Category Archives: Uncategorized

New Jeff’s Garden Appetizer Recipes to Debut at Natural Products Expo West!


It’s a busy week for the Jeff’s Garden team! The world’s largest natural, organic and healthy products event, Natural Products Expo West is happening this week through March 9th!

This is THE biggest event of the year in the natural food industry and we have some special treats planned. If you are attending this year’s event, please drop by our Booth #5644 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (PST) on Thursday and Friday to sample delicious appetizers. Our chef, Shea Rosen will be preparing and sharing Olive Tapenade on Thursday, March 7th and Artichoke & White Bean Salad with Roasted Red Pepper Tahini Dressing Friday, March 8th.  We hope you will come by at these to samples these delicious delicacies!

For those unable to attend, feel free to download the recipe cards below so you can enjoy these wonderful appetizers at home!

RECIPE #1

2019 Expo West Recipe Cards TAPENADE

RECIPE #2

2019 Expo West Recipe Cards ARTICHOKE SALAD

Dagwood Sandwich Jeff's Naturals

What’s the Secret to Great Sandwiches?

Tuna Salad Sandwich

Since August is National Sandwich month, it’s only natural that we’ve got sandwiches on our mind! What’s not to love? Sandwiches are simple, easy-to-make, can be enjoyed for breakfast-lunch-and-dinner, easy to take along, and are almost always DELICIOUS!

We recently asked a group of sandwich lovers on Facebook what they thought the secret to a great sandwich is. Some say it’s all about the bread, others claim it’s the cheese that makes or breaks the sandwich. However, nearly all of them agree it’s the special extras like peppers, sauces, spice and fresh veggies that take a sandwich from “good” to “amazing”. Here are some of the “secrets” shared with us- these are real comments posted by real people. Enjoy!

Jeff's Naturals Facebook Sandwich Secrets

“The secret is in the extras! I chop up kalamata olives, cilantro, and peppers…mix with softened cream cheese and spread it on the bread before adding the meats and cheeses!”

“Sweet peppers, locally sourced aged cheddar, slow roasted turkey, homemade avocado-mayo, thinly sliced Vidalia onions on a fresh baked, lightly toasted French roll.”

“Toasted bread with goat cheese, peppers, onion, and meat .. With some sweet n sour dressing..”

“Toasted thick bread, good quality meats and Jeff’s Naturals Greek Pepperoncini!”

“Fresh natural ingredients are the key to adding flavor and color to an otherwise boring, bland sandwich. Extras like Jeff’s Naturals Sun-Ripened Dried Tomatoes, Olives, Jalapeños. Roasted Red Bell Peppers help boost your sandwich.”

“For me, a great sandwich has lots of fresh veggies and meats and Jeff’s naturals sliced up peperoncinis”

“My secret is crunchy veggies and jalapeños”

“Toasting almost any sandwich takes the whole thing to the next level.”

“I love a kick of spice, horseradish, wasabi, buffalo, hot mustard!”

“panini press works wonders – the more cheese the better”

“Love making and adding garlic pesto to sandwiches to make it extra delicious”

“Sweet peppers, locally sourced aged cheddar, slow roasted turkey, homemade avocado-mayo, thinly sliced Vidalia onions on a fresh baked, lightly toasted French roll.”

“Great sandwiches are made with those unexpected extras that add so much flavor, like olives sun-dried tomatoes, capers, and dressings. Toasting them up deepens the flavors, too. Yummy!”

No matter what method you choose, we recommend using fresh, wholesome ingredients like our Organic Sliced Greek Kalamata Olives, Roasted Bell Pepper StripsSunshine Mix Mild Banana Pepper RingsSliced Hot Cherry PeppersDiced Tamed™ Jalapeño PeppersSliced Tamed™ Jalapeños, Sliced Golden Greek Peperoncini and more. Click here to see our complete list of wholesome, non-GMO, gourmet pantry staples.

Here are some delicious recipes to help you create fabulous sandwiches right from your kitchen!

