Tag Archives: Recipe

Tuna Salad Sandwich

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

Uncategorized, , , , , ,

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.

Prosciutto Pear Sandwich

Jeff’s Perfect Prosciutto Pear Sammie

Jeff’s Naturals Imported Non-Pareil Capers, Paninis & Sandwiches, Roasted Bell Peppers, Uncategorized, , , , , , , ,

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!

Spinach & Artichoke Mac 'n Cheese

Oh My Goodness Spinach & Artichoke Mac ‘n Cheese

Pasta Dishes, Side Dishes, Uncategorized, , , , , , ,

Is it even possible to make homemade Mac-n-Cheese even better? We think so! Our second featured recipe this month is a great way to enjoy our new Marinated Artichoke Hearts while adding a delicious Mediterranean twist to classic comfort food! Makes a perfect side dish to your Easter Sunday or any night of the week! Not to mention, it’s O.M.G. kind of good!


Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 6-8

INGREDIENTS
¾ lb. elbow macaroni, cooked to package instructions
3 Tbsp. butter
3 Tbsp. flour
3 c. whole milk
2 c. Italian Blend shredded cheese, divided
2 c. white sharp cheddar, divided
3 Tbsp. Garlic & Parmesan Everything Spread
1 tsp. salt
Cracked black pepper
2 c. fresh baby spinach, packed
2 jars Jeff’s Naturals Marinated Artichoke Hearts, roughly chopped

Topping:
¾ c. panko breadcrumbs mixed with 2 Tbsp. melted butter

PREPARATION
Preheat oven on broiler.

In a medium sauce pan, on medium high heat, add butter and flour, and stir until for 2-3 minutes while mixture bubbles. Slowly whisk in milk until fully incorporated. Whisk and cook mixture for about 7 minutes, until it thickens and bubbles.

Turn heat off; stir in Garlic Spread, 1 c. each cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Pour over cooked macaroni, stir in spinach,artichokes, and remaining shredded cheese.
Place into a baking dish and sprinkle panko topping on top. Place under broiler for a few minutes until breadcrumbs are golden brown.

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.

Dagwood Sandwich Jeff's Naturals

New Sandwich Ideas Featuring New Sunshine Mix Mild Banana Pepper Rings!

Company News, Paninis & Sandwiches, Sunshine Mix Mild Banana Pepper Rings, , , , , , ,

We are so thrilled to announce that Jeff’s Naturals has added a delicious medley of Banana Pepper Rings to our already robust line of all-natural line of olives, peppers, capers and sun-dried tomatoes! Say hello to our colorful and delicious Sunshine Mix Mild Banana Pepper Rings!

These mildly flavorful peppers are sourced from local family farms in Northern California and harvested July through September. They are delicious on everything from pizzas to sandwiches, from salads to omelets and a variety of recipes like these (fresh from the Jeff’s Naturals Kitchen)!

Napa Style Hero Sandwich

Prep Time: 10 min. Total Time: 10 min. Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS
2 c. baby arugula
4 French bread sub sandwich rolls, split
12 ounces thinly sliced deli smoked turkey breast
4 ounces thinly sliced provolone cheese
8 slices cooked peppered bacon
1 avocado, thinly sliced
2/3 c. coarsely chopped Jeff’s Naturals Roasted Bell Pepper Strips, drained
2/3 c. coarsely chopped Jeff’s Naturals Sunshine Mix Mild Banana Pepper Rings, drained
4 fresh figs, stemmed and thinly sliced lengthwise
1/4 c. coarsely chopped fresh basil
1 tsp. finely grated lemon zest
Dijon Mustard to taste

PREPARATION
Evenly divide arugula onto bottom halves of the sub rolls. Top with the turkey, cheese, bacon and avocado.
In a small bowl, stir together the bell peppers, banana peppers, figs, basil, and lemon zest, until well combined. Spread mustard on both side of the bread. Evenly divide mixture among the sandwich rolls, cover with roll tops and serve.

The Jeff’s Naturals Dagwood Sandwich

Dagwood Sandwich Jeff's Naturals

Prep Time: 15 min Total Time: 30 min Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS
8 slices peppered turkey breast thinly sliced
8 slices deli salami thinly sliced
8 slices prosciutto ham thinly sliced
8 slices black forest deli ham thinly sliced
8 slices Swiss cheese thinly sliced
1/2 cup Jeff’s Naturals Sunshine Mix Mild Banana Pepper Rings, drained, seeded, and sliced in strips
1 cup Jeff’s Naturals Roasted Bell Pepper Strips, drained
Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

Sandwich spread:
1 Tablespoon Jeff’s Naturals Diced Tamed™ Jalapeño Peppers, drained and seeded
1/2 cup Jalapeño jelly
1 Tablespoon fresh chopped mint or 1 teaspoon dried mint
1 Italian or focaccia loaf of bread cut horizontally
2 Tablespoons butter at room temperature

PREPARATION
In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring Jalapeño jelly and diced Jalapeño peppers to a boil, reduce heat, simmer 3 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir mint in until blended. Pour mixture in a small bowl, set aside to cool for about 5 minutes. In the meantime, heat a sandwich grill or a heavy skillet.

Slice bread horizontally.

Brush the sandwich spread onto the insides of both the top and bottom pieces of bread.

Layer the sandwich as follows: turkey, salami, prosciutto, black forest ham, cheese, banana peppers, roasted bell peppers, salt, and ground pepper. Close sandwich and cut into 4 equal pieces.

