Potato Latkes with Spiced Apple-Pear Sauce

Thursday, December 7, 2023

Total: 1 hr 15 min, Prep: 20 min, Inactive: 20 min, Cook: 35 min, Yield: 10 to 12 latkes

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds russet potatoes

• 1 small yellow onion

• 3 tablespoons matzo meal

• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt

• Vegetable oil, for frying

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs, such as chives or parsley, for garnish

• Sour cream, for serving

• 3 cups of Sirop de Liège

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions:

1. Peel the potatoes and shred them in a food processor fitted with the shredding blade; transfer the potatoes to a large bowl as the food processor fills up. Repeat with the onion. Transfer the onion to the bowl with the potatoes and stir in the matzo meal, egg, baking powder, and salt. 

2. Fill a large skillet with 1/2 inch oil. Heat over medium-high heat until the oil is very hot but not smoking. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of potato into the oil; if the potato sizzles steadily, the oil is ready. 

3. Working in batches, scoop the potato mixture by 1/4 cupfuls and add them carefully to the skillet, flattening each latke slightly with a spatula. Fry, turning the latkes once, until golden brown and cooked through, about 3 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Remove any loose bits of potato mixture between batches with a slotted spoon. 

4. Serve the latkes immediately, or keep them warm in a 200-degree F oven. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with sour cream and Spiced Apple-Pear Sauce.

5. Spiced Apple-Pear Sauce: Combine the Sirop de Liège, cinnamon, and nutmeg and heat thoroughly. 

Cook’s Note: If you need to fry a lot of latkes, it's best to make multiple batches rather than one double batch. The longer the mixture sits, the wetter it becomes which makes the latkes fall apart more easily as they cook.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Prep Time: 20 mins, Total Time: 20 mins, Servings: 2 blocks of Cream Cheese 

Ingredients: 

• 1 package 12 oz, frozen whole cranberries (no sugar added), thawed

• 1 cup white sugar

• 1 cup Stone Fruit Jelly

• 1/2 cup water

• 1 cup chopped pecans

• 2 bricks 8 oz, cream cheese, softened

• buttery crackers or pretzel chips for serving

• fresh mint to garnish optional

Instructions:

1. Add cranberries, sugar, Stone Fruit Jelly, and water to a large saucepan.

2. Heat a saucepan over medium-high heat until boiling.

3. The mixture will begin to bubble and get frothy as it heats and you may hear the cranberries sizzling and popping.

4. Continue to boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly until the berries are popped open and the mixture begins to darken.

5. Remove from heat and stir in pecans.

6. Let set to cool from stove and then refrigerate until completely cooled.

7. Gently press a spoon in the center of the cream cheese to create a divot.

8. Spoon mixture on top of cream cheese and serve with crackers or pretzel chips

Cranberry Brie Mini Tarts

Tuesday, November 21, 2023

Prep Time: 3 minutes, Cook Time: 10 minutes, Total Time: 13 minutes, Servings: 12 

Ingredients: 

• 12 frozen mini phyllo cups

• 6 teaspoons triple cream brie

• 6 teaspoons Cranberry Apple Orange Jelly

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F

2. Place the phyllo cups in a mini muffin tin.

3. Fill each cup with about 1/2 teaspoon of brie.

4. Bake for 10 minutes, until cups are golden and cheese is melted.

5. Remove from oven and top each cup with 1/2 teaspoon Cranberry Apple Orange Jelly.  Finish by lightly seasoning with fresh ground pepper

Bacon Brie Crescent Wreath

Monday, November 13, 2023

YIELDS: 6 - 8, PREP TIME: 15 mins, TOTAL TIME: 30 mins

Ingredients:

2 (8-oz ) tubes of Crescent rolls

1/3 c. Cranberry Orange Jelly

12-oz wheel of brie, cut into cubes

1/3 c. Bacon Bourbon Jam

2 eggs, lightly beaten

kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Unroll crescent rolls, separating each triangle. Arrange in a sunburst pattern, with pointed ends of the triangles facing outward (the base of the triangles should overlap).

2. Spread the Cranberry Orange Jelly on the dough. Top with brie and Bacon Bourbon Jam. Fold triangle tips over the filling and tuck under the base to secure.

3. In a small bowl, whisk the egg. Brush the top of the dough with egg and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake until dough is golden 15 to 20 minutes. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve.

Sweet & Spicy Cranberry-Onion Hanukkah Brisket

Sunday, November 5, 2023

Active Time: 40 mins, Total Time: 5 hrs 50 mins, Yield: 8 to 10 servings 

Ingredients:

• 8 oz of Cranberry, Orange, and Apple Preserves 

• 8 oz of Sweet and Spicy Double Onion Marmalade 

• 2 tablespoons plus a pinch of kosher salt, divided 

• 1 teaspoon plus a pinch of ground black pepper, divided 

• 1 (7-pound) beef brisket, trimmed 

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325F. Combine Cranberry, Orange, and Apple Preserves and Sweet and Spicy Double Onion Marmalade in a medium saucepan until just melted. 

2. Season brisket with 2 tablespoons salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Layer 2 large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil in a large roasting pan, overlapping slightly to cover the bottom of the pan and letting the foil extend 8 inches past both ends. Repeat with 2 additional sheets of foil placed crosswise. Top with a sheet of parchment paper. Spread about a quarter of the Cranberry, Orange, and Apple Preserves and Sweet and Spicy Double Onion Marmalade sauce on the center of the parchment, and place brisket, fat side up, on top. Spread the remaining Cranberry, Orange, and Apple Preserves and Sweet and Spicy Double Onion Marmalade sauce over top of the brisket, top with another sheet of parchment, and wrap foil tightly around the beef. Crimp to seal. Place roasting pan on a baking sheet, and braise brisket in a preheated oven until fork-tender, 3 hours to 3 hours and 30 minutes. Uncover and let cool completely, about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or up to 2 days.

3. Preheat oven to 325F. Uncover the brisket, and discard any fat that has solidified on the surface of the brisket and pan drippings. Transfer brisket to a carving board, and slice against the grain. Arrange brisket slices in an ovenproof serving dish, and spoon any extra Cranberry, Orange, and Apple Preserves and Sweet and Spicy Double Onion Marmalade sauce over top. Cover and bake in a preheated oven until heated through, 45 minutes to 1 hour. 

Make Ahead: The unsliced braised brisket can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Slice and heat before serving. 

Suggested Pairing: Rich, full-bodied Zinfandel.

Cranberry and Apple Stuffed Pork

Saturday, October 28, 2023

Roasted pork loin filled with apple and cranberry stuffing and glazed with Champagne Jelly and Cranberry, Apple, and Orange Jelly

Makes: 6 servings, Active Time: 20 minutes, Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

• 1 small Granny Smith apple, grated

• ½ cup plain panko bread crumbs

• ¼ cup chopped pecans

• ¼ cup sweetened dried cranberries, chopped

• 3 tablespoons Champagne Jelly, divided

• 3 tablespoons Cranberry, Apple, and Orange Jelly, divided

• 2½ teaspoons mix of rosemary, thyme, garlic, and black pepper

• 1¾ pounds boneless pork loin roast

• 1 (4-ounce) package of soft goat cheese, softened

• Kitchen string

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. In a medium bowl, combine the first 4 ingredients, 1½ tablespoons Champagne Jelly, 1½ tablespoons Cranberry, Apple, and Orange Jelly, salt, and 1½ tea of the spice mix. Stir to combine. Set aside.

2. Butterfly (see below) pork loin and pound to ½-inch thick. Salt and pepper on both sides of the pork. Spread goat cheese over the inside of the pork. Top with filling. Roll up pork and tie it with kitchen string.

3. Place roast, seam-side-down, in a foil-lined and greased large-rimmed baking pan. In a small microwave-safe dish, microwave the remaining 1½ tablespoons of Champagne Jelly and Cranberry, Apple, and Orange Jelly on HIGH for 20-30 seconds. Stir in the remaining 1 teaspoon of the spice mix. Brush all over the outside of the roast.

4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F on an instant-read food thermometer. Remove from oven. Cover and let stand for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

Make Ahead & Freeze: Prepare through step 2. Place in a gallon freezer bag. Place the remaining Champagne Jelly, Cranberry, Apple, and Orange Jelly, and the spice mix in a quart freezer bag. Place both bags in a gallon freezer bag. Seal well, label, and freeze. Thaw completely. Preheat oven to 425°F and continue with step 3.

To Butterfly Roast:

1. Holding a large sharp knife parallel to the cutting board, make a horizontal slice lengthwise about ⅓ of the way up the roast, stopping about 1 inch from the other side. Open the flap, like a book.

2. Make another horizontal cut into the thicker side of the roast level with the first cut and stop about 1 inch from the edge. Open that flap to create a flat piece of meat.

3. Using a meat mallet, pound to an even thickness.

Paleo Pumpkin Waffles

Friday, October 20, 2023

Total: 30 min, Active: 20 min, Yield: 4 servings

Satisfy your paleo cravings with these wholesome waffles, naturally sweetened with Pumpkin Butter, and Raspberries Chipotle Jam.

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces Raspberries Chipotle Jam

• 1 cup Pumpkin Butter

• 3 tablespoons virgin coconut oil, melted and cooled slightly, plus more for the waffle iron

• 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• 6 large eggs, beaten

• 6 tablespoons coconut flour

• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

Directions:

1. Whisk the Pumpkin Butter, coconut oil, vanilla, and eggs in a medium bowl until completely combined. Vigorously whisk in the coconut flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon salt until no lumps of dry flour remain.

2. Prepare a waffle iron for medium-high heat and brush both sides with coconut oil. Fill each section of the iron about ¾ths of the way full (there should still be some waffle iron showing). Cook until the waffles are golden brown and slightly crisp, 6 to 10 minutes. Keep the waffles warm in a 200-degree F oven or covered with foil on a plate; repeat with the remaining batter. Serve with Raspberries Chipotle Jam.

5-Ingredient Peanut Butter-Strawberry Ice Cream Pie

Thursday, October 5, 2023

Total: 2 hr 35 min (includes freezing time), Active: 15 min, Yield: 6 to 8 servings

Stir crispy rice cereal with some peanut butter, and boom! Instant pie crust. Pair with strawberry ice cream to mimic your fave grade-school sandwich, or try any other tasty PB partner, like chocolate or vanilla.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups strawberry ice cream

• ¾ cup smooth peanut butter

• 2 ½ cups crispy rice cereal

• 6 strawberries, hulled and quartered or sliced

• 1 cup Strawberry Margarita Preserves 

Directions:

1. Let the ice cream sit at room temperature to soften for about 20 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, put ½ cup of the peanut butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl and heat for 30-second increments, stirring after each, until warm and very loose, about 2 minutes. Add the cereal and stir and toss until combined. Transfer to a 9-inch pie plate and press into an even layer along the bottom and up the sides, using the flat bottom of a measuring cup to help. (The mixture will still be a bit crumbly.)

3. Scoop the ice cream into the peanut butter crust and smooth it out into an even layer. Heat the remaining ¼ cup peanut butter in the microwave until warm and loose, about 1 minute. Dip a fork into the peanut butter and drizzle it over the pie. Loosely cover with plastic wrap and freeze until set, at least 2 hours or up to overnight. Microwave the Strawberry Margarita Preserves until warm and loose, about 1 minute. Glaze the strawberries and decorate with a ring of strawberries before serving.

