Category Archives: Holiday Entertaining

Five Must-Have Easter Brunch Recipes

Don’t know about you, but we’ve never met anyone who doesn’t like a good brunch. No matter the occasion, a well-planned brunch is always a special affair, and Easter Sunday Brunch is certainly no exception! In fact, it’s one of our favorite springtime traditions.

A good Easter Sunday Brunch does not have to be complicated. Here are some recipes from the Jeff’s Garden collection that are simple and easy to prepare. Many of these can be prepped in advance so you can relax with a mimosa and enjoy the company of friends and family.

Roasted Red Bell Pepper & Artichoke Quiche

A light and delicious “almost” homemade quiche (ready-made pie crusts are perfectly fine to use!) with Jeff’s Garden Marinated Artichoke Hearts and Jeff’s Garden Roasted Bell Pepper Strips with spinach and a delicious variety of cheeses. Click on the image to get the recipe.

Roasted Red Bell Pepper & Artichoke Quiche

Smoked Salmon and Roasted Red Bell Pepper Bruschetta

This easy bruschetta puts an elegant twist on a classic Italian appetizer and features a variety of savory flavors of roasted bell peppers, smoked salmon, chives and capers. Prep the ingredients in advance so you can quickly assemble the morning of your brunch. Click on the image to get the recipe.

Smoked Salmon and Roasted Red Bell Pepper Bruschetta
Smoked Salmon and Roasted Red Bell Pepper Bruschetta

Broccoli & Cauliflower Salad with Sun-Ripened Dried Tomatoes

This delightful salad can be prepped in advance and will add a wonderful pop of color and flavor to the brunch table! Broccoli and Jeff’s Garden Sun-Ripened Dried Tomatoes add a sweet and savory flavor. Click on the image to get the recipe.
Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad with Sundried Tomatoes-013HR

Baja Fruit Salad

Every good brunch menu needs fruit to compliment the main dishes! This light fruit salad with pineapple, mandarin oranges, jicama, shredded coconuts takes us on a tropical vacation. Jeff’s Garden Roasted Bell Pepper Strips and fresh cilantro add a unique flavor to balance the sweetness of the fruit. Click on the image to get the recipe.

Baja Fruit Salad
Baja Fruit Salad

Jeff’s Garden Bloody Mary

There’s nothing like a properly garnished Bloody Mary to enjoy on a Sunday morning brunch. The secret to our Bloody Mary recipe is assorted Jeff’s Garden Peppers and Olives for garnish and a splash of brine from the jar! Some of our favorite Bloody Mary garnishes include olives stuffed with Blue CheeseFeta Cheese, Garlic or Jalapeños. Whole Golden Greek Peperoncini is another delicious garnish. Click on the image to get the recipe.

Jeff’s Garden Bloody Mary
Jeff’s Garden Bloody Mary

Need More Easter Sunday Brunch Ideas & Inspiration?

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

Everyone has their 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. We hope the Jeff’s Garden line of premium olives, peppers, artichoke hearts, capers, and sun-ripened tomatoes will help simplify and elevate your springtime holiday entertaining!

 

Grilled_Hot_Dogs_Double_Pepper_Slaw

All American Grilled Hot Dogs with Pepper Slaw

The weather is warm and “cook-out season” is here! We’re ready to fire up the grill and celebrate Independence Day with family, friends, and food. Want to know our secret ingredient for a great gathering? Delicious hot dogs with this crowd-pleasing pepper slaw!

This zesty slaw features not just one, but TWO delicious flavors of from our vibrant selection of mild and spicy peppers. No matter what’s on your cookout menu this 4th of July, Jeff’s Naturals will make it shine.

This simple slaw can be served with hot dogs, burgers, in tacos or as a stand-alone side dish. For more inspiration, go to our recipe page to find more ways Jeff’s Naturals will make your summer barbecue even better! Grilled Hot Dogs with Double Pepper Slaw

 

Prep Time: 6 mins.
Total Time: 15 mins.
Serves: 6

INGREDIENTS
¼ medium head of cabbage, shredded; about 2 cups
¼ cup small diced red onion
1 cup Jeff’s Naturals Sliced Tamed™ Jalapeños, drained
1 cup Jeff’s Naturals Sliced Golden Greek Peperoncini, drained
1 tablespoon white vinegar
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
6 hotdogs
6 hot dog buns
Salt and freshly ground pepper

Optional toppings: mustard and ketchup

PREPARATION
Heat grill over high heat until very hot.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the first 6 ingredients; season hot dogs with salt and pepper to taste and set aside.

