Category Archives: Tips

Thirteen Ideas for the Perfect Mexican Fiesta Dinner

Tips, Uncategorized, , , , , , ,

Jeff's Naturals Cinco de Mayo

Happy almost Cinco de Mayo!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Avocado Toast Sampler

Tasty Avocado Toast with a Delicious Twist

Appetizers, Brunch, Mediterranean Diet, Tips, , , ,

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

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

AVOCADO TOAST SAMPLER

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

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

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

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

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

Roasted Tomato Sauce with Pasta- Photo @Vegetarianmamma.

How to Conquer Fast Weeknight Dinners

Recipes, Tips, , , , ,

Roasted Tomato Sauce with Pasta- Photo @Vegetarianmamma

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

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

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

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

Jeff's Naturals Peperoncini

Don’t toss that jar! Here’s eleven ways to enjoy Jeff’s Naturals olive & pepper brine

Recipes, Tips, , , , , , ,

Image by Instagram user alidelegge

Ever find yourself in this situation? You’ve just polished off another delicious jar of your favorite Jeff’s Naturals olives or peppers and you’re about to empty the remaining olive brine into the sink before tossing the glass jar into your recycling bin.

But wait! You can still add another dimension of Mediterranean flavor to your favorite recipes using the delicious brines and oils left over in our jars!  Here are some of our favorite ideas to make the most of Jeff’s Naturals products — even after you’ve finished off the good stuff!

This Jeff's Naturals fan added our Non-Pareil Capers and Sliced Golden Greek Peperoncini to her potato salad for a knock out side dish! For the recipe, visit Peperoncini Potato Salad on our site. Shared by Kathleen C. on Facebook. 
Shared by Kathleen C. on Facebook.

#1 Dirty up your martini with the olive juice from jars of our Castelvetrano Olives, Garlic Stuffed Olives, Jalapeño Stuffed Olives.

#2 Drizzle oil from a jar of Sun-Ripened Dried Tomatoes onto a side salad then salt & pepper to taste.

#3 Use the herbed oil from our Spicy Italian Olive Antipasto or Marinated Artichoke Hearts as a zesty marinade for meat.

#4 Add a splash of brine from a jar of Sliced Tamed™ Jalapeños to your margarita on the rocks. You can also rim your margarita glass with Jeff’s Naturals Tamed Jalapeño Peppers brine and salt. YUM!

#5 Make a delicious salad dressing on the fly by whisking the marinade from a jar of Organic Sliced Greek Kalamata Olive or Spicy Italian Olive Antipasto with extra virgin olive oil. Season with salt & pepper to taste.

#6 Give potato and pasta salads a zingy upgrade with a splash of Greek Peperoncini brine.

#7 Cook up flavorful couscous using the leftover oil from Marinated Artichoke Hearts.

#8 Add a punch of flavor to your Bloody Mary with a splash of Greek Peperoncini brine.

#9 Spice up burrito bowls by cooking rice with Sliced Tamed™ Jalapeño brine.

#10 Add the juice from a jar of Sliced Hot Cherry Peppers to sauces, soups or stews for an extra punch of heat and flavor.

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

Is your jar half empty — or half full? Next time you find yourself with an almost empty jar of your favorite Jeff’s Naturals product, don’t forget to reserve the oils and brines to marinate, sauté, drizzle and dip! Got an idea? Share it on Twitter @JeffsNaturals or on our Facebook page.

Jeff's Naturals
Image by Instagram user @thenecessentials

Eat Healthy with the Incomparable Vegetarian Mamma!

Health, Mediterranean Diet, Pasta Dishes, Products, Recipes, Tips, , , , , , , , , , ,

Vegetarian cooking can sometimes be a daunting task to people trying it for the first time; “how can it be tasty without meat,” they ask. Well, Vegetarian Mamma has shown just how fun and easy-to-prepare vegetarian dishes can be. Through her website, blog, and cookbooks, Cindy Gordon provides a bounty of recipes and techniques that the whole family can enjoy.

Photo Source: Vegetarian Mamma
Photo Source: Vegetarian Mamma

We’re proud to say that many of these mouth-watering meals make use of our very own Jeff’s Naturals line of all-natural non-GMO products, such as this Mediterranean Rice Bowl recipe (seen above) and a Roasted Tomato Sauce Pasta (see below- yummy!!).

roasted-tomato-sauce-with-pasta-vegetarianmamma-com-dinner-is-served

Trust us, you have to try these recipes for yourself.