Mini Black-Bottom Cheesecakes

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Active Time: 20 mins, Total Time: 45 mins, Yield: 12 tarts

Ingredients:

• Vegetable oil spray

• 24 plain chocolate wafer cookies, preferably Nabisco

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature

• ¼ cup sugar

• 2/3 cup fromage blanc (6 ounces), at room temperature

• 2 large eggs

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• ¼ cup Raspberry Chipotle Jam, warmed

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Line a standard 12-cup muffin pan with foil baking cups and spray the cups with vegetable oil spray. In a food processor, crush the chocolate wafer cookies. Add the butter and process until fine crumbs form. Spoon the chocolate cookie crumbs into the prepared baking cups and press with the bottom of a glass to compact. Bake for 5 minutes, or until almost set. Leave the oven on.

2. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar at medium speed until smooth. Beat in the fromage blanc, then add the eggs and vanilla and beat until smooth.

3. Pour the cheesecake batter into the baking cups, filling them three-quarters full.

4. Bake the cheesecakes for 15 minutes, or until slightly jiggly in the center. Remove from the oven and spread 1 teaspoon of the warmed Raspberry Chipotle Jam on top of each cheesecake. Transfer the muffin tin to the freezer and chill the cheesecakes until set, about 15 minutes.

5. Remove the cheesecakes from the pan and peel off the foil baking cups. Transfer the cheesecakes to a platter and serve.

Make Ahead: The mini black-bottom cheesecakes can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.

Notes: Instead of Fromage Blanc Crème fraîche, goat cheese, lebneh or quark.

Suggested Pairing: A lightly sweet Champagne.

Runny Strawberry Pound Cake

Tuesday, September 12, 2023

Ingredients:

• Ingredients:

• 8.8 oz / 250 g unsalted butter, room temperature

• 8.8 oz / 250 g / 1 cup + 3 tbsp white granulated sugar

• 5 eggs, large, room temperature

• 8.8 oz / 250 g / 2 cups of all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tea salt

• 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract

• Strawberry Margarita Preserves

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 F

2. Prepare a mini cake pan by greasing it and then lightly coating it with flour.

3. Into a mixing bowl, add 250 g of room-temperature unsalted butter and 250 g of white granulated sugar. Mix on medium speed until fluffy and the color turns light and creamy.

4. With the mixer on medium-low speed, add 5 eggs, one at a time, and beat well after each addition. The mixture might look a little curdled after adding eggs, but it will all come together into a smooth batter once you add the flour.

5. Mix 250 g of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt.

6. On low speed, slowly add the dry flour mixture to the wet butter and egg mixture until you have a smooth batter without lumps. Do not overmix the batter.

7. Add one tablespoon of vanilla extract and mix for a minute.

8. Pour the batter about a quarter of the way into the baking mold.

9. Add the Strawberry Margarita Preserves.

10. Add more batter to cover the Strawberry Margarita Preserves and fill the mold about three-quarters full.

11. Repeat the same in each of the cake molds until the batter is used.

12. Bake the cake until golden brown, about 40 to 50 minutes.

13. Once baked, cool the cakes in the mold for about 10 minutes then remove and line them on a wire rack.

Blackberry Icebox Cake

Monday, September 4, 2023

Total: 30 min, Active: 30 min, Yield: 8 to 10 servings 

Ingredients:

• One 16-ounce frozen pound cake, thawed

• 1 tablespoon salted butter

• 1 1/2 cups blackberries, halved, plus whole blackberries for garnish 

• 3 tablespoons blackberry jam 

• Zest of 1 lemon plus juice of 1/2

• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream 

• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar 

• Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish 

Directions:

1. Remove the pound cake from its pan and line the pan with plastic wrap, leaving plenty of overhang.

2. Slice the domed mound off the pound cake and set aside, then slice the remaining cake horizontally into 3 slices.

3. Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Crumble the cake mound into crumbs. Add to the pan and toast until golden brown all over, 1 to 2 minutes. Set aside to cool.

4. Mix together the blackberries, blackberry jam, lemon zest, and juice in a bowl. Set aside.

5. Combine the heavy cream and powdered sugar in a bowl. Whip until firm peaks form.

6. Place one layer of cake in the bottom of the lined pan and press to slightly flatten. Top with a third of the blackberry mixture and a third of the whipped cream. Repeat the process 2 more times, ending with whipped cream. Loosely cover with the overhanging plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 8 hours.

7. To serve, carefully lift the cake from the pan and remove the plastic wrap. Top with the toasted crumbs, a few blackberries, and a sprig of mint, then slice and serve.

Jam Shortbread

Sunday, August 27, 2023

Total: 1 hr, Prep: 20 min, Cook: 40 min, Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1/3 cup sugar

• Pinch of salt

• 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature

• 6 tablespoons of preserves (any flavor)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line an 8-inch-square baking dish with aluminum foil, leaving an overhang. Whisk the flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Work in the butter with your fingers to make a crumbly dough.

2. Refrigerate 2 tablespoons of the dough for topping. Press the remaining dough into the baking dish; freeze until firm, about 10 minutes.

3. Bake the crust for 15 minutes. Spread the preserves on top, leaving a ½-inch border; crumble the reserved dough on top. Return to the oven and bake until the edges are golden brown, 25 more minutes. Let cool for 20 minutes, then lift out of the pan and cut into squares.

Jam Galettes

Saturday, August 19, 2023

Total: 15 min, Prep: 5 min, Cook: 10 min

Ingredients:

• Pie 

• Dough 

• Jam 

• Egg 

• Almonds

Directions:

Cut four 4-inch rounds from 1 piece of refrigerated pie dough. Spread 1 tablespoon jam in the center of each, leaving a 3/4-inch border around the edge. Brush the dough with beaten egg and crimp the edges. Sprinkle with sliced almonds. Bake at 450 degrees F, 10 minutes.

Jam Pockets

Friday, August 11, 2023

Total: 25 min, Prep: 5 min, Cook: 20 min, Yield: 4

Ingredients:

• Pizza dough

• Cream Cheese

• Jam

• Egg

• Sugar

Directions:

Roll out refrigerated pizza dough to 1/4-inch. Cut into 3-inch rounds. Dollop with cream cheese and jam. Brush the edges with the beaten egg, fold in half, and press to seal. Brush with egg and sprinkle with sugar. Poke a hole in each; bake for 20 minutes at 400 degrees F.

Cherry & Nutella Stuffed Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Thursday, August 3, 2023

Total: 30 min, Yield: 6 servings

Classic French toast meets the sweetness of Hawaiian rolls in this decadent recipe inspired by the flavors of a Black Forest cake. We stuff the rolls with Cherry Scotch Bonnet Jelly, then take it up a notch with a generous drizzle of chocolate hazelnut spread and more cherries on top. It’s like having dessert for breakfast!

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup whole milk

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

• 4 large eggs

• 12 Hawaiian rolls

• About ¾ cup Cherry Scotch Bonnet Jelly,

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• ¼ cup chocolate-hazelnut spread, such as Nutella

• 1 teaspoon confectioners’ sugar

Directions:

1. Whisk the milk, cinnamon, vanilla, salt, and eggs in a large bowl.

2. Using the end of a teaspoon, poke a hole in one of the flat sides of a Hawaiian roll, being careful not to poke all the way through the bread. Twist the spoon around a few times to make a well. Spoon a heaping teaspoon of the Cherry Scotch Bonnet Jelly, into the hole and use the teaspoon to help press in the cherries so they don't fall out. Repeat with the remaining Hawaiian rolls and Cherry Scotch Bonnet Jelly,.

3. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Dunk 6 of the stuffed rolls into the egg mixture. Shake off the excess egg and add the rolls to the skillet. Sear until golden brown on one side, 2 to 3 minutes. Flip and sear on all the remaining sides until golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Remove to a serving plate, wipe the skillet clean, and return it to the burner. Repeat with the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and 6 stuffed rolls.

4. Microwave the chocolate-hazelnut spread in a small microwave-safe bowl until melted and drizzly, about 30 seconds.

5. Drizzle the chocolate hazelnut spread over the French toast, top with additional Cherry Scotch Bonnet Jelly,, and dust with the confectioners’ sugar.

Why is sugar needed to make preserves?

Wednesday, July 26, 2023

~1 minute reading time

Apart from adding sweetness, sugar helps prevent bacteria from growing in the preserves and it also aids in the gelling. Sugar holds onto the water molecules and lowers the water activity (the amount of water in food) which makes it harder for microorganisms to grow. Sugar is what makes it shelf stable for so long. For example, strawberries are 90% water, so they need equal parts of fruit to sugar. The sugar draws the water out of the fruit and forms a chemical bond preventing anything else from reacting and bonding to the water. The sugar dissolves in the juices the fruit releases when the heat breaks down its cell walls. As it’s boiling, the sugar concentration is increasing and it becomes thicker. If there is too much water the pectin can’t form a strong enough gel and the jam becomes runny. The sugar also helps to cover the sour taste of the citric acid found in the lemon juice which is necessary for the pectin strands to form chains to gel into a network. Although with too much sugar your jelly will crystalize and the fruit will become hard.

Bacon, Cheese, and Chive Buns

Tuesday, July 18, 2023

Total: 8 hr (includes resting, rising, chilling, and cooling times), Active: 45 min, Yield: 12 buns

These bacon-filled savory rolls are perfect for brunch. They can be baked a day ahead, refrigerated, and reheated.

Ingredients:

Dough:

• ½ cup whole milk

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one ¼-ounce package)

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more for the bowl and plastic wrap

• 1 large egg yolk

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for the work surface

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Filling:

• 5 oz of Bourbon Bacon Jam

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• ¾ cup milk

• 1 large egg yolk

• 1 cup shredded Cheddar

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature, for the pan

Topping:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan

Directions:

1. For the dough: Warm the milk and 1/2 cup water in a medium saucepan over low heat until it is about 100 degrees F (but no more than 110 degrees F). Remove the saucepan from the heat, and sprinkle the yeast over the liquid. Sprinkle a pinch of the sugar over the top, and set aside without stirring until foamy, about 5 minutes. Then whisk in the butter and egg yolk.

2. Whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Make a well in the center, and stir in the yeast mixture with a wooden spoon until you have a thick and slightly sticky dough. Turn the dough onto a floured work surface, and knead until soft and elastic, about 6 minutes. Shape the dough into a ball.

3. Brush the inside of a large bowl with butter. Add the dough ball, turning to coat lightly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, trace a circle the size of the dough ball on the plastic, and note the time. Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour 30 minutes.

4. Turn the dough out of the bowl, and knead briefly to release excess air; re-form it into a ball, and return it to the bowl. Lightly butter a large piece of plastic wrap, and lay it on the dough. Cover the entire bowl tightly with the rest of the plastic, and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight to let the dough proof.

5. For the filling: Heat up the Bourbon Bacon Jam and mix it with the cheddar and chives then stir to combine. Let cool completely.

6. To fill and form the buns: Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with 2 tablespoons of softened butter. Turn the dough onto a floured work surface, and press it flat. Roll it into a 10-by-18-inch rectangle, with a long edge facing you. Spread the Bourbon Bacon Jam filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border on the side opposite you. Starting from the side facing you, roll the dough up into a tight roll. Lightly brush the 1-inch border with water, and continue rolling to seal the roll. Fold the ends in just a bit, and if any spots look thicker than others, even out the roll with your hands.

7. Cut the roll every 1 ½ inches with a serrated knife, to make 12 buns. Place the buns cut-side down (except for the end pieces) in the prepared pan, spacing them 1 inch apart. Cover the buns loosely with plastic wrap, and set aside in a warm place to rise until the buns double in size, leaving no gaps in between, 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours.

