Tag Archives: Pairings

Five “Farr-Out” Reasons to Love Farro + Two Great Recipes to Try!

June 4, 2019Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives, Castelvetrano Olives, Roasted Bell Peppers & Caramelized Onions, Soups & SaladsAll Natural, Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives, Castelvetrano Olives, Farro, Healthy Lifestyle, Jeff's Naturals Products, Natural foods, Non GMO Ingredients, Olives, Organic, Pairings, peppers, Recipes, Salad, Serving Ideas, SoupJeff's Naturals

As you plan your next meal, why not try cooking with farro, the ancient grain with tremendous health benefits?

Farro is a whole grain wheat, larger than barley grain and possessing a similar taste. It’s very simple to cook on a stovetop, also great when prepared in a rice maker or a pressure cooker. It’s often used as an alternative to rice or pasta for all the nutritious qualities it contains.

Interested yet? Check out our top five reasons to love farro:

#1 Great Way to Up Your Vitamin B3 & Magnesium Intake
Farro is an excellent source of Vitamin B3, instrumental in improving your body’s metabolism. It’s also a great choice for your daily dose of Magnesium, which strengthens your blood pressure, bone strength, and overall cardiac health.

#2- This Supergrain is Rich in Anti-Oxidants
The anti-oxidants present in farro help prevent degenerative diseases and general cardiovascular problems.

#3 Great Source of Protein
Yes, it’s true! Farro contains about 15% protein, with 7 grams of protein found in a single serving!

#4 Cholesterol-Free
Not only is farro cholesterol-free, a full bowl has 8 grams of cholesterol-lowering fiber in it! An excellent choice for anyone watching their weight.

#5 Contains Complex Carbohydrates
The complex carbohydrates present in farro extend its digestion time, thus leaving you with more energy throughout the day.

So now you know why you should be cooking with farro but you may be wondering how to cook with it?

Consider these easy-to-make recipes below using Jeff’s Garden line of certified non-GMO olives & peppers as an entry point into the delicious world of farro.

Farr-Out Recipe #1: Castelvetrano Spring Farro Salad

Prep Time: 10 min Total Time: 25 min Serves: 4-6

Chefs Note: Feel free to play with this recipe and use any vegetable or herb in season. Asparagus, green beans, thyme or basil would all be wonderful. It will taste the best when the produce is the freshest!

Farr-Out Recipe #2: Farro Salad with Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives

Prep Time: 5 min | Total Time: 20 min | Serves: 4-6

For more delicious and healthy recipes head on over to our Recipes page.

11 Feel-Good Snack Ideas

July 31, 2018Appetizers, RecipesAntipasto, Appetizer, Castelvetrano Olives, Entertaining, Garlic Stuffed Olives, Gluten Free, Healthy Lifestyle, Jeff's Naturals, Jeff's Naturals Products, Mediterranean Diet, Natural foods, Non-GMO, Olives, Pairings, Serving IdeasJeff's Naturals

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!

Favorite Serving Ideas Submitted By Our Followers

May 17, 2018Recipes, Roasted Bell PeppersFan Submitted, Food Photography, Ideas, Instagram, Jeff's Naturals, Olives, Pairings, peppers, Recipes, Serving IdeasJeff's Naturals

Our Best Serving Suggestions Submitted By YOU!

We think that some of the most creative serving ideas using our peppers and olives come directly from our fans. We love to see what you’re cooking up in your kitchen. Here’s a round up of some of our favorite Jeff’s Naturals serving ideas we found recently on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. We can’t wait to see more! Be sure to use the hashtag #jeffsnaturals to share your culinary creations.

“One of my favorite salads mixed greens + grape tomatoes + avocado + @manitobaharvesthemp hearts + great northern beans + purple onion + @followyourheartcheddar cheese + Lisanatti mozzarella cheese + @jeffsnaturals kalamata olives + homemade pesto dressing (link in bio) mixed w/ dijon mustard and olive oil (salt and pepper optional). Enjoy!” – Shared by Instagram user @thenecessentials

We think this delicious looking plate of finger food is a fabulous way to enjoy our Sliced Golden Greek Peperoncini. Combine this with cheese, crackers, olives and salami with a refreshing beverage, and you have a winner! Submitted by Instagram user jmazur007.