Brush top of the sandwich with butter, set sandwich, butter side down, on the sandwich grill or skillet.

Brush butter on top side of bread and place on the grill or in a large skillet. To evenly press the sandwich, place a heavy skillet, or a brick wrapped in foil, on top of the sandwich.

Cook until nicely browned and the cheese is melted, turning once, 3 to 4 minutes on each side.
Repeat for the second sandwich.

Three Recipes for a Delicious Easter Dinner

Main Dishes, Recipes, , , , , , , ,

Easter’s the perfect time of the year to spend a moment together with loved ones and converse over a delicious, well-cooked meal. When you’re hosting, however, it can be very easy to feel overwhelmed with preparations.

Let us take some of the weight off your shoulders with these easy-to-prepare, healthy, succulent recipes made with Jeff’s Naturals line of all natural Mediterranean products).

Encrusted Salmon with Olive Pesto

Encrusted-Salmon-with-Olive-Pesto

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

Ingredients

For the Pesto:

  • 3/4 c. Jeff’s Naturals™ Whole Pitted Kalamata Olives
  • 1 c. Italian fresh parsley leaves
  • 1/3 c. basil leaves
  • 2 tsp. crushed garlic
  • 1/2 c. + 1 tsp. extra virgin olive oil (divided)
  • 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • 1/3 c. toasted pine nuts
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Salmon:

  • 6 salmon 5 oz. each
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • Lemon wedges for garnish

Directions:

Place all pesto ingredients in food processor and blend until thoroughly mixed into a textured pesto sauce.

Season 5 oz. salmon with salt and pepper. Drizzle roasting pan with olive oil and place salmon over it.

Spread pesto on the salmon and roast in oven at 375° F for about 10 to 12 minutes.

Squeeze fresh lemon on salmon just before serving.

Chef Notes: Also very good for sea bass, grilled steak, grilled shrimp and grilled chicken. Use as a spread on toasted bread topped with Jeff’s Naturals Roasted Bell Peppers Strips and goat cheese.

Peperoncini Potato Salad

Peperoncini Potato Salad

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

Ingredients

Directions:

Place washed potatoes into a pot with cold water, season with salt so it tastes “salty like the sea” and bring water to a boil on high heat. Cook potatoes until they are easily pierced with the tip of a knife, about 15 minutes.

Drain and rinse under cool water. Cut potatoes into bite size pieces and place into a medium sized mixing bowl. Add the peperoncini, capers, zest and parsley. Drizzle on the olive oil and gently toss to combine. Add a tablespoon or two of the peperoncini brine for some added “zing”. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.

Spring Spinach Salad with Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives

Recipe: Spring Spinach Salad with Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives

Prep Time: 20 min | Total Time: 30 min | Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

For the Salad:

For the Dressing:

  • 2/3 c. extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp. crushed garlic
  • 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
  • 3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp. lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Cook bacon, drain and set aside to cool. Chop blue cheese stuffed olives crosswise, into rounds. Slice apple into 1/2-inch by 1/2-inch pieces. Chop bacon. Combine all ingredients with spinach.

Combine all dressing ingredients and whisk until combined, and drizzle over salad. Serve immediately.

May is International Mediterranean Diet Month!

Mediterranean Diet, , , , , , , ,

You Can Help Promote Awareness and Celebrate International Mediterranean Diet Month!

Photo Source: Oldways Facebook Page
Photo Source: Oldways Facebook Page

We are passionate about healthy eating and living and frequently post about the Mediterranean Diet and Lifestyle:

Five Fabulous Mediterranean Inspired Salads
9 Simple Ways to Start a Mediterranean Diet and Lifestyle
5 Reasons to Follow a Mediterranean Diet in 2014

The Mediterranean Diet is a common sense approach to eating and living with an emphasis on fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, fish, whole grains, legumes, olive oil, and less red meat, dairy, processed foods and sugars.  Combined with physical activity, the Mediterranean diet could improve not only your health, but your overall quality of life!

Health organizations like Oldways are a great resource to learn more about the Mediterranean Diet. The organization provides resources to help consumers understand what the Mediterranean Diet is, why it is good for you, and how to shop for and cook healthy Mediterranean meals.

Oldways is celebrating the 5th Annual International Mediterranean Diet Month by hosting the first virtual Mediterranean Dinner Party.  During the month of May, Oldways invites people everywhere to post photos of themselves taking pleasure in a taste of the Mediterranean, at home or in restaurants, for a chance to win weekly prizes and one grand prize. Med Lovers can submit photos of themselves via Twitter, Facebook, or the Oldways Forum, enjoying homemade meals from either of Oldways’ 5 in 50+ list, at home, or at a Mediterranean restaurant of their choice, using the hashtag #MedMonth2014. Click here for more details.

May is the perfect time to shift towards this way of eating and living.  To help get you started, download 8 simple steps you can start following a Mediterranean Diet. We also encourage you to browse our line of all natural Mediterranean products and visit our Recipe Page for more inspiration.

Salute! To Your Health!

About Oldways
Oldways (www.oldwayspt.org) is a nonprofit food and nutrition education organization, with a mission to guide people to good health through heritage, using practical and positive programs grounded in science and tradition. Oldways is the parent organization for The Whole Grains Council and The Mediterranean Foods Alliance, and is well-known for creating the Whole Grain Stamp and the Mediterranean Diet Pyramid.