Grill hot dogs for about 5 minutes or until nicely blistered and charred. Place grilled hot dogs in bun, add about 1⁄2 cup of pepper slaw to each dog and any other condiments of your choice.

Stuffed Olives Holiday Appetizer

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

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

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

Stuffed Olives Holiday Appetizer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Jeff's Breakfast Tater Tot Nachos

Fresh New Year’s Day Brunch Menu Ideas

Don’t you agree that your first meal of 2017 ought to be a step-above the usual breakfast?

Why not start a fresh new tradition to kick off the new year! Whether you have a house full of company or you’re  waking up to a blissfully quiet home, these wonderful, simple brunch dishes will make the first day of 2017 extra special.

Jeff’s Breakfast Tater Tot Nachos

breakfast-totchos-038

Prep Time: 5 mins. Total Time: 30 mins.Serves: 2

INGREDIENTS
14 ounces frozen tater tots
½ cup cooked bacon crumbles
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup Jeff’s Naturals Sliced Tamed™ Jalapeños
3 tablespoons sliced green onion
Hot Sauce

Optional (but highly recommended): 2 fried eggs to top

PREPARATION
Bake tater tots according to package instructions. Once baked, remove from oven, sprinkle on cheese, bacon and jalapenos.

Place back into the oven to melt the cheese- about 5 minutes.
Remove from oven, sprinkle with green onions, hot sauce and top with fried eggs.

Serve immediately.

Jeff’s Hot-n-Spicy Bloody Mary

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Prep Time: 15 min.Total Time: 15 min.Serves: 6

INGREDIENTS
4 c. chilled tomato juice
9 oz. vodka (for spicy use pepper flavored vodka)
1/3 c. fresh lime juice
1 1/2 tsp. horseradish
3/4 tsp. Hot Sauce
Dash of Jeff’s Naturals Jalapeño Stuffed Olive juice
1 1/2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
3/4 tsp. black pepper
4 c. chilled tomato juice

Garnish:
Jeff’s Naturals Jalapeño Stuffed Olives
Jeff’s Naturals Whole Golden Greek Peperoncini
Slices of lime
Slices of cucumber
Hot Cherry Peppers (Whole or Sliced)

PREPARATION
Create six “spicy” skewers using suggested ingredients (feel free to get creative with your own). Assemble skewers on plate and place in the refrigerator.

Place a generous amount of salt and pepper on a plate. Rim the edge of each glass with lime juice, then place in the salt and pepper mixture and set aside.

Prepare cocktail ingredients in a pitcher and stir well. Place ice in glasses and pour cocktail mixture into glasses.

Garnish with skewers.

Baked Eggs with Olives

BakedEggswithOlives

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

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

PREPARATION
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.

Looking for more ideas?  Visit our Recipe Page to find even more breakfast, brunch, lunch, snack, appetizer and dinner recipes to enjoy using Jeff’s Naturals all-natural line of olives, peppers, capers and sun-dried tomatoes.

Happy New Year! Bon Appétit

Baja Fruit Salad

 

 

Smoked Salmon & Caper Crêpes
Smoked Salmon & Caper Crêpes

 

Jeff's Natural's Breakfast Panini
Jeff’s Naturals Breakfast Panini

 

Five Fresh Ideas For Your Holiday Table

Got a full house for the holidays? Lucky you! The holidays are one of our favorite times of the year because friends and family come together to enjoy each other’s company and a delicious feast while creating special memories that will last a lifetime.

