals prize may be won per person, per e-mail address or household address per calendar year. Return of any prize or prize notification as undeliverable will result in forfeiture of prize and selection of an alternate winner. Failure to comply with any requirement of the Contest rules may result in forfeiture of prize and selection of an alternate winner. Potential winners will be randomly selected via automated or mechanical process. Prizes are non-transferable and no substitution will be made except as provided herein at the Sponsor’s sole discretion. Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a prize for one of equal or greater value if the designated prize should become unavailable for any reason. Winner will be notified within 15 days of the drawing via U.S. mail or email at the email address provided at the time of entry by Participant. Potential winners will be required to provide sufficient information to establish eligibility in the Promotion and may be required to execute and return an affidavit of eligibility and a liability release. If Administrator is unable to contact potential winner within a reasonable time period, prize or prize notification is returned as undeliverable or potential winner is not in compliance with these Official Rules, any potential prize will be forfeited. Potential winners must continue to comply with all terms and conditions of these Official Rules and winning is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements. In the event that a potential winner is disqualified for any reason, Sponsor will award the applicable prize to an alternate winner by randomly drawing an alternate potential winner from among all remaining eligible entries. Prizes will be fulfilled approximately 3 to 6 weeks after the conclusion of the Promotion and verification of a potential winner’s eligibility.

5. FACEBOOK DISCLAIMER: This Promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. By participating, you hereby release Facebook from any claim, allegation, loss or liability of any kind. All entry information will be held and used in accordance with the Official Rules and the Sponsor’s Privacy Policy.

6. RELEASE: By entering the Giveaway, Participant does hereby release, indemnify and hold harmless Sponsor, Administrator, Facebook and their respective subsidiaries, affiliates, suppliers, distributors, advertising/promotion agencies, and prize suppliers, and each of their respective parent companies and each such company’s officers, directors, employees and agents (collectively, the “Released Parties”) from and against any claim or cause of action, including, but not limited to, personal injury, death, or damage to or loss of property, arising out of participation in the Giveaway or receipt or use or misuse of any prize. Entry into this Giveaway and acceptance of prize constitutes permission for Sponsor to use a winner’s first name and first initial of last name and state of residence, for advertising/trade and all other purposes, in any and all media, and all media now or hereafter known worldwide, including the Internet and social networking sites, without further compensation, notification or permission, unless prohibited by law.

7. LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY: The Released Parties are not responsible for: (1) any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by Participants, printing errors or by any of the equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Sweepstakes; (2) technical failures of any kind, including, but not limited to malfunctions, interruptions, or disconnections in phone lines or network hardware or software; (3) unauthorized human intervention in any part of the entry process or the Sweepstakes; (4) technical or human error which may occur in the administration of the Sweepstakes or the processing of orders; (5) late, lost, undeliverable, damaged or stolen mail; or (6) any injury or damage to persons or property which may be caused, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from Participant’s participation in the Sweepstakes or receipt or use or misuse of any prize. No more than the stated number of prizes will be awarded.

8. PUBLICITY: Except where prohibited, participation in the Promotion constitutes Participant’s consent to Sponsor and its subsidiaries, affiliates and agents’ use of Participant’s name, likeness, photograph, voice, opinions and/or hometown and state for promotional purposes in any media, worldwide, without further payment or consideration.

9. GENERAL CONDITIONS: Sponsor reserves the right to cancel, suspend and/or modify the Sweepstakes, or any part of it, if any fraud, technical failures or any other factor beyond its reasonable control impairs the integrity or proper functioning of the Sweepstakes, as determined by Administrator in its sole discretion. Sponsor, in conjunction with Administrator, reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual it finds to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Sweepstakes or to be acting in violation of these Official Rules or any other promotion or in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner. Any attempt by any person to deliberately undermine the legitimate operation of the Sweepstakes may be a violation of criminal and civil law, and, should such an attempt be made, Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages from any such person to the fullest extent permitted by law. Sponsor’s failure to enforce any term of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision. Headings in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not be used to construe the terms of this Agreement.