Jeff’s Naturals Classic Sandwiches

Napa Style Hero Sandwich

The Jeff’s Naturals Dagwood Sandwich

Jeff’s Prosciutto Pear Sandwich

Mediterranean Tuna Salad Sandwich

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Pizza Lover’s Grilled Cheese

Grownup Spicy Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Mediterranean Grilled Cheese

Prosciutto, Provolone & Peperoncini Grilled Sandwich

Specialty Sandwiches

Muffuletta Sandwich

Italian Beef Sandwich with Au Jus

Stuffed Greek Pita

Panini Sandwiches

Roasted Red Pepper, Goat Cheese, and Baby Arugula Panini

Cuban Panini

Texan Pastrami Panini

Mediterranean Panini

Autumn Apricot & Turkey Panini

 

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.

Medi Grilled Platter

Fresh from Jeff’s Kitchen: Mediterranean Grilled Platter

Got the summer blues? The chefs at Jeff’s Garden want to help you take an exotic Mediterranean vacation right from your backyard grill. This crowd-pleasing Mediterranean Grilled Platter combines the bold flavor of Jeff’s Naturals Roasted Bell Pepper Strips and Artichoke Hearts with delicious grilled veggies and chicken breast (not to mention it’s much easier and less expensive than an actual Mediterranean vacation).

Don’t forget the Mediterranean way of eating is among the healthiest diets in the world. Get ready to get your grill on!

Medi Grilled Platter

Mediterranean Grilled Platter

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS
1 lb. chicken breast, pounded out to about 1” thick for even cooking
1 medium eggplant, cut into ½” slices
2 small zucchinis cut in half
1 c. Jeff’s Garden Roasted Bell Pepper Strips, drained and cut into large chunks
1 jar Jeff’s Garden Marinated Artichoke Hearts, drained
1 lemon, halved
½ c. fresh ricotta
1 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves
1 medium red onion, cut into ½” rounds
Extra virgin olive oil to drizzle
Salt & pepper, to taste
Serve with 1 box Couscous, cooked to package instructions

PREPARATION
Preheat grill to high heat. On a large baking tray, season chicken and veggies with salt and pepper. Drizzle olive oil to lightly coat the chicken and veggies. Grill chicken on each side for about 5 minutes and remove from grill and set aside. Grill the veggies for 5-10 minutes until charred and tender. Once all veggies are cooked, remove from grill and cut into large chunks.

Grill the lemon briefly until it has grill marks. Cut the chicken into half-inch slices.

To plate; place couscous on a large platter. Neatly arrange the sliced veggies, Roasted Bell Pepper Strips, and Artichoke Hearts. Add dollops of ricotta throughout the dish and sprinkle with thyme. Place chicken on platter, squeeze the grilled lemon over top with a nice drizzle of olive oil and serve!

Thirteen Ideas for the Perfect Mexican Fiesta Dinner

Jeff's Naturals Cinco de Mayo

Happy almost Cinco de Mayo!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tuna Salad Sandwich

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

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

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

Tuna Salad Sandwich

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

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

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

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

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

14 Ridiculously Simple Ways to Enjoy Marinated Artichoke Hearts

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

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

Mediterranean Flatbread Pizza

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Jeff's Naturals Loaded Sweet Potato

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

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

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

Black Bean & Chipotle Stuffed Potato

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

Jeff's Naturals Stuffed Sweet Potato

 

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

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

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

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

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

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

Visit One Lovely Life for more delicious ideas and recipes.

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

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

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

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

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

Pasta-Nicoise

Mediterranian-Salad-1

Rigatoni_with_Puttanesca_Sauce_cropped

Roasted Lemon Cauliflower Pasta

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

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

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

Sprouts Cooking Club

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

Photo Source: www.sproutscookingclub.org

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

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

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

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

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

Prosciutto, Provolone & Peperoncini Grilled Sandwiches

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

Prosciutto, Provolone & Peperoncini Grilled Sandwiches

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

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

Prosciutto, Provolone & Peperoncini Grilled Sandwiches

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

INGREDIENTS

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

PREPARATION

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

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

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

Repeat procedure with the remaining butter and other two sandwiches.