We’ve got some ideas to help you add elements to your holiday feast that are both traditional and tasty. You’ll impress your hungry holiday guests with these creative serving ideas:

Kalamata Cranberry Chutney

Delicious on holiday turkey or ham or on a turkey sandwich made from Thanksgiving leftovers.
kalamata-cranberry-chutney-020hr
Prep Time: 1 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Serves: 6

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 shallots, thinly sliced
  • 12 ounces fresh or frozen whole cranberries
  • 1 naval orange, zested and juiced
  • ½ cup sugar or to taste
  • ¼ cup champagne vinegar
  • 1/3 cup Organic Sliced Greek Kalamata Olives
  • Fresh cracked black pepper

PREPARATION
In a medium sized heavy saucepan, cook shallots in olive oil over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened. Stir in cranberries, orange zest and juice, sugar and vinegar. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until berries just pop, 10 to 12 minutes, then add olives, black pepper, stir and serve.

Blood Orange Kalamata Martini

blood-orange-kalamata-martini-020
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 ounces Blood orange vodka (see chef’s note)
  • ½ ounce Triple Sec or Cointreau
  • 1 ounce fresh squeezed Blood orange juice, reserve orange peel for garnish
  • Ice for shaking
  • Organic Pitted Whole Greek Kalamata Olives with Orange Zest, rinsed, to garnish

PREPARATION
Add vodka, triple sec and orange juice to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a few kalamata olives and an orange peel.
Chef’s note: If blood orange vodka is unavailable in your local grocery store, you can substitute for citron flavored or regular orange vodka.

Olive & Sun-Ripened Dried Tomato Ricotta Dip

olive-and-sun-ripened-dried-tomato-ricotta-dip-011hr
Prep Time: 6 min
Total Time: 18 min
Serves: 6

Ingredients

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400°F.

In a medium-sized bowl, add the ricotta cheese, parsley, and garlic. Combine well. Season with salt and pepper. Gently mix in the tomatoes and olives, until just incorporated.

Spread the ricotta mixture in a shallow medium baking dish in a 3/4″ thick layer. Bake about 12 minutes or until slightly browned along the edges and hot.

Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Serve warm.

Stuffed Acorn Squash

stuffed-acorn-squash-027hr
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 acorn squash, halved and seeded
  • 1 box couscous, cooked to package instructions
  • ½ pound Italian sausage, crumbled and cooked
  • ½ jar Sun-Ripened Dried Tomatoes, rough chopped
  • ½ jar Roasted Bell Pepper Strips drained and roughly chopped
  • ¼ cup toasted pine nuts
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil for drizzling
  • Optional: balsamic glaze to drizzle

PREPARATION
Preheat oven to 425°F.
Season squash with salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil. Lay on a sheet pan, open side face down and bake about 20 minutes or until squash is fork tender and edges are nicely golden. Remove from oven and set aside.

To prepare the filling, combine the couscous, sausage, sun-ripened tomatoes, roasted peppers and stir together. Place a generous amount of the mixture into each squash, lightly pressing the filling in. Sprinkle with pine nuts, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze. Serve hot.

Roasted Olive and Grape Crostini

roasted-olive-and-grape-crostini-015hr
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 6

INGREDIENTS

  • ½ baguette, cut into ½” slices
  • 1/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil, divided
  • 1 cup whole milk ricotta
  • 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
  • 1 cup seedless red grapes
  • 1 cup Organic Pitted Whole Greek Kalamata Olives
  • Fresh thyme leaves to garnish
  • Salt and fresh cracked black pepper

PREPARATION
Heat oven to 450°F.

Brush both sides of sliced bread with olive oil and place onto baking sheet. Bake for about 7 minutes or until toasted and crispy. Remove from oven and set aside.

In a small bowl, combine the ricotta and rosemary. Season with a little salt and freshly cracked pepper and set aside.

On another backing sheet, add the grapes and olives, drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil and toss to coat evenly. Roast in the oven in 5 minute intervals for about 15-20 minutes.

Each 5 minutes, shake the pan to get even roasting. Remove from oven once olives are slightly blistered and grapes begin to get soft and juicy. Let set for about 5 minutes, and once cool enough to handle, cut grapes and olives in half.

On each crostini, add about a tablespoon of ricotta and spread evenly. Add a spoonful of olives and grapes to each and top with a sprinkle of fresh thyme, drizzle of olive oil, and a light sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. Serve immediately.