10. DISPUTES: Except where prohibited, Participant agrees that: (1) any and all disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of or connected with this Sweepstakes or any prize awarded shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, and exclusively in the Superior Court of California; (2) any and all claims, judgments and awards shall be limited to actual out-of-pocket costs incurred, including costs associated with entering this Sweepstakes, but in no event attorneys’ fees; and (3) under no circumstances will Participant be permitted to obtain awards for, and Participant hereby waives all rights to claim, indirect, punitive, incidental and consequential damages and any other damages, other than for actual out-of-pocket expenses, and any and all rights to have damages multiplied or otherwise increased. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, or the rights and obligations of the Participant and Sponsor or Administrator in connection with the Sweepstakes, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of California without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules (whether the State of California or any other jurisdiction), which would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of California. Further, any and all disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of or connected with the Sweepstakes, or any prize awarded, will be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action.

11. WINNERS’ LIST: To receive a list of winners, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Jeff’s Naturals Sweepstakes American Canyon, CA 94503

12. OFFICIAL RULES: To receive a copy of the Official Rules, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Jeff’s Naturals Sweepstakes American Canyon, CA 94503

13. SPONSOR/ADMINISTRATOR: Jeff’s Naturals 105 Mezzetta Court American Canyon, CA 94503 Telephone: (707) 266-7444 Email: consumerinfo@jeffsnaturals.com

14. NOT AFFILIATES: Any names or marks of third party products used in association with this Sweepstakes are the property of their respective owner. Third party trademark owners do not endorse, sponsor and are not otherwise affiliated with this Sweepstakes.

Holiday Entertaining Made Simple with Jeff’s Naturals Organic Sun Ripened Tomatoes

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Make Your Holiday Appetizers Meals Even Better with our ideas!
Make your holiday appetizers & meals even better with our ideas!

It may be winter, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the sweet flavor of a sun drenched California ripe tomato! How is this possible? Jeff’s Naturals Sun-Ripened Dried Tomatoes!

Our organic tomatoes are locally grown and dried whole under the California sun, then diced and packed with fresh herbs and olive oil. Their soft velvety texture and deep rich flavor makes them ideal for holiday appetizers, side dishes, salads, sandwiches, pizza and pasta and more!

Got a full house for the holidays? Keep them happy with these tasty serving ideas:

JN_Sun_Ripened_Mozarella_Garlic_Bread

JN_sundried_tomato_crescent_rolls

Make Yummy Breakfast or Holiday Brunch

Make Amazing Appetizers

Make Fabulous Main Dishes for Hungry House Guests

photo credit: CieraHolzenthal via photopin cc

10 Original Holiday Appetizer Ideas

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Holiday OlivesCall it a hunch, but we have a sneaking suspicion that you have a lot on your plate these days. It can be easy to get overwhelmed this time of year between holiday gatherings, shopping, overnight guests, school getting out, etc.

While we can’t help with everything, we CAN help uncomplicate holiday entertaining for you! From handstuffing olives with feta, blue cheese or locally grown garlic to roasting red peppers, we have already have done much the work for you right here in Napa Valley.

All you have to do is pick up a your favorite Jeff’s Naturals products at your local food store (or order online), crack open a jar and get creative by pairing our olives and peppers with your favorite appetizers and dishes.

Holiday Antipasto PlatterYou can also follow some of these simple ideas to make a statement at your holiday gathering:

1. Serve Spicy Italian Olive Antipasto with feta cheese, hummus and warm pita triangles.

2. 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!

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

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

8. 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.

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

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

We’ve added new appetizers, cocktails and side dish recipes to our recipe page for your enjoyment like Creamy Jalapeño Dip Supreme Artichoke Dip , Deep Dish Party Pizzas and more.