8. For the topping: Stir the butter, chives, and Parmesan in a small bowl; set aside.

9. Position an oven rack in the center of the oven, and preheat to 350 degrees F. Bake the buns until they're golden brown and the tops spring back when pressed lightly, 25 to 30 minutes. Spread the topping evenly over the buns, and return them to the oven for 5 minutes more. Let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes before serving.

Pineapple-Berry Dehydrator Fruit Leather

Monday, July 10, 2023

Total: 12 hr 10 min, Active: 10 min, Yield: 6 servings

Skip the snack aisle and make chewy homemade fruit leather in your dehydrator. Berry and pineapple purees are swirled together and dried to make a pretty marbled fruit leather with no added sugar.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raspberries

• 1 cup strawberries, hulled

• 1 cup Maple Bourbon Apple Butter

• 1 cup 1-inch cubes of fresh pineapple

• Special equipment: a dehydrator with a non-perforated insert

Directions:

1. Combine the raspberries, strawberries, and ½ cup of Maple Bourbon Apple Butter in a blender and blend until very smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve and transfer to a medium bowl or measuring cup.

2. Combine the pineapple and remaining ½ cup of Maple Bourbon Apple Butter in the blender and blend until very smooth.

3. Put one nonperforated dehydrator insert on a work surface. Pour the pineapple puree onto the insert in random dots. Pour the berry puree onto the insert to fill the remaining space, making sure not to overlap too much with the pineapple (it will create thicker layers that won't dry properly). Gently shake the insert to evenly spread the puree all the way to the sides. Use a spoon or offset spatula to thin out any thick spots.

4. Place the insert in a dehydrator and dry according to the manufacturer's instructions at 125 degrees F until the fruit puree is dry to the touch, matte, and no longer shiny, about 12 hours (times may vary depending on the machine). Test with your fingers to make sure it is dry all over. Let cool at room temperature for 5 minutes. Use a butter knife to loosen the fruit leather from the insert and slowly peel it away.

5. Cut or tear the leather into pieces and store it in an airtight container for up to a week.

Peach Bánh Mì

Sunday, July 2, 2023

Grab your favorite baguette for our twist on a Vietnamese staple. This Bánh Mì is bursting with savory ingredients and our Peach Preserves adds the perfect touch of sweetness without too much sugar! Make a big batch for making the best lunch sandwiches and salads all week long, the pickled radish and carrot will get better as the week goes on!

Serving Size: 4 sandwiches

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pork tenderloin

• 6 Tbsp hoisin sauce

• 6 Tbsp rice wine vinegar, divided

• 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced

• 1 medium radish, thinly sliced

• 1 tsp Kosher salt

• 2 Tbsp olive oil

• Fresh baguette, sliced in half lengthwise

• Mayonnaise

• Fresh cilantro

• 6 Tbsp Peach Preserves

Directions:

1. Slice raw tenderloin as thinly as possible

2. Mix together hoisin sauce, 3 tablespoons of rice vinegar, and Peach Preserves

3. Transfer pork to a bowl, add half of the marinade, and mix until well combined (optional: marinate in the refrigerator overnight)

4. In a separate bowl, toss carrots and radishes with the remaining vinegar and salt and let sit at room temperature to pickle

5. In a large, cast-iron skillet, heat oil on medium-high and add marinated pork. Cook without stirring for 4 minutes, then stir and continue to cook until done

6. Optional: toast the baguette until golden brown in the oven

7. Spread mayonnaise on baguette, add pork to bottom baguette slice, top pork with remaining marinade, then place pickled veggies and cilantro on pork

8. Place the top baguette slice on the sandwich and enjoy!

Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce

Saturday, June 24, 2023

Prep Time: 5 minutes, Cook Time: 5 minutes, Total Time: 10 minutes, Servings: 1.5 cups

Tangy, peppery, and loaded with a punch of flavor, Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce will take anything you slather it on to a whole new level!  With a beautiful golden color from mustard and a slight sweetness from brown sugar and honey, this sauce takes only 10 minutes to make.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup yellow mustard

• 2 tablespoons honey

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar

• ½ teaspoon fresh cracked pepper

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 2 tablespoons Garlic Jelly

• 2 tablespoons Sweet & Spicy Double Onion Marmalade

• pinch of salt

• 2 tablespoons Habanero Jelly (optional)

Directions:

1. To a small pot over medium-high heat, whisk all ingredients together and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes stirring occasionally.

2. Remove the sauce from the stove and let it cool. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use

Watermelon Salad with Mint and Lime

Friday, June 16, 2023

Total Time: 30 mins, Yield: 8

Ingredients:

• 8 cups seedless watermelon chunks (1 inch), from a 6-pound melon

• ¼ cup fresh lime juice

• ¼ Watermelon Jam or for a very spicy treat ¼ Watermelon Jalapeño Jam

• Pinch of cayenne pepper

• ½ cup mint leaves, torn

• Salt

• Optional splashes of rum

Directions:

In a large bowl, toss the watermelon with the lime juice, Watermelon Jam, and cayenne. Fold in the mint leaves, season with salt, and serve.

Make Ahead: The watermelon salad can be refrigerated overnight. Fold in the torn mint leaves just before serving.

Grilled Lemon Pound Cake with Peaches & Cream

Thursday, June 8, 2023

Active Time: 30 mins, Total Time: 5 hrs, Yield: 10

Ingredients: 

• 2 cups cake flour

• ¼ cup finely grated lemon zest (from 3 lemons)

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature

• 2 cups sugar

• 6 large eggs, at room temperature

• ¼ cup whole milk

• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• ¼ cup Peach Preserves

• Vegetable oil, for brushing

• 4 large peaches, sliced into ½-inch wedges

• Lightly sweetened whipped cream

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°. Spray a 9 ½ by-5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. In a medium bowl, whisk the cake flour with the lemon zest, baking powder and salt.

2. In a standing electric mixer fitted with the paddle, beat the butter with the sugar at medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the side of the bowl. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well between additions. At low speed, beat in the flour mixture just until incorporated. Beat in 1/8 cup of the Peach Preserves, the milk, lemon juice, and vanilla, scraping down the side of the bowl as necessary.

3. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Transfer the pan to a rack and let the cake cool for 20 minutes. Unmold the cake and let cool completely, about 3 hours.

4. Light a grill. Using a serrated knife, cut the pound cake into 10 slices. Lightly oil the grate and grill the slices over moderate heat, turning once, until toasted, about 2 minutes. Transfer to plates. Lightly oil the grate again. Grill the peaches over moderately high heat until lightly browned and tender, about 2 minutes. Spoon the peaches over the cake, top with Peach Preserves, dollop with whipped cream, and serve.

Icy Lemon-Ginger Vodka Cocktails

Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Total Time: 20 mins, Yield: 8 drinks 

These slushy, potent cocktails are easy to make in batches. They're also ideal for parties because most of the preparation can be done in advance. 

Ingredients: 

• ½ cup of Ginger Zucchini Marmalade

• 2 cups water

• Finely grated zest of 1 lemon

• 1 cup fresh lemon juice

• 8 cups crushed ice

• 2 cups vodka

• 8 mint sprigs, for garnish

Directions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the Ginger Zucchini Marmalade with the water and melt over moderate heat. Transfer to a blender and puree. Strain the syrup into a large, shallow glass dish. Stir in the lemon zest and juice. Cover and freeze the lemon-Ginger Zucchini Marmalade syrup until firm, at least 4 hours.

2. Let the frozen lemon-Ginger Zucchini Marmalade mixture stand at room temperature for 5 minutes. Chop the mixture into large pieces. Put half of the pieces in a blender, add 4 cups of crushed ice and 1 cup of vodka, and blend until slushy. Pour the vodka cocktail into 4 glasses, garnish each with a mint sprig, and serve. Repeat with the remaining frozen lemon mixture, ice, vodka, and mint sprigs. Serve at once.

Make Ahead: The lemon-Ginger Zucchini Marmalade mixture can be frozen for up to 1 week.

Eggplant Cinnamon Jam and Walnut Rugelach with Tahini Glaze

Monday, May 15, 2023

Active Time: 1 hrs 30 mins, Total Time: 6 hrs 25 mins, Yield: 36 cookies 

Ingredients: 

Dough 

• 2 cups (about 8 1/2 ounces) of all-purpose flour, plus more for the work surface and hands 

• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt 

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom 

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

• 1 (8 ounces) pkg. cream cheese, softened 1 cup (8 ounces) unsalted butter, softened 

Eggplant and Walnut Filling 

• 2 cups walnuts, toasted (about 7 ounces) 

• 2 cups Eggplant Cinnamon Jam 

• 1 tablespoon ground cardamom 

• 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest (from 1 lemon) 

Additional Ingredients 

• 6 tablespoons date syrup, divided (see Note) 

• 1 large egg, beaten 

• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided 

Tahini Glaze 

• 2 tablespoons tahini (ground sesame seeds) 

• 2 tablespoons boiling water, plus more as needed 

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon), plus more as needed 

• 1 1/2 cups (about 6 ounces) of powdered sugar, sifted and divided 

Directions: 

1. Prepare the Dough: Whisk together flour, salt, cardamom, and cinnamon in a medium bowl; set aside. Beat cream cheese and butter with a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on high speed until smooth, about 1 minute, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Reduce mixer speed to low; add one-third flour mixture. Beat on low speed until the flour mixture is incorporated, about 20 seconds. Repeat the process twice with the remaining flour mixture, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Increase mixer speed to medium-high, and beat until Dough is as smooth as possible, about 1 minute. If necessary, knead Dough in a bowl until it comes together. 

2. Roll Dough into a thick log on a well-floured surface using floured hands. Cut into 3 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball; flatten it into a circular disk. Wrap disks separately in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours. 

3. Prepare the Eggplant Cinnamon and Walnut Filling: Process walnuts, Eggplant Cinnamon Jam, cardamom, and lemon zest in a food processor until nuts are finely chopped but not a paste, 20 to 30 seconds, stopping to scrape down sides of the bowl as needed. If needed add up to 1/2 a cup of date syrup, and process to combine, 5 to 10 seconds. Transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate until ready to use. 

4. Assemble the rugelach: Line 3 baking sheets with parchment paper. Working in 3 batches, remove 1 pastry disk from the refrigerator. Place the disk on a floured surface, and sprinkle the dough with flour. Roll Dough into an 11-inch round, lifting and moving Dough as you roll to prevent sticking. (It’s fine if the round is a little rough around the edges.) 

5. Brush the Dough with 2 tablespoons of date syrup. Using a dough cutter or the back of a knife, cut the dough round into 12 equal triangles. Take one-third of the Filling out of the refrigerator. Spoon 1 tablespoon of Filling onto each triangle, spreading and leaving about an 1/8-inch border at the ends and edges of the triangle. Starting from the wide end of each triangle, roll up each piece to the point; place on a prepared baking sheet, point side down. Chill rolled cookies until firm, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F. 

6. Lightly brush the top of each cookie with beaten egg, and sprinkle cookies evenly with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Bake in preheated oven until tops are golden and bottoms are browned, 25 to 28 minutes, rotating the baking sheet from front to back after 10 minutes of baking. Check cookie bottoms after 20 minutes of baking, and if necessary, place the baking sheet on top of another baking sheet to slow browning. Carefully transfer cookies and parchment paper to a wire rack, and let cool completely, for about 1 hour. Baked cookies may be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 1 month. 