“This is the fantastic Greek Salad I made with Peperoncini, Kalamata Olives and Roasted Bell Pepper Strips. I used your recipe (for Greek Salad), but used a beefsteak tomato, and added avocado. Thanks, Jeff’s Naturals!” – Submitted by John B. via Facebook

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.

Delicious Instagram Posts We Had to Share

NEW! One of my favorite soups got an update! This Sun Dried Tomato and White Bean Soup is feeling fresh and new, now that it’s also got nutrition information, updated notes, and a recipe video! . Tuck into a bowl of this cozy soup. One reader said recently “I made this last night and it was delicious!! I could eat this at every meal…” and I totally agree. I even eat leftovers for breakfast. It’s that good. . Recipe linked in my profile!) #onelovelyrecipe . https://www.onelovelylife.com/sun-dried-tomato-white-bean-soup/ . . . . #glutenfree #dairyfree #vegan #vegetarian #pacificfoods #earthboundfarm #jeffsnaturals #sprouts #edenorganic #muirglen #thefeedfeed #thefeedfeedvegan #plantbased #sundriedtomatoes #soup #soupson #beansoup #tomatosoup #huffposttaste #buzzfeast #buzzfeedfood @pacificfoods @earthboundfarm @muirglen @thefeedfeed @thefeedfeed.glutenfree @thefeedfeed.vegan @canyonglutenfree @jeffsnaturals @sprouts @edenfoods

A post shared by EMILY DIXON 🌵One Lovely Life (@onelovelylife1) on Dec 21, 2017 at 4:31am PST

#salad with fresh grated #garlic, #romaine #lettuce, #apple, #tomato, #bellpeppers, #basil, @jeffsnaturals #capers, #365organics #italiandressing. #glutenfree #savory #milkfree #salads #eatsalad #naturalvitamins #containssunshine #foodporn #jeffsnaturals #dinner

A post shared by Smokin’ Baby Trees (@dorsiehathaway) on Jan 10, 2018 at 5:23pm PST

“Tropical Tuna Salad”……🌴Yes, I know it’s 3 degrees outside and I should be making something hot but I thought this might rev me up for warmer weather.☀ Throw everything in a bowl and mix: 1 can organic wild caught albacore tuna (drained), chopped fresh pineapple, 1 Tbs @jeffsnaturals pickled jalapeños, red onion, celery, slaw mix, lemon juice, cilantro, 1 Tbs homemade mayo, 1 Tbs @robertrothschildfarm pineapple habanero glaze and @sneakygreens salt and pepper. Stay warm everybody… Spring is on the horizon.💐 #tuna #tunasalad #pineapple #redonion #celery #lemonjuice #jeffsnaturals #jalepenos #slaw #sneakygreens #healthyfood #healthyfats #healthycarbs #healthyeating #motivation

A post shared by Stephanie Anne Kyle (@stephanieannekyle) on Jan 16, 2018 at 10:11am PST

10 Original Holiday Appetizer Ideas

November 20, 2014Company News, ProductsCastelvetrano, Castelvetrano Olives, Gluten Free, GMO free, Jeff's Naturals Peppers, Kosher, Naturals foods, Non-GMO Peppers, Olives, Pairings, peppers, Red Bell Peppers, Roasted Red Bell PeppersJeff's Naturals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Red Bell Peppers

November 12, 2014Roasted Bell PeppersAll Natural, Gluten Free, Jeff's Naturals Peppers, Kosher, National Pepper month, Naturals foods, Non-GMO Peppers, NonGMO, Pairings, peppers, Recipes, Red Bell Peppers, Roasted Bell Peppers & Caramelized Onions, Roasted Red Bell PeppersJeff's Naturals

November is National “Capsicum annum” month, or as most of us call it, National Pepper Month! With their sweet, robust flavor and bright colors, roasted bell peppers are common ingredients in Mediterranean dishes, pizzas, salads, sauces and appetizers.