Ghostly Pizza Jeff's Naturals

Jeepers Capers! Is that a Ghost on My Pizza?

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
Jeff's Naturals Olives and Peppers

A Festive Holiday Party Menu

Holiday Party Menu

An uncomplicated holiday menu!  Expecting company this holiday season?  Whether you are expecting a houseful of relatives or a smaller intimate gathering, we know there is a lot to plan and to think about.

While we can’t help with everything, we CAN help uncomplicate holiday entertaining for you! From hand stuffing 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.

Simply pick up 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.

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

A Festive Holiday Party Menu

Antipasto Platter
Crescent Rolls with Gruyère and Sun-dried Tomato & Basil
Baked Jalapeño Stuffed Olive Cheddar Puffs
Spinach and Feta Olive Turnovers
Spiked Hot Apple Cider
Jeff’s Greek Peperontini
Jeff’s Casteltini

Antipasto Platter

JN Antipasto Platter Grande

Sliced meat: Pick a variety of cured meats such as prosciutto, salami, and bresaola.

Cheese: Choose a variety of cheeses- a hard cheese, soft cheese, and stinky cheese will give your guests nice options. Try Manchego, Brie, and Blue Cheese, fresh Mozzarella or Burrata – the more cheeses the merrier!

Olives & Peppers: It wouldn’t be an Antipasto platter without the right combination of olives and peppers! You can be creative, but we recommend selecting from one or more of the following:
Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives
Whole Castelvetrano Olives
Feta Cheese Stuffed Olives
Roasted Bell Pepper Strips
Garlic Stuffed Olives
Whole Golden Greek Peperoncini
Organic Pitted Whole Greek Kalamata Olives
Jalapeño Stuffed Olives

Be sure to pour some Jeff’s Naturals Spicy Italian Olive Antipasto into a bowl.

Fresh Fruit: A variety of fresh fruit such as a bunch of grapes, slices of cantaloupe, halved fresh figs, and cherry tomatoes.Add sliced baguette and assorted crackers
PREPARATION

Pull cheeses from the refrigerator about one hour prior to guests arriving. Place all the antipasti items on a large platter. Set out serving utensils, toothpicks, and cheese knives for the guests to serve themselves. And of course, wine is a great accompaniment to any antipasti platter also!

Build Your Own AntiPasto Platter

Crescent Rolls with Gruyère and Sundried Tomato & Basil

Recipe: Sun-Ripened Dried Tomato Crescent Rolls
Click Here for Recipe

Baked Jalapeño Stuffed Olive Cheddar Puffs

Recipe: Baked Jalapeño Stuffed Cheddar Puffs

Click Here for Recipe

Spinach and Feta Olive Turnovers

Recipe: Spinach and Feta Olive Turnovers

Click Here for Recipe

Jeff’s Naturals Spiked Hot Apple Cider

Spiked Apple Cider

Click Here for Recipe

Jeff’s Greek Peperontini

Jeff's Greek Peperontini
Click Here for Recipe

Jeff’s Casteltini
Jeff’s Casteltini

Click Here for Recipe

Fourth of July Cookout

Eight Great Cookout Recipes with a Fresh New Twist

Now that summer is in full gear, it’s time to light up the grill and get cooking! Since just about everyone loves a good old-fashioned summer BBQ, we wanted to share some of our favorite All-American Cookout Classics with a Mediterranean twist. These crowd-pleasing appetizers, sides, and main dishes may even top the Fourth of July fireworks!

#1 Pepper Stuffed Burger

Fourth of July Recipe Burgers

Prep Time: 5 min.
Total Time: 20 min.
Serves: 1

INGREDIENTS
6 ounces ground hamburger, 80/20
1 ½ tablespoon shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons Jeff’s Garden Diced Tamed Jalapeños
Hamburger bun,toastedToppings: lettuce, sliced onion, guacamole, tomato, cooked bacon and extra Jeff’s Garden Diced Tamed Jalapeños

PREPARATION
Divide and firmly shape the meat into 2 patties. Place cheese and jalapenos into the center of one patty, leaving the outer edge free. Top with the second patty and pinch the edges together. Season with salt and pepper.
Preheat grill. On medium-high heat, cook each side of the burger for 6 minutes or until internal temp reaches 160°F. Remove from grill and set aside.
On a toasted bun, add lettuce, onion, burger, guacamole, tomato, bacon and more Mezzetta Peppers.