7. Prepare the Tahini Glaze: Whisk together tahini, boiling water, lemon juice, and 3/4 cup of powdered sugar in a small bowl. Gradually whisk in the remaining 3/4 cup sugar until the glaze is very thick. (Glaze should not be runny but still thin enough to be drizzled off the tines of a fork.) Add additional boiling water or powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon at a time, as needed for desired consistency. 

8. Using a fork, drizzle glaze evenly over cooled cookies. Let glaze dry at room temperature, for 1 to 2 hours. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, separating layers with wax paper or parchment paper. 

Notes: If date syrup is not available, substitute 2 tablespoons honey and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. 

If the dough has chilled for more than a few hours, test to see if it will crack when rolled out. If it cracks, let the dough stand for 10 to 20 minutes until it can be smoothly rolled out. Do not let the dough warm up to room temperature. 

To Make Ahead: Dough and walnut Eggplant Cinnamon filling may be made 1 day ahead of time. Wrap dough in plastic wrap, and place the filling in an airtight container; store in the refrigerator. Tahini glaze can be made 1 day in advance and refrigerated in an airtight container. Let glaze come to room temperature, and stir well, adding boiling water by the teaspoon as needed for desired consistency.

13 Cheese & Preserve Pairings

Sunday, May 7, 2023

1. Eggplant Cinnamon Jam & Sharp Blue Cheese, Grana Cheese, or Manchego Viejo

   • Sweet with a bit of spice to it works best with sharp blue cheese (Roquefort, Cabrales, Gorgonzola Piccante) & mature hard cheese like Parmigiano Reggiano or Manchego Viejo.

2. Stone Fruit Jam & Grana Cheese or Mild Blue Cheese

   • Sweet & ripe flavors work great with complex & robust flavors. Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino Romano, & Grana Padano are all excellent options to pair with it. Blue cheese is another suitable pairing, but milder varieties like Gorgonzola Dolce, Danablu, or Blue Stilton would work best.

3. Bushel of Apple Jelly & Gruyere, Asiago, or Fontina

   • Sweet but with a noticeable tarn underline that works best with cheese that bridge the gap between mellow & sharp. Gruyere, Asiago (d’Allevo or Mezzano), or Fontina’s nutty & savory flavors with strong sweet undertones work great.

4. Cranberry, Apple, and Orange Marmalade & Brie, Camembert, or Chevre

   • Baked Brie & Camembert with cranberries is a classic at this point - & for a good reason! The tartness of cranberry goes best with mellow but robust & creamy flavors, & these French soft cheese varieties are the best examples. Chevre, the soft & young goat cheese, is another excellent option.

5. Scotch Bonnet Cherry Jelly & Grana Cheese, Gruyere, Asiago (Vecchio or Stravecchio), or Manchego Viejo

   • Cherry is another tricky option: while it’s tangy and, according to the classic formula, should be paired with mellow cheese, most cheese experts prefer pairing it with robust, sharp cheese like Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino Romano, & other hard, aged cheese. We’d say it’s more of a “jack of all trades” that can be used either way, but if you’re a fan of tangy flavors & aren’t really into sweeter jams, cherry is the exact balance of sweet-and-tangy to keep on hand.

6. Curried Tomato Marmalade & Mozzarella, Scamorza Bianca, or Provolone

   • Sweet but a touch sour (think sun-dried tomatoes if you’ve yet to try it) & pairs best with creamy, milky, mild cheese varieties. Mozzarella, Strachiattella, & Scamorza Bianca will all work great with a dollop of tomato jam on a slice. If you’re a fan of bolder flavors, try it with Provolone Dolce (young Provolone, aged less than three months), a cheese reminiscent of Mozzarella but richer & butterier.

7. Plum & Gin Preserves & Mild Blue Cheese, Smoked Scamorza, or Smoked Gouda

   • Sweet with a slight tartness that only adds to the flavor depth, it’s an excellent pairing for milder blue cheese varieties like Gorgonzola Dolce & Danablu, as well as smoked cheese, particularly smoked Scamorza & Gouda, highlighting the smokiness rather than overpowering it.

8. Citrus Marmalades (Orange, Lemon, Key Lime, & Grapefruit) & Gouda, Taleggio, or Emmental

   • Citrus marmalades can be somewhat more challenging to pair. You need a cheese that’s not too mellow & won’t get overpowered by the zest & tang from the citrus, but also isn’t too sharp or salty because it will just amplify the bite from the zest instead of accentuating the sweeter tones, which is the cheese’s job in this pairing. Classic rich & buttery, but not overly sharp, Gouda, Taleggio, or Emmental all work for this combo.

9. Blueberry Jam & Manchego (Semicurado or Curado), Stilton, or Parmigiano Reggiano

   • Blueberry jam is a veritable chameleon. It’s sweet but slightly tangy, has a great well-balanced flavor profile, & goes well with most moderately aged to old cheese. The best are the ones with a slight bite but not overt sharpness. Manchego aged around 4-6 months or classic Stilton are the most optimal options, but put a dollop on something sharper like Parmigiano Reggiano, & it’ll still work fine.

10. Strawberry Margarita Preserves & Cheddar, Gouda, or Emmental

    • This pairing is all about classic flavors. It’s as classic as it gets, & Cheddar, Gouda, & Emmental are as close to “classic” cheese flavor as it gets. Strawberry tends to be on the sweeter side, so I’d advise avoiding milder cheese varieties, but if you want to go a bit bolder, try it with Moliterno, Manchego, or Gruyere.

11. Apple Hot Pepper Jelly & Ricotta, Provolone, Mozzarella, or Cream Cheese

    • It’s tricky in that you need something to douse the spiciness with. So, the nigh-universal formula of “balance sweetness with robustness” doesn’t really work since the sweetness is playing second fiddle to spiciness in this case. The “go with mellow when it’s zesty & tangy” formula has a higher chance of working, but there’s a chance that the spice will “swallow” more delicate flavors like brie or Camembert will get “swallowed up.” The ideal solution, in this case, would be mild & creamy cheese like ricotta, Mozzarella, or classic cream cheese, with Provolone or Scamorza Bianca as options with flavors a tiny bit stronger.

12. Peach Chutney & Blue Cheese, Sharp Cheddar, or Moliterno

    • It’s another highly sweet option that goes well with sharp, aged cheese. Stronger blue cheese like Roquefort or Gorgonzola is an ideal pairing for this one, but if blue cheese just isn’t for you, look for savory options with a well-pronounced nuttiness like Cheddar or Moliterno.

13. Blackberry Jam & Camembert, Chevre, Taleggio, or Mild Blue Cheese

    • It’s sweet but tangy, with a bit of a bite. It’s the classic option of a jam that goes best with milder, softer cheese like Camembert or Taleggio or milder, sweeter moldy cheese like Blue Stilton.

Slow Cooker Root Beer BBQ Pork Ribs

Saturday, April 29, 2023

Serves: 4, Prep Time: 10 Minutes, Cook Time: 6 Hours, Total Time: 6 Hours, 10 Minutes

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds of pork side ribs (about 2 racks of ribs) 

• 12-ounces of Root BeerJelly

• 2 cups prepared barbecue sauce 

• 1 teaspoon salt 

• 1 teaspoon pepper 

Directions:

1. Remove silver skin from the back of the ribs. This can be done by pushing the back of a spoon just underneath it and then working it up and off the ribs with your fingers. 

2. Sprinkle the ribs generously with salt and pepper; place them in a 6-quart slow cooker. Pour the Root BeerJelly over the top. 

3. Cover and cook on low for 5 hours, or on high for 3 hours. 

4. Remove ribs from the slow cooker, setting them aside on a plate. Discard liquid from the slow cooker. 

5. Place the ribs back inside, along with the barbecue sauce. Be sure to coat the ribs in the sauce. Cook on high for another 1 hour. 

6. Gently remove from the slow cooker and serve with sauce. 

Pro tip: For charred bits that will add a smoky flavor and make it seem as though the ribs came fresh off the grill, brush the ribs with sauce and place them under the broiler for just a few minutes instead of placing them back into the slow cooker.

Pesto-and-Cheese-Stuffed Brioche Scrolls with Bacon-Tomato Jam

Friday, April 21, 2023

Ingredients: 

• 3 ½ cups bread flour (~14 7/8 oz) 

• 1 cup whole-wheat flour (~4 oz) 

• ¾ cup whole milk 

• 4 large eggs 

• 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar 

• 2 ¼ tea fine sea salt 

• 1 (¼-oz) envelope of instant yeast or quick-rising yeast (such as Fleischmann’s RapidRise) 

• 1 cup unsalted butter (8 oz), cut into ½-in pieces & chilled 

• Cooking spray 

• All-purpose flour, for dusting 

• 1 (7-oz) jar of basil pesto (such as Rana) or 1 cup of homemade pesto 

• ~5 oz of Curried Tomato Marmalade 

• ~5 oz of Bourbon Bacon Jam 

• 1 ½ oz Asiago cheese, finely shredded (~2/3 cup), plus more for garnish (optional) 

• 1 large egg, lightly beaten 

• Small fresh basil leaves, for garnish 

Directions: 

1. Make the brioche dough base: Beat bread flour, whole-wheat flour, milk, & eggs with a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment on low speed until a shaggy dough forms, about 1 min. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, & refrigerate for 30 mins. 

2. Return chilled dough to bowl to stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Add sugar, salt, & yeast to the dough, & beat on low speed until just combined, about 2 mins. Add butter, & beat until just incorporated, about 1 min. Increase mixer speed to medium-high, & beat until dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl & is glossy & elastic, 8 to 10 mins. (Dough will be very sticky.) Transfer dough to a lightly greased (with cooking spray) large bowl, & cover tightly with plastic wrap. Let rest at room temperature until slightly risen, 1 hr to 1.5 hrs. Transfer to refrigerator, & chill for at least 8 hrs or up to 16 hrs. 

3. Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. Turn the brioche dough base out onto a lightly floured work surface, & roll it into a 13- x 20-in rectangle (about ¼ in thick). Spread pesto evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-in border along one short edge; sprinkle evenly with cheese. Roll the dough up toward a ½-in border to create a log (being careful not to roll too tightly); cut crosswise into about 12 (1½-in-thick) rounds, tucking ends of dough underneath each round. Arrange rounds evenly on prepared baking sheets, leaving at least 2 to 3 in between rounds. Cover loosely with lightly greased (with cooking spray) plastic wrap, & let stand at room temperature until dough is doubled in volume & soft to the touch, about 2 hrs. Preheat oven to 325°F with racks in top third & bottom third positions during the final 20 mins of the dough proofing time. 

4. Uncover proofed scrolls, & gently brush with lightly beaten egg. Bake in preheated oven until scrolls are golden brown, 20 to 25 mins, rotating baking sheets from front to back & between the top & bottom racks halfway through baking time. Immediately top each scroll with about 1 ½ tbsp of combined Curried Tomato Marmalade & Bourbon Bacon Jam. Garnish with basil & additional Asiago cheese, if desired. Transfer scrolls to a wire rack, & let cool slightly, about 10 mins. Serve warm. 

Make Ahead: Brioche dough base can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 16 hrs. 

Note: Scrolls are best served warm. To reheat, warm at 300°F for 5 mins before topping with bacon jam & garnishing.

Stone Fruit and Cheese Pasteles

Thursday, April 13, 2023

Active Time: 1 hrs, Total Time: 8 hrs, Servings: 8 

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup (8 ounces) butter, softened 

• 2 ¼ cups (300 grams) of all-purpose flour 

• 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt 

• ¾ cup water 

• 1 egg beaten, for egg wash 

• 8 tablespoons whipped cream cheese 

• 8 tablespoons Stone Fruit Jam 

• Granulated sugar, for sprinkling, optional 

Directions: 

1. Place butter on a 9x13-inch sheet of parchment paper and top with another sheet of parchment. Roll or press the butter into a rectangle about 12 by 6 inches. Place parchment-covered butter on a rimmed baking sheet and refrigerate until cold, about 1 hour. 