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

Build-Your-Own Grilled Pizza is Perfect for Fall Entertaining

Summer may be over, but that in no way means that it’s time to store the grill away for the season! In fact the crisper, cooler air make fall the perfect time for outdoor entertaining. Whether you’re looking for a delicious weeknight dinner or fun way to feed a house full of guests, a “Build-Your-Own” Grilled Pizza night is always a hit.

Homemade grilled pizza is less expensive and more flavorful than take-out and a fun way to get creative with friends and family. We always have a blast at our “Grilled Pizza Parties” in the Jeff’s Naturals kitchen.

So forget delivery. In less time, you can grill up even better pizza! Here’s how.

Step 1- Prep the Pizza Crust
There are plenty of resources to help you make your own pizza dough or you can pick up some pre-made pizza dough at your local supermarket in the bakery, dairy or in the frozen foods section. You can also check with your local pizzeria to see if they sell homemade pizza dough, just make sure you get enough to feed everyone! Roll out your dough into personal sized pizzas and grill on each side for 1.5 minutes.

Step 2- Provide a Variety of Sauces
For the pizza purists, make sure you offer plenty of traditional tomato based pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought). For variety, we recommend offering some fun alternatives like pesto (jarred or homemade), garlic/herb infused oils, ricotta cheese, salsa, wing sauce, BBQ sauce, or tapenade. The sky’s the limit so get creative!

Step 3- Add Pizza Toppings & Grill!
Family & friends will have fun building their own pizzas with a well rounded variety of toppings. Here are some suggestions on how to turn a plain pizza into a gourmet experience:

Plenty of cheese please! Honestly, it’s just not pizza without the cheese! Set out a variety of cheeses to choose from like mozzarella (shredded or fresh), shredded cheddar, sliced provolone,  grated Parmesan, Romano, crumbed feta, blue cheese, goat cheese, vegan cheese…you get the idea.

Pass the protein! You can’t go wrong with choices like grilled chicken or tofu, pepperoni and diced gourmet sausage.

Add a healthy variety of veggies. Veggies like sliced onions, peppers, olives, julienned basil and other herbs are delicious additions to round out the flavor of your grilled pizza. Our line of olives & peppers offer plenty of fun pizza toppings. Here are a few that will rock your socks:
Roasted Bell Pepper Strips
Sliced Golden Greek Peperoncini
✓ Diced Sun-Ripened Dried Tomatoes
Sliced Tamed™ Jalapeños
✓ Diced Garlic Stuffed Olives
✓ Finely chopped Jalapeño Stuffed Olives
Organic Sliced Greek Kalamata Olives
✓ Diced Marinated Artichoke Hearts
Imported Non-Pareil Capers

Once toppings are added, place your pizza back on the grill for a few moments to heat up the toppings and melt the cheese. Enjoy!

Here are some fun & delicious examples of homemade grilled pizza made right in the Jeff’s Naturals kitchen!

Grilled pizza topped with Sliced Tamed™ Jalapeños, Roasted Bell Pepper Strips and mozzarella cheese.
Grilled pizza topped with Sliced Golden Greek Peperoncini, light cheese and thinly sliced red onions.
Grilled pizza topped with Sliced Golden Greek Peperoncini, pepperoni, light cheese and thinly sliced red onions.

 

Grilled pizza topped with sliced cherry tomatoes, Sliced Golden Greek Peperoncini and Diced Sun-Ripened Dried Tomatoes.
Grilled pizza topped with sliced cherry tomatoes, Sliced Golden Greek Peperoncini and Diced Sun-Ripened Dried Tomatoes.
Prosciutto Pear Sandwich

Jeff’s Perfect Prosciutto Pear Sammie

Fresh from the Jeff’s Naturals Kitchen….

The Jeff’s Naturals chefs have been hard at working creating fresh innovative dishes you can easily bring your table!  During the summer season, simple gourmet sandwiches rule! If you are looking for the perfect sandwich, our new Prosciutto Pear Sandwich fits the bill!

The combination of roasted bell peppers, salty capers, Gorgonzola cheese, prosciutto and fresh sliced pear will take you on a flavor adventure! It’s the perfect summer sandwich.