All recipes featured on Vegetarian Mamma’s site are vegetarian, and the site offers giveaways of gluten-free, allergy-friendly products so you can test the delicious products she uses!

If you’re looking for a good place to pick up some vegetarian-friendly recipes, Vegetarian Mamma’s recipe page is of course the natural place to start. But why stop there? When you enter our 2017 Fresh Start Sweepstakes, you can win a copy of Vegetarian Mamma’s cookbook Gluten Free Fork!

Photo Source Vegetarian Mamma
Photo Source Vegetarian Mamma

Vegetarian Mamma strives to create an atmosphere of positivity and helpfulness to welcome anyone looking to improve their diet. She says it best herself:

This website is meant for everybody! If you are seeking information on recipes, products or just want to be part of a community, this site is for YOU! While we do share some humor within our posts, we try to keep it classy and supportive of all who visit. We try to stay encouraging and welcoming. While some recipes and products may not fit for some, they may be perfect fits for others. At Vegetarian Mamma, we are here to encourage one another and to keep things positive.  We are not here to try to dictate what you should and shouldn’t consume. You know your body, you know your beliefs and you can act upon them.

Cooking is, at its core about love, both for the food itself and the people you are cooking for. This guiding principal is clear in Vegetarian Mamma’s site, blog, book, and recipes. The amount of care and consideration, both for the meal itself and the eater, is palpable and most importantly tasted in the recipes she provides. Be sure to visit her website often for the latest and best in vegetarian recipes and giveaways!

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
Castelvetrano Olives

Eight Dishes that Taste Better with Olives

Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives, Castelvetrano Olives, Feta Cheese Stuffed Olives, Garlic Stuffed Olives, Organic Kalamata Olives, Recipes, Tips, , , , , , , ,

Jeff's Naturals Olives

There is something irresistible about Greek olives that makes them a favorite among foodies. What makes them so unique? Is it the salty, briny flavor? The meaty texture? The distinctive shape or the rich colors? Whatever it may be, olives are a staple in Mediterranean households and the highlight of many healthy dishes.

Here are eight dishes that simply taste better when you add wholesome ingredients like Kalamata Olives, Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives, Castelvetrano Olives, Feta Cheese Stuffed Olives, Garlic Stuffed Olives & Jalapeño Stuffed Olives from Jeff’s Naturals.

Pizza

Shake things up on pizza night with some unexpected ingredients like Roasted Bell Peppers, an assortment of sliced olives, pesto, goat cheese and a sprinkling of minced fresh herbs.  Kalamata Olives & Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives can also add  more flavor and punch to an old fashioned pepperoni pizza.

Pizza

Tacos

Spice up your Taco Night by adding sliced Jalapeño Stuffed Olives to your filling. Don’t stop there!  Our Garlic Stuffed Olives & Jalapeño Stuffed Olives go great with burritos, quesadillas and even nachos! You can also make an outstanding guacamole by adding chopped Jalapeño Stuffed Olives to mashed avocado along with a diced tomato and a squeeze of lime. Ole!

Beef, Chicken & Fish

Roughly chop your favorite Jeff’s Naturals olives and/or our Spicy Italian Olive Antipasto and scatter over grilled steak, chicken or vegetables and drizzle with a bit of its marinade.

Olives go great with just about any variety of fish. For any easy sauce, sauté diced onions and minced garlic in olive oil, toss in a handful of sliced or pitted Kalamata Olives and a cup or two of diced tomatoes. Simmer and serve over fish with a garnish of minced fresh herbs.

Dress up grilled tilapia or mahi mahi with an easy homemade Artichoke and Green Olive Tapenade.  You can also make a mean olive pesto sauce to serve with fish like this excellent recipe for Encrusted Salmon with Olive Pesto.

Encrusted-Salmon-with-Olive-Pesto

Salad

Salads and olives go together like bread and butter. When it comes to salad creations, the sky’s the limit. Here are a few ideas:

  • Add distinction to a classic Caesar salad with sliced Garlic Stuffed Olives.
  • Mix together pitted Castelvetrano Olives with mixed baby greens, orange sections, shaved fennel and a light lemon vinaigrette for a beautiful and refreshing side salad.
  • Toss Jeff’s Naturals™ 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 side salad.
  • Our Organic Pitted Whole Kalamata Olives combined with feta cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, olive oil and red wine vinegar make for a very easy and refreshing Greek salad.