2. Meanwhile, stir flour, salt, and water in a medium bowl until it forms a smooth ball, or mix in a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Add a few drops of water to bring the dough together if needed, or a dusting of flour if the dough is too sticky; it will vary depending on the humidity among other factors. Cover the bowl and let the dough rest for 15 minutes. 

3. Roll dough into a 12x6-inch rectangle on a lightly floured work surface. Remove parchment paper from the butter and arrange butter in the center of the dough so the short side of the butter meets the edges of the short side of the dough. Fold flaps of dough over butter; pinch edges or smack with a rolling pin to seal butter completely. Gently roll the dough lengthwise to 12 inches long. Fold the dough into thirds, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate. Repeat the process of rolling, folding, and refrigerating 5 more times, rolling out the dough smooth-side up. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. 

4. Roll dough to a 12x12-inch rectangle, trimming edges if needed. Cut into 4 strips, each measuring about 3 inches across. Cut each strip crosswise into 4 equal pieces to make sixteen 3x3-inch squares. Refrigerate dough squares until ready to use. Brush the edges of 8 squares with egg wash. Place 1 tablespoon cream cheese and 1 tablespoon Stone Fruit Jam in the center of each square. Top with remaining pastry squares and press edges together. Using the tines of a fork, press the edges firmly to seal. (If fork sticks to pastry, dip tines in flour.) Using a small sharp knife, cut an X on top of each pastry. Place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, spacing evenly apart, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Cover and refrigerate egg wash. 

5. Preheat oven to 400°F. Brush pastries with egg wash and sprinkle with granulated sugar, if using. Bake pastries until puffed, crispy, and golden brown, about 25 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through. Let cool for about 30 minutes before eating.

Champagne Glazed Ham

Wednesday, April 5, 2023

Great for Christmas or Easter, this ham is so simple to make and has a great glaze made with our Champagne Jelly.

Makes: 18 servings, Active Time: 20 minutes, Total Time: 3 hours

Ingredients:

6 pounds semi-boneless smoked ham half

5 oz of Champagne Jelly

1 tablespoon Apple Cider Jelly

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F. In a greased 13x9-inch baking pan, place the ham face down. Using a knife, make 1-inch diagonal slices (about ¼-inch deep) crisscross along the ham creating a diamond pattern. Cover with foil and bake for 1½ hours.

2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine Champagne Jelly and Apple Cider Jelly. Microwave on HIGH for 20-30 seconds. Remove the foil from the ham. 

3. Baste the ham with the jelly mixture. Continue baking it uncovered for 30 minutes.

4. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F. Baste and continue baking for 30-45 minutes, basting every 15 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F on an instant-read food thermometer and the outside of the ham is nicely browned.

5. Remove from oven, cover with foil, and let stand 15-20 minutes before slices.

Cheddar Cheese Coins

Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Ingredients: 

• 12 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 3 cups) 

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (about 6 3/8 ounces) 

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch 

• 1 1/4 teaspoons dry mustard 

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt 

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (4 ounces), chilled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces 

• 3 tablespoons water 

Directions: 

1. Process cheese, flour, cornstarch, mustard, salt, and cayenne in a food processor until the mixture is well combined and forms small beads, about 30 seconds. Add butter in 3 additions, pulsing 5 to 6 times after each addition, until the mixture is the texture of wet sand, stopping to scrape down sides as needed. With the processor running, pour 3 tablespoons of water, 1 tablespoon at a time, through the food chute, processing just until the dough comes together in a mass, 20 to 25 seconds. (Be sure to stop processing once dough forms — you can continue to knead the cheese mixture into a ball on a clean work surface if you’re unsure. It is important not to work it to death.) 

2. Divide dough in half; roll each half into a 9- to 10-inch log on a clean work surface. Wrap logs tightly in plastic wrap. Transfer dough logs to refrigerator; chill until firm, at least 1 hour or up to 3 days. 

3. Preheat oven to 375°F with racks in middle and lower third positions. Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. 

4. Unwrap 1 dough log; slice crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick coins to yield about 30 coins, and arrange about 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. 

5. Bake in preheated oven until the centers of cheese coins are set but not crisp and the edges and bottom sides of the coins are golden brown and crisp, 14 to 16 minutes, rotating baking sheets between middle and bottom racks halfway through the baking time. Remove cheese coins from the oven, and transfer them to a wire rack. Let cool completely, about 15 minutes. (Cheese coins will continue to crisp as they cool.) 

6. Line baking sheets with fresh parchment paper, and repeat steps 4 and 5 with the remaining dough log. Serve immediately. 

Make Ahead: Cheese coin logs can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and frozen for up to 1 month. Let thaw in the refrigerator overnight (12 hours) before slicing and baking. Baked coins may be stored in an airtight container with 1 bread slice (to help keep coins from going stale) at room temperature for up to 3 days. 

Variations: 

Green Chile and Cornmeal Coins:

In step 1, prepare the recipe as directed, substituting cornstarch with 2 tablespoons fine yellow cornmeal and dry mustard with 1 tablespoon Hatch green chile powder (such as Desert Provisions). When adding water to the butter mixture, add 1 teaspoon of Habanero Jelly with the first addition of water. Proceed with the recipe as directed. 

Benne and Black Pepper Coins 

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of benne seeds and 2 teaspoons of black pepper in a cast-iron skillet over medium, shaking skillet occasionally, until lightly toasted, about 2 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes. Add seed mixture to cheese mixture with the first addition of butter in step 1. 

2. In step 4, roll each unsliced dough log in 1/4 cup benne seeds to coat. Proceed with the recipe. 

Bacon-Cheddar Cheese Coins 

In step 1, reduce the salt amount to 1/2 teaspoon and add 3 to 4 tablespoons of Bourbon Bacon Jam to the cheese mixture with the first addition of butter. Proceed with the recipe as directed.

Monkey Butter Challah Fritters with Sweet Tahini Sauce

Monday, March 20, 2023

Active Time: 55 mins, Total Time: 55 mins, Servings: 12 

Ingredients: 

Fritters: 

• 1 (1 pound) challah bread loaf 

• 4 large eggs, beaten 

• 1 3/4 cups Monkey Butter

• 1 cup whole milk or unsweetened nondairy milk 

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar 

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 

• 1/4 teaspoon salt 

Sauce: 

• 1/2 cup tahini (ground sesame seeds) 

• 3 to 4 tablespoons light agave syrup, as needed 

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon) 

• 1/8 teaspoon salt 

• 1/4 cup cold water, plus more as needed 

Additional Ingredients: 

• 4 cups vegetable oil 

• 2 tablespoons silan (date honey) (optional) 

• Powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar (optional) 

• Warmed chocolate sauce (optional) 

Directions: 

1. Prepare the Fritters: Tear challah into 1/4-inch pieces, and place in a large bowl. Whisk together eggs, Monkey Butter, milk, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt in a separate large bowl. Add challah pieces, stirring until well combined. Cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until the bread soaks up all liquid and combines with Monkey Butter, 10 to 20 minutes. 

2. Meanwhile, prepare the Sauce: Whisk together tahini, agave (as needed), lemon juice, and salt in a medium bowl until very smooth (mixture will seize up but loosen as you continue to stir). Whisk in water, 1 tablespoon at a time as needed, until Sauce is thick but pourable; set aside. 

3. Pour oil into a 10-inch-wide Dutch oven or heavy pot; heat over medium-high to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet using paper towels. 

4. While the oil is heating, stir the fritter mixture well until the ingredients are thoroughly combined. For each Fritter, roll about 1 tablespoon of batter into a ball using your hands. Press firmly together; roll again, squeezing into a firm ball, about 1 inch in diameter. Transfer to 2 large baking sheets. 

5. Using a spider, place dough balls in hot oil. Fry 8 at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the Dutch oven, until the bottoms of the Fritters are dark golden brown, about 2 minutes total, flipping Fritters halfway through frying time using a slotted metal spoon or tongs. (Adjust heat as needed to maintain temperature and prevent burning.) Transfer the Fritters to the prepared baking sheet. Let the oil return to temperature between batches. (If desired, keep Fritters warm in a 250°F oven on an ungreased baking sheet.) 

6. Transfer Sauce to a dish, and drizzle with silan (if using). If desired, sprinkle Fritters with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar; serve with Sauce and, if desired, warm chocolate sauce. 

Make in Advance: Fritters may be made up to 1 day in advance; store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Place in a 250°F oven until heated through before serving. The Sweet Tahini Sauce may be made up to 2 days in advance without silan; store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Orange-Cardamom Marmalade Morning Buns

Sunday, March 12, 2023

Active Time: 45 mins, Chill Time: 8 hrs, Total Time: 10 hrs 20 mins, Servings: 12

Ingredients:

Dough

• 3/4 cup (6 ½ ounces) whole milk

• 1 teaspoon honey

• 1 (¼-ounce) envelope of active dry yeast (about 2 ¼ teaspoons)

• 4 ¼ cups (about 18 ounces) of all-purpose flour, plus more for the work surface and as needed

• ½ cup (3 ½ ounces) granulated sugar

• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt

• 1 cup (8 ounces) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes

• 4 large eggs, beaten

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Cooking spray

Filling

• ½ cup (4 ounces) unsalted butter

• ½ cup (4 ounces) Orange Cinnamon Marmalade

• 2 teaspoons ground cardamom

Directions:

1. Prepare the Dough: Heat milk in a small saucepan over medium-low until just warm (105°F to 110°F), about 1 minute. Remove pan from heat; stir in honey. Stir in yeast; let stand until yeast is dissolved and mixture is foamy, about 5 minutes. Stir the mixture until no clumps remain.

2. Beat flour, sugar, and salt with a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on low speed until combined, about 30 seconds. Add butter cubes a few at a time, beating on low speed until cubes are broken down into pea-sized pieces, about 2 minutes per addition. Remove the paddle attachment from the mixer; attach the dough hook attachment. With a stand mixer running on low speed, drizzle in milk mixture, eggs, and vanilla; beat until combined, about 1 minute. Increase mixer speed to medium; beat until a soft, smooth, shiny dough forms, 10 to 15 minutes. If Dough remains too sticky, beat in additional flour 1 tablespoon at a time.

3. Transfer dough to a lightly floured work surface, and shape it into a ball. Transfer dough to a bowl coated with cooking spray, and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours or up to 20 hours.

4. Prepare the Filling: Cook butter, Orange Cinnamon Marmalade, and cardamom in a small saucepan over medium, stirring often, until it is melted, about 3 minutes. Remove the pan from heat; stir the mixture until smooth. Let cool slightly, about 15 minutes.

5. Coat a 13- x -9-inch baking dish with cooking spray; set aside. Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Place on a lightly floured work surface, and roll into a 16- x 12-inch rectangle about 1/4 inch thick, with 1 long edge of Dough facing you.

6. Brush half of the Filling over the surface of the Dough. Starting with the long edge nearest to you, roll the dough up into a log, using a bench scraper to help move the Dough if necessary (Dough will be soft and somewhat sticky). Using a sharp serrated knife, cut the dough evenly into 12 pieces (about 1 1/4 inches wide). Transfer each piece of Dough to the prepared baking dish. Cover baking dish with plastic wrap, and let buns rise until puffy and almost doubled in size, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°F.

