Tag Archives: Appetizer

Smoked Salmon and Roasted Red Bell Pepper Bruschetta

Smoked Salmon and Roasted Red Bell Pepper Bruschetta

Jeff’s Naturals Imported Non-Pareil Capers, Roasted Bell Peppers, , , , ,

Our featured recipe this month puts an elegant twist on a classic Italian appetizer, bruschetta. While we usually think of bruschetta as toasted sliced bread topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and olive oil, this version captures the savory flavors of roasted bell peppers, smoked salmon, chives and capers.

The Red Pepper Aioli not only knocks this dish into the stratosphere, but it can also be made fairly simply by pureeing 1/4 cup Jeff’s Garden Roasted Bell Pepper Strips, drained and 1/2 cup mayonnaise in a small food processor. It can be refrigerated up to 3 days.

While this appetizer can be enjoyed on any occasion, it’s absolutely delicious paired with your favorite white (or red) wine as you gather with friends this fall or even over the holidays. Hope you enjoy and please look out for more recipes made fresh in the Jeff’s Naturals kitchen.

Smoked Salmon & Roasted Red Bell Pepper Bruschetta

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 6-8

INGREDIENTS
1 baguette crusty French bread
1/3 c. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 large red onion, minced
8 oz. Jeff’s Garden Roasted Bell Pepper Strips, drained
4 oz. Wild Smoked Salmon
4 oz. Jeff’s Garden Imported Non-Pareil Capers, drained
2 oz. fresh chives

PREPARATION
Preheat broiler. Slice bread into 1/2 inch thick rounds. Drizzle with 1/3 cup olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toast bread in the broiler, turning once and removing when edges have browned. Roast onion in a pan over medium-high heat until edges just start to brown, about 7 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Dice peppers, and add to a large mixing bowl with the now cooled red onions. Shred the salmon using two forks to pull the meat apart, reducing the slices to the size of the peppers and onions. Add salmon and capers to the bowl and mix to combine evenly. Chop chives into 1-inch long pieces and set aside.

To assemble, top each piece of bread with a small spoonful of the aioli dressing, then follow with a slightly larger amount of the salmon mixture. Top with a few pieces of chopped chives to complete this delicious appetizer.

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus (1)

11 Feel-Good Snack Ideas

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It happens to all of us. Some days, the lunch you had hours earlier is not cutting it. You need good snacks and you need them fast! It’s always a good idea to keep a list of quick “last minute” easy snack ideas on hand so you can stay focused on more important details.

Before you go for that bag of chips you’ll feel terrible about later, try some of these easy “feel-good” snack ideas using Jeff’s Naturals.  These simple combinations can be put together in just minutes and will satisfy that hunger until dinner time.

 

1. Create a quick antipasto platter using Garlic Stuffed Olives, Marinated Artichoke Hearts and Roasted Red Bell Peppers along with your favorite sliced deli meats and/or cheese.

2. Lightly chop Organic Sliced Greek Kalamata Olives and toss with olive oil and capers. Spoon mixture over a soft cheese (or cream cheese) and serve with pita chips.

3. Make a plate with Roasted Bell Pepper Strips, feta cheese, hummus and sliced pita bread or pita chips.

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

5. Make a refreshing salsa with Sunshine Mix Mild Banana Pepper Rings, fresh tomatoes, onion, cilantro and lime juice. Serve with organic tortilla chips.

6. Top toasted baguette slices with ricotta cheese, minced rosemary, red grapes and Organic Pitted Whole Greek Kalamata Olives for a quick and delicious crostini.

7. Nosh on Garlic Stuffed Olives , Whole Golden Greek Peperoncini and/or Pitted Castelvetrano Olives right out of the jar!

8. Chop Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives and/or Feta Cheese Stuffed Olives and sprinkle on hummus. Enjoy with your favorite sliced veggies!

9. Mix ripe avocado(s) with diced red onion, Sliced Golden Greek Peperoncini, Sun-Ripened Dried Tomatoes, and lemon juice for a knock-out guacamole. Serve with your favorite organic tortilla chips or sliced bread.