Spring-Spinach-Salad-with-Blue-Cheese-Stuffed-Olives

Snacks

Olives are meant for snacking. In fact, in Mediterranean countries like Greece and Italy, olives are one of the most popular snack foods (much healthier than chips)!  On your next snack break, why not try our Garlic Stuffed Olives with hummus and warm pita bread? Better yet, top the warm pita and hummus with Spicy Italian Olive Antipasto and feta cheese.

Entertaining friends and family? Create a beautiful antipasto platter using Garlic Stuffed Olives, Whole Golden Greek Peperoncini, Roasted Red Bell Peppers, and assorted meats and cheeses.

antipasto platter

Pasta & Spaghetti Dishes

Mama mia! Olives add wonderful flavor and depth to most pasta dishes. For example, you can stir sliced Garlic Stuffed Olives into your favorite pasta sauce. Form meatballs around our Garlic Stuffed Olives for a delicious and surprising treat in your spaghetti sauce.

You could also toss sliced Kalamata Olives with hot pasta and a dash of olive oil and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a quick and delicious meal! For a colorful and satisfying pasta salad, add sliced olives to cooked pasta and toss with Roasted Red Bell Peppers, marinated Artichoke Hearts and red wine vinaigrette.

Pasta-Nicoise

Sandwiches & Burgers

Sliced stuffed olives can transform ordinary burgers and sandwiches into an extraordinary meal when used as a topping. Upgrade your grilled cheese sandwich or Panini with sliced stuffed olives for a gourmet treat! For a yummy surprise, mix diced stuffed olives into burger patties, grill and top with melted cheese.

Grownup-Spicy-Grilled-Cheese-Sandwiches

Omelets

Olives for breakfast?  Indeed!  Give your breakfast a Mediterranean flavor by adding chopped Spicy Italian Olive Antipasto to your morning omelet.  You can also make an irresistible omelet by adding Kalamata Olives, Sun-Ripened Dried Tomatoes, fresh herbs and a dollop of tangy goat cheese or crumbled feta.

 

Here are some additional recipes featuring Jeff’s Naturals Olives. Enjoy!

Pasta Nicoise
Indian Summer Palette Salad
Mediterranean Stuffed Zucchini
Encrusted Salmon with Olive Pesto
Deep Dish Party Pizzas
Mediterranean Couscous
Watermelon, Olive, Jalapeño and Feta Salad

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

 

 

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

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.

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:

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Make Yummy Breakfast or Holiday Brunch

Make Amazing Appetizers

Make Fabulous Main Dishes for Hungry House Guests

photo credit: CieraHolzenthal via photopin cc

When it Comes to Flavor and Fun, a Little Peperoncini Goes a Long Way

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“Ugh…Pasta for dinner again?”

Does this sound familiar? If so, may we suggest adding a little twist to your regular quick weeknight dish? Why not throw in some Jeff’s Naturals sliced Golden Greek Peperoncini to liven things up! A little bit goes a long way to bring plenty flavor and fun to the table!

The possibilities are endless, you just have to get creative!

For instance, did you know you could liven up any sandwich or wrap with a hearty helping of our peperoncini? You can also toss peperoncini into a mixed green salad or top it on a pizza for an extra punch of flavor!

Pizza

How about creating a plentiful antipasto platter with our Whole Golden Greek Peperoncini, Kalamata Olives, marinated Artichoke Hearts, Roasted Bell Pepper Strips and assorted meats and cheeses? Or add some peperoncini & feta to your mac ‘n cheese for a spicy kick to the traditional recipe!

Who knew there were so many ways peperoncini can save dinner?

Here are 3 easy recipes that just may become an instant classic for you and your family! And with so little prep or need for a clean up, these dishes also made an ideal weeknight dinner (very helpful as the kids head back to school!).

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Mediterranian Salad

1- 16 oz. package of dried rotelle pasta
8 oz. Jeff’s Naturals sliced Golden Greek Peperoncini, drained & chopped
8 oz. Jeff’s Naturals Organic Sliced Greek Kalamata Olives, drained
8 oz. Jeff’s Naturals Sun-Ripened Dried Tomatoes, not drained
8 oz. Jeff’s Naturals Roasted Bell Pepper Strips, chopped
2 Jars (4 oz) marinated Artichoke Hearts, drained, coarsely chopped
2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
2 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
2 tsp. dried basil
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. dried thyme
1/2 tsp. fresh cracked black pepper

Preparation
Boil Pasta according to the directions on the package. Rinse under cold water and drain thoroughly. Add pasta to a medium sized bowl along with the remaining ingredients. Blend together. The pasta salad may be served immediately or stored covered in the refrigerator for the following day. Enjoy!