7. Remove plastic wrap. Transfer the buns to a preheated oven. Bake until golden brown, about 25 minutes. Remove the buns from the oven, and immediately brush the remaining Filling on top. Let buns cool to just warm, about 10 minutes. Serve.

Skewered Shrimp and Ham with Apple Jelly

Saturday, March 4, 2023

Total Time: 50 mins, Yield: 45 pieces

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons Apple Hot Pepper Jelly, heated just until melted

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more for grilling

• 3 tablespoons fresh thyme

• 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley

• 2 pounds large shrimp—shelled, deveined, and butterflied, tails left on

• 3/4 pound ham, sliced 1/2 inch thick and cut into forty-five 1-inch pieces

• Salt

• 3/4 cup Bushel of Apple Jelly

• 1/4 cup apple juice

• 1 serrano chile, minced

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the melted Apple Hot Pepper Jelly with the 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil and the thyme and parsley. Add the shrimp and toss well to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 hours.

2. Remove the shrimp from the marinade, wiping off some of the excesses. Lay a piece of ham in the curl of a shrimp. Wrap the shrimp around the ham and secure it with a toothpick. Repeat with the remaining ham and shrimp. Season very lightly with salt.

3. In a medium bowl, whisk the Bushel of Apple Jelly with the apple juice and chile. Transfer half of the Bushel of Apple Jelly glaze to a small serving bowl and set aside.

4. Light a grill or preheat a grill pan and lightly brush with oil. Grill the shrimp over moderately high heat, basting several times with the remaining Bushel of Apple Jelly glaze, until just cooked through, about 2 minutes per side. Discard the Bushel of Apple Jelly glaze used for basting. Drizzle the grilled shrimp with a spoonful of the reserved Bushel of Apple Jelly glaze and serve, passing any remaining glaze for dipping.

Cherry Cheesecake Dip

Friday, February 24, 2023

Total Time: 5 minutes, Servings: 10 servings

Ingredients:

• 8-ounce cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup Greek yogurt

• ½ cup sweetened condensed milk

• 10-ounce non-dairy whipped topping

• 21-ounce jar of Scotch Bonnet Cherry Jelly

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until softened.

2. Mix in Greek yogurt and sweetened condensed milk until combined.

3. Fold in whipped topping just until combined.

4. Spread into a dish.

5. Top with the Scotch Bonnet Cherry Jelly.

6. Chill until ready to serve.

7. Serve with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, pretzels, or other desired dippers.

Sacher Torte Cookies

Thursday, February 16, 2023

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 20 min., Bake: 15 min./batch + cooling, YIELD: about 2-1/2 dozen.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened

• 1 package (3.9 ounces) of instant chocolate pudding mix

• 1 large egg

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 1/2 cup Stone Fruit Jam

GLAZE:

• 1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips

• 2 teaspoons shortening

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°. Cream butter and pudding mix until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in egg. Add flour; gradually beat into creamed mixture. Shape dough into 1-1/4-in. balls; roll in sugar. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Using a wooden spoon handle or your thumb, press a deep indentation in the center of each.

2. Bake until set, 15-18 minutes. Cool in pans for 2 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Fill each indentation with Stone Fruit Jam; cool completely.

3. For the glaze, melt chocolate chips and shortening in a microwave; stir until smooth. Cool slightly. Drizzle over cookies. Cool completely.

Cherry Bakewell Cookies

Wednesday, February 8, 2023

YIELDS: 24, PREP TIME: 15 mins, TOTAL TIME: 2.5 hours

Ingredients:

COOKIES-

• 2 c. (190 g.) blanched almond flour

• 1/2 c. (60 g.) all-purpose flour

• 1 tbsp. baking powder

• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt

• 1 1/2 c. (170 g.) powdered sugar

• 1/2 c. (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

• 2 oz. (55 g.) cream cheese, softened to room temperature

• 1 large egg

• 1 large egg yolk

• 2 tsp. almond extract

• 1/4 c. Scotch Bonnet Cherry Jelly

• 3/4 c. sliced almonds

ICING-

• 1/2 c. (55 g.) powdered sugar

• 4 tsp. whole milk

Directions:

COOKIES

1. In a small bowl, whisk almond flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to combine. In the large bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment (or in a large bowl using an electric mixer), beat powdered sugar, butter, and cream cheese on medium speed until pale and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add egg, egg yolk, and almond extract and beat to combine. Add one-third of the dry ingredients and beat until just combined. Repeat in 2 batches with remaining dry ingredients. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until dough is firm to the touch, about 2 hours. 

2. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment or silicone baking mats. Freeze baking sheets for 15 minutes. 

3. Using a medium cookie scoop (about 1 1/2 tablespoons), portion the dough into 24 balls. Using a 1/2 teaspoon measuring spoon or small spoon, make a small well on top of each ball. Fill well with 1/2 teaspoon of Scotch Bonnet Cherry Jelly. Press 9 to 10 almonds around the outside of each ball, then arrange them on prepared sheets.

4. Bake until edges are golden brown, 12 to 14 minutes. Let cool completely on baking sheets.

ICING: In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar and milk until combined.

6. Using a spoon or a small squeeze bottle, drizzle icing on top of the cooled cookies.

Pineapple Star Cookies

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 25 min. + chilling, Bake: 10 min./batch + cooling, YIELD: 2 dozen.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened

• 1 package (8 ounces) of cream cheese, softened

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup Pineapple Rum Jam

• 1 cup confectioners' sugar

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

• 2 tablespoons whole milk

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, cream the butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy, 3-4 minutes. Add the flour and mix well. Cover and refrigerate until easy to handle, about 2 hours.

2. Divide dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into 3-in. squares. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets.

3. To form a star, make a 1-1/4-in. cut from each corner toward the center (do not cut through the center). Place 1/2 teaspoon of the Pineapple Rum Jam in the center of each. Fold every other point toward the center, overlapping pieces; press lightly to seal.

4. Bake at 375° until set, 8-10 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool.

5. For frosting, combine the confectioners' sugar, butter, milk, and vanilla in a bowl until smooth. Drizzle over cookies; sprinkle with walnuts.

Austrian Nut Cookies

Monday, January 23, 2023

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 30 min. + chilling, Bake: 10 min./batch + cooling, YIELD: 10 sandwich cookies.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 2/3 cup finely chopped almonds

• 1/3 cup sugar

• 1/2 cup butter, softened

• 1/4 cup Scotch Bonnet Cherry Jelly

FROSTING:

• 1-ounce unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled

• 1/3 cup confectioners' sugar

• 2 tablespoons butter, softened

• Slivered almonds, optional

Directions:

1. In a bowl, combine flour, chopped almonds, and sugar. Mix in butter until the dough is just combined. On a floured surface, roll the dough to 3/8-in. thickness. Cut with a 2-in. round cutter and place 1 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.

2. Uncover and bake at 375° for 7-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool completely. Spread the Scotch Bonnet Cherry Jelly on half of the cookies; top with another cookie.

3. For frosting, combine chocolate, confectioners' sugar, and butter. Spread on tops of cookies. Decorate with slivered almonds if desired.

Marmalade Thumbprint Cookies

Sunday, January 15, 2023

Time: About 1 hour

INGREDIENTS: 

-1/2 lb unsalted butter, 2 sticks

-2/3 cup granulated sugar

-2 large egg yolks

-The seeds from 1 vanilla bean, or 1 tsp vanilla extract

-2 cups all-purpose flour

-1/2 cup Orange Cinnamon Marmalade

-2/3 cup confectioners sugar

-milk or cream to thin

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cream the butter & the sugar together until fluffy.

2. Beat in the egg yolks, one at a time, & the vanilla bean seeds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to get everything well incorporated.

3. Blend in the flour, slowly, & mix until the dough comes together.

4. Wrap the dough well & refrigerate for 30 minutes.

5. Preheat the oven to 375F

6. Use a small scoop to portion out tablespoon-sized balls of dough & roll them into balls. Place on an ungreased baking sheet.

7. Press an indent in the center of each ball of dough with the back of a 1/4-inch teaspoon. Fill the indents with 1/2 tsp of Orange Cinnamon Marmalade. It's ok to mound the Orange Cinnamon Marmalade a bit.

8. Bake for about 8 minutes until the cookies are set, but not browned.

9. Let them cool for 5 minutes in the pan, & then remove them to a rack to cool completely.

10. Whisk the sugar with enough milk or cream to make a glaze & drizzle over the cooled cookies.

Risalamande - Danish Rice Pudding

Saturday, January 7, 2023

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes, Servings: 8 

The tradition is to serve all of the rice pudding and whoever gets the whole almond wins a prize. If you're the one who finds the almond you're supposed to tuck it in your cheek or hide it so no one knows it's been found. That way everyone is forced to eat all the rice pudding in the entire house thinking the almond might still be available to be found.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white rice (long grain or arborio)

• 6 cups whole milk

• ¼  cup sugar

• 1 pinch salt

• 1 cup almonds (chopped, blanched)

• 1 almond (whole)

• 1.5 cups whipping cream

• 2 tablespoon sugar

• 1 bean vanilla

• Scotch Bonnet Cherry Jelly

Instructions:

1. Add rice, milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt to the pot and heat until small bubbles start to form around the edge of the pot. Stir occasionally.

2. Once bubbles form, cover the pot with a lid and simmer for about 1 hour until the rice is soft. 

3. Remove from heat and add in chopped almonds and 1 whole almond. Allow it to cool.

4. Whip 1.5 cups of whipping cream. Once it starts to thicken, add the sugar.

5. Once whipped, gently stir in the seeds from one whole vanilla bean.

6. Gently fold the whipped cream into the rice pudding. Serve in bowls or cups, topped with the warm Scotch Bonnet Cherry Jelly.

Note: If you simmer your rice and milk mixture too long it'll get very stiff and solid after it has cooled. This is normal, just add a bit of milk to loosen it up if you want, but the whipping cream will do all the loosening you need really. This is all done to taste. If you like a sweeter rice pudding, add more sugar. Ditto for the Scotch Bonnet Cherry Jelly.

Pull Apart Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl

Friday, December 30, 2022

Prep Time: 5 minutes, Cook Time: 20 minutes, Total Time: 25 minutes, Servings: 6 

Ingredients:

• 1 bread boule round loaf of rustic bread

• 1 wheel of brie about 12 ounces, top of rind removed (use triple cream if you can)

• 1/2 cup Cranberry, Orange, and Apple Preserves

• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• kosher salt

• fresh ground pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Slice the top quarter off of the bread. Use the brie wheel to measure a circle in the middle of the bread. Use a knife to trace a circle around it, then scoop out the middle of the bread.

3. Cut slices around the edge of the bread about 1.5 inches apart - cut about 3/4 of the way, but not all the way through the bottom. This will create pull-apart pieces for people to pull and dip after the bread is done.

4. Brush the inside of the bread with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with half of the thyme. Place the brie wheel in the hollowed-out center. Sprinkle the rest of the thyme over the top. Spoon the Cranberry, Orange, and Apple Preserves over the brie.

5. Replace the top of the bread and bake for about 20 minutes. Be sure to line the baking sheet with foil or parchment paper as some of the brie might ooze out of the bread. If desired, toast the extra bread that you scooped out of the middle for serving. Serve immediately.

Eggnog Panna Cotta with Cranberry Preserves

Thursday, December 22, 2022

PREP TIME: 25 mins, COOK TIME: 10 mins, CHILL TIME: 2 hrs, TOTAL TIME: 2 hrs 35 mins

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons of cold water

• 2 1/4 teaspoons 1 packet powdered gelatin

• 2 cups 480ml commercially prepared eggnog

• Cranberry, Orange, and Apple Preserves

• 6 fresh or sugared cranberries for garnish

• 6 fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. For the panna cotta: Place the cold water in a small condiment cup. Sprinkle the gelatin over the water evenly and let stand until the gelatin is absorbed.