10. Arrange sliced Roasted Bell Pepper Strips and Whole Golden Greek Peperoncini on a small plate with sliced fresh mozzarella and julienned fresh basil. Drizzle with olive oil and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

11. 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.

We could list so many more ideas! What about you? What’s your favorite snack idea using Jeff’s Naturals? Need more inspiration? We’ve added new appetizers, cocktails and side dish recipes to our recipe page for your enjoyment!

 

Greek 7-Layer Dip with Peperoncini

Wholesome and Delicious Greek 7-Layer Dip

Appetizers, Non-GMO, Organic Kalamata Olives, Peperoncini, Roasted Bell Peppers, , , , , , , ,

Tired of the same old heavy layered dip and chips? Bring something new to the table!

The chefs in the Jeff’s Naturals kitchen have created an irresistible seven-layer dip with a Mediterranean twist the whole crowd will love! This “feel-good” appetizer contains wholesome ingredients like our non-GMO, minimally processed line of olives and peppers.

With simple ingredients like creamy hummus, Organic Sliced Greek Kalamata Olives, feta cheese and the zesty zing of Sliced Golden Greek Peperoncini – this dish is guaranteed to be a hit at your next party. This dip can be made ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator for several hours. Add parsley and olive oil right before serving.

Serve with pita chips or sliced pita bread, or make it a gluten-free appetizer and serve with gf crackers, celery sticks, sliced cucumbers, and peppers! Enjoy!

Greek 7-Layer Dip with Peperoncini
Greek 7-Layer Dip with Peperoncini

JEFF’S DELICIOUS ALMOST FAMOUS GREEK 7-LAYER DIP 
Prep Time: 15 min.
Total Time: 15 min.
Serves: 4-6

INGREDIENTS
2 cups organic hummus
1 cup organic Greek yogurt
2 green onions, sliced thin
½ cup, Jeff’s Naturals Organic Sliced Greek Kalamata Olives, drained and chopped
½ cup, Jeff’s Naturals Roasted Bell Pepper Strips, drained and chopped
¼ cup organic crumbled feta cheese (2oz.)
1/3 cup Jeff’s Naturals Sliced Golden Greek Peperoncini drained,
2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil to drizzle on top

PREPARATION
Spread the hummus evenly in a glass 8×8 pan or serving dish.

Next, layer the ingredients in the following order: yogurt, green onions, Kalamata olives, red peppers, feta, peperoncini, and chopped parsley.

Drizzle with olive oil and serve with sliced bread, pita chips, or cut veggies.

 

Jeff's Naturals Peperoncini

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

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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
Antipasto Skewers with Jeff's Naturals Marinated Artichoke Hearts

Fresh from Jeff’s Kitchen: Easy Antipasto Skewers

Appetizers, , , , , , , , ,

When we unveiled our new additions to our all-natural line of Mediterranean olives, peppers, capers and sun-dried tomatoes at Natrual Products Expo West last month, we were thrilled to hear a wide range of praise from members of the natural foods community from all over the world!  They couldn’t get enough of our new Sunshine Mix Mild Banana Pepper Rings, Pitted Castelvetrano Olives and Marinated Artichoke Hearts.

The bold Mediterranean flavor of these artichokes have inspired our chefs at to create new dishes and serving ideas to help you eat and live better! Hand picked and marinated with a perfectly seasoned family recipe, these Artichoke Hearts do not disappoint.

Our newest recipe, Antipasto Skewers, are an elegant yet easy appetizer to make ahead for any party or get together. You can make the antipasto skewers ahead of time and drizzle with balsamic and olive oil just before serving. Get creative and add any of your favorite Jeff’s Naturals pitted or stuffed olives (like Feta or Garlic) and Whole Golden Greek Peperoncini.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Serves: 4 (2 skewers per person)

INGREDIENTS
1 jar (6.5 oz) Jeff’s Naturals Marinated Artichoke Hearts, drained
½ (12 oz.) container of marinated mozzarella balls
¼ c. Jeff’s Naturals Organic Pitted Whole Greek Kalamata Olives
1 pt. grape or cherry tomatoes
4 oz. sliced salami
6 fresh basil leaves, large leaves can be torn in half
Balsamic glaze (store-bought in vinegar isle) and extra virgin olive oil to garnish
Skewers or long tooth picks

PREPARATION
In any order, skewer a variety of the ingredients onto each skewer. Drizzle the finished skewers with balsamic glaze and olive oil and serve.