Make it in advance and enjoy on a summer picnic or lunch on-the-go. You can even pair it with a green salad and fruit for a simple summer supper! The possibilities are endless. Enjoy!

Jeff’s Prosciutto Pear Sandwich
Prep Time: 15 min.Total Time: 20 min.Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS
4 Tbsp. crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
1 Tbsp. minced garlic
3 Tbsp. Jeff’s Naturals Non-Pareil Capers, rinsed, drained, and chopped
2 Tbsp. dry toasted pine nuts (pignolias)
1/2 tsp. fresh-ground black pepper
6 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
1 Italian ciabatta loaf, cut into 4 pieces
8 oz. prosciutto (plain, not smoked)
1 ripe Bartlett or Anjou pear, sliced into thin wedges
8 oz. Jeff’s Naturals Roasted Bell Peppers
1 bunch fresh spinach, washed and chopped
A few sprigs fresh basil, main stems trimmed off
Sea salt, to taste*

PREPARATION

Pre-heat the oven to broil.

In a small bowl, combine the Gorgonzola cheese, crushed garlic, non-pareil capers, pine nuts, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 4 tablespoons of the olive oil. Mix well, and set aside.
Spread one side of each sandwich roll with 2 tablespoonfuls of the Gorgonzola cheese mixture.

Next, layer each sandwich with 2 oz. prosciutto, 3 slices of pear, and some roasted red bell pepper strips.

Top each sandwich with several spinach leaves plus a few basil leaves. Drizzle the greens with a dash each, olive oil, sea salt, and additional black pepper, if desired.

Fold the sandwiches closed, and broil, on the center rack, for about 5 minutes, or until bread is just toasted. Enjoy!

My Big Fat Greek Pita

Perk Up Your Summer Outing with These Picnic-Ready Recipes

Now that summer is here, we’ve been hard at work in the Jeff’s Naturals kitchen creating new dishes perfect for outdoor entertaining, potlucks and best of all, PICNICS!

The perfect picnic dish should be simple, easy to transport and taste delicious once you’ve arrived at your destination. Just in case you need a refresher, we put together some practical tips for picnicking here:

The Jeff’s Naturals Guide to Perfect Picnics

Whatever your next excursion is, whether it’s a day at the beach or the pool, an evening at an outdoor concert, or a just a relaxing afternoon at the park, these three new picnic-ready recipes will all but guarantee that you will pack the perfect picnic basket and savor the outdoors!

Here are a few of our favorite picnic-ready recipes:

Picnic Ready Recipe #1: My Big Fat Greek Pita
My Big Fat Greek Pita
Stuff all of the goodness of delicious Greek Salad with a simple dressing combined with Feta, Greek Peperoncini, Kalamata Olives, Roasted Red Pepper Strips and Capers into a fresh pita and you’ve got the perfect meal on-the-go!

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

INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 c. tomatoes, diced
6 c. spinach leaves
1 1/2 c. cucumber, thinly sliced
1 c. feta cheese, crumbled
1/3 c. Jeff’s Naturals Organic Sliced Greek Kalamata Olives, sliced
1/4 c. Jeff’s Naturals Sliced Golden Greek Peperoncini
1/4 c. Jeff’s Naturals Roasted Bell Pepper Strips
1 Tbsp. Jeff’s Naturals Imported Non-Pareil Capers
1/4 c. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tsp. dried oregano
5 tsp. fresh lemon juice
2 tsp. crushed garlic
4 pita breads, about 6 inches diameter

PREPARATION
In a mixing bowl combine the tomatoes, spinach, cucumber, feta, olives, peperoncini’s, roasted bell pepper strips and capers.

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

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

Serve and enjoy.

Pic-Nic Ready Recipe #2: Broccoli & Cauliflower Salad with Sun-Ripened Dried Tomatoes
Broccoli Cauliflower SaladPrep Time: 15 mins. Total Time: 20 mins.
Serves: 4-6

INGREDIENTS
2 ½ cups broccoli florets, small diced
2 ½ cups cauliflower florets, small diced
¾ cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup finely chopped red onion
1/3 cup sunflower seeds
¾ cup chopped Jeff’s Naturals Sun-Ripened Dried Tomatoes, drained
½ cup Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil

PREPARATION

In a large mixing bowl, add the broccoli, cauliflower, cranberries, sunflower seeds and sundried tomatoes.