Jeff’s Kickin’ Turkey Meatball Sandwich

Meatball Sandwich

2 c. prepared turkey meatballs
1 jar gourmet pasta sauce, (We like Tomato Basil- YUM!)
1 medium red onion
4 soft sandwich rolls
1 c. Jeff’s Naturals sliced Golden Greek Peperoncini
4 oz. provolone cheese, sliced

Preparation
Preheat oven to 400°F.

Heat 1/4 c. olive oil and prepare turkey meatballs according to package directions. Add pasta sauce and simmer on low. While meatballs are cooking, slice onion and cook in a skillet on medium high heat with remaining olive oil until edges are caramelized.

Open sandwich rolls and place on a baking sheet. Place onions on one side of the sandwich rolls. Place peperoncinis on the other side and top with provolone cheese. Heat in oven for five minutes, or until cheese melts. Remove pan from oven and add turkey meatballs to sandwiches. Serve with remaining sauce.

Best Ever Greek Salad

Greek Salad

1 c. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 c. white wine vinegar
2 Tbsp. dried oregano
2 c. feta cheese, diced
8 oz. Jeff’s Naturals sliced Golden Greek Peperoncini, drained & chopped
2 jars (15 oz.) Jeff’s Naturals Roasted Bell Pepper Strips, drained & sliced
3 green bell peppers, seeds and membranes removed, sliced
3 large cucumbers, preferably seedless, peeled and sliced
1 jar (16 oz.) jar Jeff’s Naturals Organic Sliced Greek Kalamata Olives, drained and roughly chopped
2 large red onions, peeled and thinly sliced
1-1/2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Preparation
Combine all of the ingredients together in a stainless or non-reactive bowl, and toss together. Allow to marinate 15 minutes. Toss again before serving. Serve on nicely arranged lettuce leaves.

photo credit: mhaithaca via photopin cc

Big News About Jeff’s Naturals Feta and Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives…..

Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives, Feta Cheese Stuffed Olives, Non-GMO, Recipes, Tips, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Cheese Stuffed OlivesNo more canola oil!

We, at Jeff’s Naturals, are passionate about good health and offering consumers products with ingredients that are free of preservatives, stablilizers, artificial colors, flavors, sulfites and GMOs.

In addition, we are always striving for excellence and believe one of the best ways to get better is to listen to our consumers.

Our Cheese Stuffed Olives, packed right here in the Napa Valley, are one of our most popular items in natural food stores.  However, many of you have contacted us via email and social media to let us know that you prefer not to include canola oil in your diet, even if it is non GMO.  This prompted us to make a change.

While it’s necessary to use oil when packing cheese stuffed olives (otherwise the cheese begins to degrade), we have opted to use expeller pressed sunflower oil, a lighter alternative to canola oil. We think you’ll agree that this makes our Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives and Feta Cheese Stuffed Olives  even more appealing!

Price Reduction!

We would also like to share that we have been able to reduce the price on these two olives—you should soon see these two cheese stuffed olives being line priced with our other delicious Jeff’s Naturals olives!

This means you can stock up on all of your favorite Jeff’s Naturals olives, at the same price! Whether you try them in a Caesar salad, sprinkled over a pizza, in a martini, an antipasto platter or tossed into your favorite pasta dish, you can’t go wrong!

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Here are a few ideas to enjoy our new and (if we do say so) improved cheese stuffed olives:

  • Make an olive tapenade by putting Jeff’s Naturals Feta Cheese Stuffed Olives into a food processor with some of the olive brine and olive oil.
  • Sauté Jeff’s Naturals Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives with ground meat, tomato sauce, raisins and herbs for a quick skillet picadillo. Serve over rice for a satisfying meal.
  • Add chopped Jeff’s Naturals Feta Cheese Stuffed Olives to some couscous, with diced tomato, minced onion and drizzle with some olive oil and olive juice and garnish with basil. You’ll have a 5 minute dish to take to your next picnic.

For more inspiration, visit our recipe page and search for recipes featuring our Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives and Feta Cheese Stuffed Olives!

Do you have any feedback about our ingredients?  Feel free to share it with us on Facebook or our contact page.