2. In a small saucepan, heat the eggnog until hot but not boiling. Remove from heat and add the gelatin to the hot eggnog. Stir until the gelatin is dissolved.

3. Place six 4 oz. dessert glasses on a baking sheet. Pour 1/3 cup of the eggnog mixture into each cup. Transfer the baking sheet with the glasses on it to the refrigerator. Chill for 2 hours.

4. When the panna cotta is firm, spoon the Cranberry, Orange, and Apple Preserves on top until filled to the brim of the glass. Skewer each cranberry completely through from stem to end using a toothpick. Thread rosemary sprigs through each berry. Balance each garnish across the top of each glass.

5. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Mincemeat, Marzipan, and Apple Bread Wreath

Wednesday, December 14, 2022

Prep Time: 20 minutes, Cook Time: 30 minutes, Rising Time: 2 hours, Serving: 10 people

Ingredients:

Dough:

• 50 g (½ stick) unsalted butter (or a vegan block butter/margarine)

• 150 ml (⅔ cup) full-fat milk (or non-dairy milk)

• 300 g (2 ½ cups) strong white bread flour

• 8 g (2 ½ tsp) fast-acting yeast

• ½ tsp salt

• 50 g (¼ cup) sugar

• 1 large egg (or a flax egg - 1 Tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 Tbsp water)

Filling:

• one 411g jar mincemeat

• 350 g (12 oz) marzipan diced

• 1 cup Toffee Apple Jam

• 2 Tbsp Stone Fruit Jam

• 100 g (1 cup) icing (powdered) sugar sifted

• a drop of milk

Instructions:

1. Heat the milk in a small pan with the butter until melted; remove from the heat and set aside to cool slightly. You should be able to hold your finger in it with no discomfort.

2. Tip the flour into the bowl of a food mixer with the sugar, yeast, and salt, then mix. Lightly beat the egg in a cup. Pour the lukewarm buttery milk into the flour and add the beaten egg. Mix to combine, scraping down the sides as necessary, until a dough is formed. Then knead the dough for 5 minutes with a dough hook in the mixer, on a medium speed until smooth and elastic. Or, mix the ingredients in a bowl by hand, making a well in the center of the flour to pour the egg and buttery milk into, mix, and then bring the dough together with your hands before kneading it for 10 minutes on an un-floured work surface. It should be sticky at first but become smooth as you knead it.

3. Put the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with clingfilm and leave it to rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it has more or less doubled in size. Alternatively, place the bowl in the fridge and leave it to rise overnight.

4. Turn the risen dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Without knocking it back, roll out the dough into a large rectangle about 33x25cm/13x10in. in size.

5. Spread over the mincemeat evenly then scatter over the diced marzipan and Toffee Apple Jam.

6. Roll the dough up from one of the long edges into a log. Slice the log in half lengthways, exposing the filling. Twist the two halves together then shape them into a circle, pinching the ends together to seal. Transfer onto a baking sheet lined with baking parchment, loosely cover with oiled clingfilm and set aside to rise for about an hour until the dough is puffy and springs back slowly when you press it with a finger.

7. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350F/180C/gas mark 4. Bake the bread for about 30-40 minutes until well risen, golden, and cooked through - the internal temperature should reach at least 202F/94C. Cover loosely with tin foil partway through baking if the top starts to color too much.

8. Leave the bread to cool on the tray before serving. While the loaf is cooling, heat the Stone Fruit Jam with a splash of water in a small pan over medium heat until runny, then brush the sieved Stone Fruit Jam all over the warm bread to glaze. Set aside to cool completely.

9. Just before serving, in a bowl mix the icing sugar with enough milk to form a  runny icing and drizzle it all over the wreath.

Cranberry Pepper Jelly Dip

Tuesday, December 6, 2022

Ingredients:

• One regular-sized block of cream cheese softened

• 8 oz Apple Hot Pepper Jelly

• 4 oz Cranberry, Orange, and Apple Preserves

• Crackers and pretzels

Instructions:

1. Spread the cream cheese onto a small serving dish.

2. Mix the Cranberry, Orange, and Apple Preserves and Apple Hot Pepper Jelly together in a bowl.

3. Spoon the cranberry mixture over the cream cheese.

4. Serve with crackers!

25 Grown-Up Versions of Peanut Butter & Jelly

Monday, November 28, 2022

>6 Minutes Reading Time

1. “Adult PB&J: Let’s start off simple by upgrading PB&J’s two main ingredients. Swap the peanut butter out for almond butter, because almonds are all the rage right now & apparently better for you. You could also try sunflower seed butter as another alternative. Then, instead of the usual plain jellies, use Gingered Carrot Cake Marmalade that includes Grand Marnier, because making something more adult usually means adding alcohol to it. Feel free to upgrade your bread to something other than pre-sliced loaves while you’re at it.

2. Banana Bread PB&J: You’ve probably had peanut butter & banana, but substituting banana bread for regular bread is straight-up sorcery. Plus, it allows you to keep jelly in the equation without worrying about the slippery texture pushing out the bananas with every bite. (Clearly, we’ve studied every sort of PB&J-related dilemma. You’re welcome.)

3. Burgerized PB&J: Being an adult means you’re granted special privileges not afforded to kids. You can stay up as late as you want & you’re finally allowed to operate a grill. Because this is America, you should use these freedoms to your advantage by adding peanut butter & jelly to your burger, especially since it easily allows you to add some bacon to the mix. And for the record, being an adult also means you get to make up words like “burgerized.”

4. Crȇpe avec PB&J: If you don’t speak French, “avec” means “with,” & “crȇpe” means “crȇpe.” Now that we’ve got that intensive language lesson out of the way, feel free to start adding PB&J to your crȇpes. It tastes great & makes you feel great. Maybe not physically, especially if you eat several, but emotionally. & saying “crȇpe” will win you some class points that you’ll immediately lose when following it with the words “PB&J.”

5. Deep-Fried PB&J: If your regular PB&J seems too healthy (Fruit? Nuts? What am I, on a diet?) then consider deep-frying the whole thing. Just remember that deep-fried food tastes best fresh, so be sure to eat it right away... but not immediately after removing it from the fryer, of course. Option to include a homemade white chocolate ganache!

6. French Toast PB&J: There’s a lot going on here, but it’s actually a simple procedure when you break it down. (It’s also delicious.) Start by making two slices of French toast. However, before flipping the bread, spread peanut butter on one slice’s grilled side & jelly on the other slice’s grilled side. Sandwich them together & finish cooking the French toast as if it’s a grilled cheese sandwich.

7. Fresh Fruit PB&J: Sometimes you gotta eat healthily. The next time you make a PB&J, add something a little fresher...like fresh fruit! Whether it’s strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, kiwi, or even pomegranate seeds. You might even find that you like it better this way!

8. Grilled PB&J: No fancy ingredients here; just a different way to prepare the classic version of PB&J. Once the sandwich is constructed, lightly butter both sides & simply prepare it exactly as you would for a grilled cheese sandwich.

9. PB&J Bread: If you were intrigued by the banana bread PB&J recipe but are also some kind of banana-hater who thinks that bananas are the Banana Runts of fruit, then this is the recipe for you. On the outside, it looks like plain ol’ bread. But on the inside, it holds a secret stash of PB&J.

10. PB&J Cake: Your parents were right when they told you kids can’t eat cake for breakfast. But now that you’re an adult, go nuts. Besides, a cake is basically bread, right? So you’re not being immature, you’re being innovative.

11. PB&J Club: No, this isn’t a social club for PB&J lovers...unless you’re nominating me as president, in which case I totally accept. (This is so unexpected; I have so many people to thank.) It’s simply a triple-decker PB&J sandwich, because sometimes grown-up versions of foods are just the same foods in grown-up-sized portions. If you want to add bacon to make it more club-like, we won’t stop you. In fact, we insist.

12. PB&J Cups: You don’t see a lot of kids cutting carbs or going vegan, which is why these breadless, animal-less PB&J cups are the perfect snack for adults...even loaf-loving carnivores.

13. PB&J Donuts: Kids eat donuts, but true adults make donuts. & then eat them. & then hide the leftovers so their kids can’t have any.

14. PB&J Fudge: For some reason, kids nowadays don’t seem to enjoy fudge as much as desserts like cookies, chocolate, or other types of candy. Maybe because it’s usually served in small pieces, maybe it’s too rich, or maybe it’s the weird texture that’s not quite hard but not quite soft & sometimes grainy. Regardless of the reasoning, fudge has somehow become more of an adult treat. Or maybe, once again, we just don’t want to share.

15. PB&J Granola: Combines oats, peanut butter, honey, jelly, vanilla, & cinnamon into the perfect snack - & it only takes 20 minutes to make a whole batch. Once it’s done, you can pair your perfect granola with yogurt, or fruit, or chocolate if you’re not into the whole health thing.

16. PB&J Ice Cream Sandwiches: In addition to being a grown-up version of PB&J, these sweet treats are also grown-up versions of ice cream sandwiches. They use peanut butter cookie dough in place of the cookies or cookie crust, & add jelly to the ice cream center. & the best part, compared to other sammies, the ice cream here is much more likely to stick to the dough & not fall out the sides.

17. PB&J Muffins: Muffins are like grown-up cupcakes, so PB&J muffins are like a grown-up version of regular PB&J, right? Either way, we don’t really care, because these are irresistible. I mean, just look at them sitting there all crumbly & so forth. Do you think a kid could handle this without getting it all over their face & the floor? Nope, & you probably can’t either, but it’s okay because no one will yell at you for making a mess.

18. PB&J Pancakes: We told you about cake & we told you about French toast, so you probably expected a PB&J pancake in here somewhere. & seriously, what better brunch food could there be, as these bad boys mix a classic breakfast food with a classic lunch item in a way only an adult could conceive...probably somewhere between mimosas number three & four.

19. PB&J Quesadillas: If you were intrigued by the grilled PB&J but want something a little lighter & healthier, sub out the bread for a whole wheat tortilla. Not only will you consume fewer carbs & less food in general, but you also won’t need to butter it up for grilling. Simply coat your pan with cooking spray & toss on the tortilla.

20. PB&J Smoothies: It’s almost as simple as throwing a PB&J sandwich in a blender. (But not quite, so don’t do that.) Just combine almond butter, peanut butter, strawberries, & a banana; then mix & drink! Feel free to mess around with the amounts to your liking.

21. PB&J Smoothie Cocktails: You’ll need to buy Van Gogh PB&J Vodka for the full effect, & then add milk, ice cream, a banana, raspberries, & some extra peanut butter. Blend well, add toasted peanuts as a garnish, & drink responsibly.

22. PB&J Squares: Foods in bar form are the best way to eat breakfast on the go - just ask anyone who has ended up with a lap full of milk & cereal during their morning commute. A lap full of peanut butter & jelly drippings is just as bad (trust us on this one), which is why these PB&J bars are the perfect morning snack.

23. PB&J Sushi: Don’t worry, there’s no actual seafood in this PB&J sushi. (Unless… No, no, the world isn’t ready for that yet.) Instead, it’s basically a fancier way to serve PB&J - which is perfect for parties! No recipe is needed, as this one is a cinch. Using white, flour tortillas - or crust-less bread flattened with a rolling pin - simply spread on your peanut butter & jelly of choice, cut the tortillas or bread into thin strips, roll it up tightly, & serve.