#2 Baja Fruit Salad

MZ_RecipeImage_Baja_Fruit_Salad
Prep Time: 10 min.
Total Time: 45 min.
Serves: 2-4

INGREDIENTS
2 cans (20 oz.) juiced packed pineapple chunks, drained
1 can (15 oz.) mandarin oranges, drained
1/2 cup Jeff’s Garden Roasted Bell Pepper Strips, chopped
1/2 cup chopped jicama
1 t. brown sugar
1 t. fresh lime juice
1 t. chopped fresh cilantro
2 T. shredded coconuts

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

#3 Mexican Hot Dogs With Grilled Corn Salsa

MEXICAN HOT DOGS WITH GRILLED CORN SALSA
Photo Courtesy of Heart Beet Kitchen

A delicious spicy twist on Hot Dogs made with Jeff’s Naturals diced Jalapenos. Click here for full recipe.

#4 Peperoncini Potato Salad

Cook Out Potato Salad

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

INGREDIENTS
2 pounds medium red skin potatoes, rinsed
1 cup Jeff’s Garden Deli-Sliced Peperoncini, drained, with brine reserved
3 tablespoons Jeff’s Garden Non-Pareil Capers, drained
½ fresh lemon, zested
2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper

PREPARATION
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.

#6 Mediterranean Burger

Mediterranean Burger
Prep Time: 10 min.
Total Time: 30 min.
Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS
2 lb. 80/20 ground beef, divided into 4 patties
Salt and pepper, to season
½ c. feta cheese, crumbled
½ c. Jeff’s Garden Organic Sliced Kalamata Olives, roughly chopped
1/3 c. Jeff’s Garden Sun-Ripened Dried Tomatoes, roughly chopped
4 hamburger buns, toasted
Toppings – baby spinach and sliced red onion

PREPARATION
Heat a large skillet on medium-high heat. Season each side of the burger patties with salt and pepper. When skillet is hot, cook each side of the burger for 4-5 minutes or to your desired doneness. Top with feta cheese during the last few minutes of cooking time.

To assemble the burgers, place the burger on the bottom half of the toasted bun, next add olives and sundried tomatoes. Top with spinach and red onion and serve hot.
Chef’s note: for a Greek burger spread, try mixing the feta cheese into some Greek yogurt, add some fresh mint and smear onto the burger buns.

#7 Mediterranean Bean Salad

Tuscan-Bean-Salad
Prep Time: 10 min.
Total Time: 1 hr. 10 min
Serves: 8-10

INGREDIENTS
1 can (15 oz.) small white beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 oz.) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 jar Artichoke Hearts, coarsely chopped (not drained)
1 c. Jeff’s Garden Roasted Red Bell Peppers, coarsely chopped (not drained)
3/4 c. Jeff’s Garden Organic Pitted Whole Greek Kalamata Olives, cut in halves
1/2 c. red onion, finely chopped
1/4 c. Jeff’s Garden Sun-Ripened Dried Tomatoes (not drained)
2 tbsp. white balsamic vinegar
1/2 c. fresh basil, sliced thin
salt and pepper to taste

PREPARATION
Stir together all ingredients except basil. Cover and let marinate, refrigerated, for a least 1 hour. Stir in basil just before serving.

#8 Watermelon, Olive, Jalapeño and Feta Salad

WatermelonSalad

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

INGREDIENTS:
1 Tbsp. Jeff’s Garden Pitted Kalamata Olives, drained and diced
1 Tbsp. Jeff’s Garden Sliced Tamed Jalapeño Peppers, drained and diced
2 c. seedless watermelon, rind removed, cut into 1”cubes
1/2 c. feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 c. red onion, finely diced
1 Tbsp. mint leaves, finely chopped
1 Tbsp. green onion, finely chopped
1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

PREPARATION:
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.