In a small mixing bowl, stir the yogurt and vinegar together well.

Add the yogurt mixture and olive oil to the broccoli salad ingredients. Stir to combine all ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.

Pic-Nic Ready Recipe #3: Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Roasted Red Pepper HummusPrep Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes
Serves: 8-10

INGREDIENTS
1- 19 oz. can garbanzo beans, drained with some liquid reserved
3 Tbsp. tahini paste
4 Tbsp. lemon juice
1/2 c.Jeff’s Naturals Roasted Bell Pepper Strips, drained
2 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tsp. crushed garlic
Cumin, Salt & Pepper to taste

PREPARATION
In a food processor, combine all ingredients and puree until smooth. If mixture is too think, use some of the reserved garbanzo liquid to thin it out.

Serve with some pita wedges and a side of olives drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and garnished with a pinch of chili flake for a dressed up appetizer at your next picnic or bbq.

You can also perfect your picnic game by bringing along these classic creations found on our Recipe Page.

Napa Style Hero Sandwich

Baja Fruit Salad

Peperoncini Potato Salad

 

Mexican Marinated Salad

Orzo Salad With Artichoke Hearts & Kalamata Olives

Peperoncini Potato Salad

Spinach and Feta Olive Turnovers

Watermelon, Olive, Jalapeño and Feta Salad

A Delicious Quiche for Mother’s Day Brunch

Want to really “WOW” Mom on Mother’s Day this year? You can never go wrong with breakfast in bed or a delightful brunch!

The chefs have been hard at work in the Jeff’s Naturals test kitchen creating new ways to enjoy our delicious all-natural line of olives, peppers, artichoke hearts, capers and sun-dried tomatoes.

Here’s a delicious quiche you can make this Mother’s Day with our Roasted Bell Pepper Strips and our new Marinated Artichoke Hearts! As an added bonus, Mom will love the fact this quiche is made with our certified non-GMO ingredients with no preservatives, additives, sulfites, artificial colors or flavors. Just pure & delicious food for the woman who deserves it the most!

Serve this with a tasty fruit salad and a flavorful Bloody Mary for a knock-out Mother’s Day Brunch she’ll appreciate for years to come.

Roasted Red Bell Pepper & Artichoke Quiche

Roasted Red Bell Pepper & Artichoke Quiche

Prep Time: 30 min.
Total Time: 1 hr. 40 min.
Serves: 6-8

2 ready-made pie crusts
1/2 jar Jeff’s Naturals Marinated Artichoke Hearts
1/2 jar Jeff’s Naturals Roasted Bell Pepper Strips
8 large eggs
1 shallot, grated
2 Tbsp. crushed garlic
1/2 c. whole milk
1/2 c. Mascarpone cheese, softened (here’s a quick recipe to substitute if you can’t find it in your store)
1 c. Fontina cheese, grated
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
3 oz. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 c. Mozzarella cheese, grated

PREPARATION

Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake pie crusts for 12 minutes.

Chop artichoke hearts and brown lightly in a pan on medium heat for 5-7 minutes. Set aside to cool. Cut roasted red bell peppers into ¼ inch by 1 inch long slices. Set aside.

Whisk eggs in a large bowl. Add shallot, garlic, milk, Mascarpone, Fontina, salt and pepper. Add spinach and artichokes. Mix well.

Pour mixture carefully into pie pans. Sprinkle red peppers into mixture, then top with Mozzarella cheese.

Bake for 55 minutes. Center will seem slightly underdone, but will continue cooking as it cools. Cool quiche for 20 minutes before serving.

Time Saving Tip: Make the evening before and warm it up the next morning for a delicious and lovely Mother’s Day surprise! When you are ready to re-heat the quiche, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Place the quiche in the oven for about 15 -20 minutes or until the center is warmed through.