12 Ways to Enjoy Jeff’s Naturals Roasted Bell Peppers & Caramelized Onions

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Roasted Bell Peppers & Caramelized Onions

When it comes to gourmet toppings, warm Roasted Bell Peppers & Caramelized Onions are one of our all time favorites! Nothing perks up a dish quite like the sweet smokey flavor of this dynamic duo, and now you don’t have to roast, slice and caramelize because it’s already done for you!

Jeff  (of Jeff’s Naturals) says he enjoys cooking with Roasted Bell Peppers & Caramelized Onions and recommends rinsing the peppers and onions in cool water, then lightly sautéing them and enjoying them on top of sandwiches, burgers, steak, etc.

pic_sausage-smothered-in-peppers-peperoncini-and-onions pic_Italian-Farro-Minestrone

We recently asked our Facebook fans for their suggestions, and here is what a couple of them had to say:

I have always been an onion lover!!! For me, I would butter and lightly brown a Ciabatta roll on the grill, then add lettuce, a grilled hamburger patty, a slice of cheese, some Jeff’s Naturals Roasted Bell Peppers & Caramelized Onions, and top it off with a dollop of barbecue sauce!!! Now that’s the good life!! –Sue Harp

I would warm them in a saucepan, make some veggie meatballs and brown them in a fry pan. Use a slotted spoon & add the peppers and onions to the meatballs. Take a grinder or a Kaiser roll, fill the roll with the mixture. Top with a bit of provolone cheese, and pop in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes (or until cheese melts. For non-vegetarians, you can use ‘real’ meatballs). -Karen Goodwin Delaney

These are some great suggestions!  Here are 9 more delicious ways to enjoy Jeff’s Naturals Roasted Bell Peppers & Caramelized Onions:

  1. Serve warm Roasted Bell Peppers & Caramelized Onions on top of a heaping bowl of hot and creamy polenta.
  2. Top a plain cheese pizza with Roasted Bell Peppers & Caramelized Onions, goat cheese and julienned fresh basil and bake at 400° for 10 minutes (or until cheese is nice and bubbly).
  3. Toss warm Roasted Bell Peppers & Caramelized Onions with cooked pasta, marinated Artichoke Hearts, sliced Kalamata Olives and red wine vinaigrette for a colorful and satisfying pasta salad.
  4. Add a drained jar of Roasted Bell Peppers & Caramelized Onions to fajita-style beef or chicken and serve with flour tortillas, spicy salsa and fresh guacamole.
  5. Make a delicious Greek omelet with diced Roasted Bell Peppers & Caramelized Onions, sliced Kalamata Olives and feta cheese.
  6. For a special soup, add a drained jar of Roasted Bell Peppers & Caramelized 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.
  7. Use Roasted Bell Peppers & Caramelized Onions as a gourmet topping for hot dogs.
  8. Combine Roasted Bell Peppers & Caramelized Onions with farro, kale & cannellini beans make for a rustic minestrone to warm your soul. Click here for our recipe.
  9. Turn spicy Italian Sausage into a meal by topping it with Roasted Bell Peppers & Caramelized Onions. Click here for our recipe.

Our peppers and onions are locally grown in California, roasted, sautéed and packed within 24-hours of harvest.  Jeff’s Naturals Roasted Bell Peppers & Caramelized Onions can be found in natural food stores across the country and are Certified Kosher, Gluten Free, Non-GMO Project Verified, and Certified Vegan. You can also find them online at VitaCost.com.  Enjoy!

Fajita photo credit: jeffreyw via photopin cc