Over the years we have worked with local family farms in Northern California to bring our consumers the freshest bell pepper products available. Our locally grown peppers are roasted and packed in water with sea salt for a light smoky flavor within twenty-four hours of harvest.

Here are some fun facts* about red bell peppers you may not have known!

Red bell peppers are simply green bell peppers that have been left on the vine to continue to ripen.
Peppers are actually fruits because they are produced from a flowering plant and contain seeds-most people think of them as vegetables.
Red bell peppers are sweeter than green ones because bell peppers sweeten as they ripen.
Red bell peppers have more than twice the vitamin C of a green pepper.
Bell peppers are a good source of Vitamin A.
The scientific name for bell peppers is Capsicum annum.
Peppers were named by Spanish explorers searching for peppercorn plants to produce black pepper.
Capsicums are what peppers are called in Australia.

Next time you pick up a jar of Jeff’s Naturals Roasted Bell Pepper Strips, try

Making a delicious Greek omelet with diced Jeff’s Naturals Roasted Bell Pepper Strips, sliced Kalamata Olives and feta cheese.

-OR-

Layering Jeff’s Naturals Roasted Bell Pepper Strips, Grilled Artichoke Hearts, fresh mozzarella, and arugula on rustic Italian bread for an amazing panini.

-OR-

Puree Jeff’s Naturals Roasted Bell Pepper Strips with fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil and pine nuts for a smoky-sweet roasted red pepper pesto.

You can also try adding drained jar of Jeff’s Naturals Roasted Bell Peppers & Caramelized Onions to fajita-style beef or chicken and serve with flour tortillas, spicy salsa and fresh guacamole.

The possibilities are endless!

*Source: http://fns.dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/fns/pdf/ffvp_fs_bp.pdf

photo credit: smohundro via photopin cc

7 Ways to Enjoy Jeff’s Naturals Organic Kalamata Olives

May 30, 2014Organic Kalamata OlivesAntipasto, Cheese, Greek Olives, Kalamata Olives, Mediterranean, Organic, Organic Kalamata Olives, Pairings, Recipes, Salad, Serving Ideas, tapenade, WineJeff's Naturals

All About A Kalamata

There is something special about Kalamata Olives, sometimes referred to as “Greek olives”. What makes them so unique? Is it the flavor? The meaty texture? The distinctive almond shape or the rich dark color? Whatever it is, Kalamata Olives are a staple in Mediterranean households and the highlight of many healthy dishes.

Jeff’s Naturals Organic Pitted Whole Kalamata Olives and Organic Sliced Greek Kalamata Olives are Gluten Free, Non-GMO Verified, Organic and Vegan. Though there are countless ways to enjoy them. Here are seven tasty ideas:

1. Toss pitted Jeff’s Naturals Organic Pitted Whole Kalamata Olives with feta cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, olive oil and red wine vinegar for a refreshing Greek salad.

2. Serve them as part of a gourmet cheese plate or antipasto platter. Enjoy with Romano and/or Feta cheese and a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot (from Napa Valley of course)!

3. Combine Jeff’s Naturals Organic Pitted Whole Kalamata Olives in a food processor with garlic, anchovy filets, capers, lemon juice, and olive oil for a terrific tapenade. Spread it on fish or chicken before baking or serve it as a spread with crackers or crusty bread.

4. Dress up a plain cheese pizza with a handful of Organic Sliced Greek Kalamata Olives and a sprinkling of minced fresh oregano.

5. 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 chicken or fish with a garnish of minced fresh herbs.

6. Serve Jeff’s Naturals Kalamata Olives alongside hummus and feta cheese with warm pita triangles.

7. Make a memorable omelet by adding Organic Sliced Greek Kalamata Olives and a dollop of tangy goat cheese.

We have gone through great lengths to ensure our Organic Kalamata Olives are the highest quality. Our olives are grown in Kalamata, Greece and the surrounding countryside. We source our olives from small family farms in Greece with whom we’ve been working for many years. Jeff and our Italy-based import manager visit Greece frequently throughout the harvest to ensure that only the best quality of olives.

Here are some additional recipes featuring Jeff’s Naturals Kalamata 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