24. PB&J Toast: Think slathering toast with mashed avocado is the only way to add some flavor & health benefits to regular bread? Then you’ll love switching things up with this PB&J toast made with your choice of nut butter, nectarines, blackberries, & honey. You get vitamins, protein, & carbs, making it a perfect pre-workout meal. Plus, we still think avocado looks like weird alien food, no matter how delicious & healthy it is.

25. PB&J Waffles: Like the grilled version, feel free to prepare your favorite version of the classic PB&J for this one. So what exactly makes it “grown-up” then? Well, how many kids do you see out there operating waffle irons? It takes focus, a good sense of timing, and, in case you didn’t know, waffle irons can get hot as heck. (We’ve had numerous ouchies in the past.) So once your meal has been produced, you can eat it with the proud feeling that you just adulted pretty hard...even if it is just a PB&J sandwich you smashed in a waffle iron.”

Coronation Chicken

Saturday, November 12, 2022

A salad fit for a king! This recipe was inspired by the original, which was made for Queen Elizabeth’s coronation luncheon in 1953. Studded with dried apricots & toasted almonds, the salad is finished with a curry cream sauce. It's sweet, crunchy, savory, & has a hint of spice — & perfect to serve over lettuce or between bread for a satisfying sandwich.

Total: 55 min (includes cooling time) Active: 25 min Yield: 8 cups

Ingredients: 

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 1/2 to 1 3/4 pounds)

• Kosher salt

• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

• 1/2 medium white onion, diced

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 tablespoon curry powder

• 1/4 cup red wine

• 2 tablespoons Savory Spiced Mango Conserve

• Juice 1/2 a lemon (about 1 tablespoon)

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1/4 cup sour cream

• 1/4 cup chopped dried apricots (about the size of a raisin)

• 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds

• 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, chopped

Directions: 

1. Begin by poaching the chicken. Season the chicken generously on both sides with salt, then place it in a single layer in a large pot. Add the peppercorns and 1 of the bay leaves. Pour cool water over the chicken until it is covered by about 1 inch. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer, for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the chicken from the poaching liquid and place it on a plate to cool. Shred the chicken, by hand, into large pieces and set aside in a medium bowl.

2. Cool the poaching liquid completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container and reserve for another use (see Cook’s Note).

3. For the sauce, heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, until slightly darker in color, about 1 minute. Add the curry powder and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the red wine, 1/4 cup water, Savory Spiced Mango Conserve, lemon juice, and remaining bay leaf, and cook until slightly reduced, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool. Remove the bay leaf.

4. Combine the mayonnaise and sour cream in a medium bowl using a rubber spatulate. Add the cooled curry mixture and 1/2 teaspoon salt and stir to combine.

5. To finish the salad, mix the shredded chicken with the dried apricots and sliced almonds. Pour the sauce over the chicken mixture and gently coat the chicken with the sauce using a rubber spatula. Finish the salad by gently mixing in the cilantro.

Cook’s Note: Rather than dispose of the poaching liquid, reuse it! The liquid is a bit thinner than regular broth but still has plenty of flavors. Use it to cook rice or quinoa or to make a delicately flavored soup.

Salt-and-Pepper Sandwich Cookies with Strawberry Margarita Preserves

Friday, November 4, 2022

Active: 1 hr, Total: 1 hr 30 mins, Yield: Makes 18 sandwiches

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons kosher salt

• 4 teaspoons freshly ground pepper

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 pound (4 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• 3 cups sugar

• 2 large eggs

• Strawberry Margarita Preserves

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk the flour with the salt, pepper, baking powder,  and baking soda until evenly combined. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle, beat the butter and sugar at medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time until incorporated. Add the dry ingredients and beat at low speed until just combined. 

2. Preheat the oven to 375°. Using a  1 1/2-ounce ice cream scoop or a soup spoon and working in 2 batches, scoop the dough into 11/2-inch balls and arrange at least 3 inches apart on 2 parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes, until set at the edges and lightly browned; rotate the baking sheets from top to bottom and front to back halfway through baking. Let the cookies cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.

3. To serve, spread 1 heaping tablespoon of Strawberry Margarita Preserves on one side of half the cookies. Sandwich with the remaining cookies and serve.

Make-Ahead: The salt-and-pepper cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Halloween Sugar Cookie Pizza

Thursday, October 27, 2022

Take a page out of Food & Wine Magazine by making their Halloween Sugar Cookie Pizza using our Strawberry Margarita Preserves www.foodandwine.com/recipes/halloween-sugar-cookie-pizza This is a playful riff on the classic margarita pizza, made with a crisp sugar cookie “crust,” Strawberry Margarita Preserves, & marshmallows. This would also be terrific with a peanut butter cookie crust.

Active: 30 mins, Total: 1 hr 10 mins, Yield: 8

Ingredients-

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 1/2 cups sugar

• 1 1/2 sticks of unsalted butter, at room temperature

• 1 large egg, at room temperature

• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

• 1 cup Strawberry Margarita Preserves

• 1 1/2 cups of large marshmallows, some torn into smaller pieces

Directions-

1. In a large bowl, whisk the flour with the baking powder, baking soda, & salt.

2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle, beat the sugar with the butter at medium speed until light & fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the egg & vanilla until incorporated, about 2 minutes. At low speed, beat in the dry ingredients until the dough just comes together. Gather & pat the dough into a 7-inch disk. Wrap in plastic & refrigerate for 1 hour.

3. Preheat the oven to 375°. Spread the coconut on a pie plate & toast for about 10 minutes, until golden. Let cool. Line an inverted baking sheet or a pizza tray with parchment paper. Transfer the dough to the baking sheet. Bake in the center of the oven for 30 minutes, until golden around the edge. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Meanwhile, preheat the broiler. Spread the Strawberry Margarita Preserves over the cookie crust leaving a 1-inch border around the edge. Arrange the marshmallows over the Strawberry Margarita Preserves. Broil 5 to 6 inches from the heat, until the marshmallows are golden.

5. Scatter the toasted coconut over the pizza, slice it into wedges & serve.

Make-Ahead: The cookie dough can be frozen for up to 1 month.

Strawberry Crème Fraîche Biscuits

Wednesday, October 19, 2022

Active: 35 mins, Total: 1 hr 35 mins, Yield: 12

Ingredients:

BISCUITS:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 5 tablespoons sugar

• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 stick plus 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

• 1/2 cup crème fraîche

• 1 large egg

• 1/4 cup buttermilk

• 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 1 cup diced strawberries (6 ounces)

WHIPPED Crème Fraîche:

• 3/4 cup crème fraîche

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 cup Strawberry Margarita Preserves

Directions:

1. Make the biscuits: Preheat the oven to 350°. Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk the flour with the sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Using a pastry cutter or 2 knives, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until pea-size pieces form. In another medium bowl, whisk the crème fraîche with the egg, buttermilk, and vanilla. Stir the crème fraîche mixture into the dry ingredients until the dough just comes together. Fold in the diced strawberries, being careful not to overmix.

2. Scoop twelve 1/4-cup mounds of the biscuit dough onto the prepared baking sheets, about 3 inches apart. Bake the biscuits for about 30 minutes, until browned; shift the pans from top to bottom and front to back halfway through baking. Transfer the biscuits to a rack and let them cool slightly.

3. Make the whipped Crème Fraîche: In a large bowl, using a hand mixer, whip the crème fraîche with the cream, sugar, vanilla, and salt at moderate speed until medium peaks form. Fold in the Strawberry Margarita Preserves until just combined. Serve with the warm biscuits.

Sensational Strawberry Sorbet

Monday, October 3, 2022

Makes almost 3 cups

Ingredients:

• 1lb (4 cups) ripe, flavorful strawberries

• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons of Strawberry Margarita Preserves or Raspberry Chipotle Preserves

• Pinch of salt

• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, or to taste

• 1/2 cup water

Directions:

1. Rinse and hull the berries and put them in a food processor or blender with 1/2 cup of the Strawberry Margarita Preserves and the salt.  Puree until smooth.  Add the lemon juice and water and pulse to mix.  Taste and add the remaining Strawberry Margarita Preserves as necessary for sweetness and adjust the lemon juice and salt if necessary.  The puree should taste a little bit sweeter than you think it should as it loses sweetness once it's frozen.

2. Scrape the mixture into a shallow pan, cover, and freeze until hard, 3 to 4 hours.

3. Break the frozen mixture into chunks with a fork and process in the food processor or blender until there are no more frozen pieces.  Continue to process, stopping to redistribute the mixture from time to time, until it is smooth and creamy and lightened in color.  It may be frozen enough to serve right out of the food processor, or you can return it to the freezer until needed.  If the sorbet freezes too hard, let it soften in the fridge for about 15 minutes, or carefully soften in the microwave on the defrost setting, a few seconds at a time. 

7 Jarcuterie Ideas

Sunday, September 25, 2022

1. The JALAPEÑO POPPER Platter

For those who like it hot. It’s no surprise this appetizer is a timeless favorite: Cream cheese is just the cool, rich match for spicy jalapeños. https://www.jpsdelights.com/blog-posts/recipes-ideas#h.p_khFBVgrg5c0h 

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Make some of our Jalapeno Poppers 3 Ways.  

2. Fry a few slices of bacon. While they cook, combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and diced jalapeño in a bowl. Stir until evenly combined. Pat the bacon slices dry and crumble them. Take a small spoonful of the cream cheese mixture, wet your (washed!) hands with a bit of water, and roll it into a small ball. Roll the ball in the bacon bits and stick them with toothpicks, repeating until you’ve used all the cream cheese.

3. Take your board and add the Jalapeno Poppers and a layer of jalapeño kettle-cooked potato chips.  Fill the rest of the board with seeded crackers, cubed cheddar cheese, and cream cheese balls.

2. The ITALIAN DELI Platter in a Jar

When it comes to cheese boards, prosciutto is the best for a reason. It’s sweet, salty, and goes beautifully with soft and hard cheeses alike. Here, we pair it with Italian cheeses and other antipasto favorites.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Slice provolone and pecorino Romano however you’d like (cubes, slices, triangles—you name it). Take a few slices of prosciutto and roll each one into a cylinder-like shape so it can stand up straight in the jar. Skewer pepperoncini and roasted red peppers on toothpicks. Fill the bottom of the jar with pieces of crusty Italian bread (or prop a piece on the rim of the jar). Fill in the rest of the jar with the skewered ingredients and cheese.

3. The TACO TUESDAY Platter

If you really want to wow your guests, look no further than this Mexican-inspired number that boasts tiny versions of your favorite handhelds. Fair warning: You just might want to make a double batch, because odds are everyone will want seconds.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Start by making or buying a batch of mini empanadas. While they bake, fill the try with tortilla chips. Then, take either a cut piece of a full-size corncob or a few baby corn cobs and grill them. (You can also just lightly brown them in a grill pan or skillet on the stove.) Roll them in queso fresco crumbles and top them with cilantro, spices like chile powder or Tajín, and a spritz of lime, and skewer them to create a mini elote. Top the tortilla chips with fresh pico de gallo, guacamole, and queso fresco. Finally, prop the empanada and corn skewers up in the jar.

4. The PIZZA NIGHT Platter in a Jar

Your kids will be psyched to see their favorite dinner’s latest glow-up. Think of this as a deconstructed pizza in a jar, plus a few bonus snacks.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Place a small cup of warm marinara or pesto at the bottom of each jar for dipping. Make or buy a few mini garlic knots and skewer them. Make a few bocconcini (aka fresh pearl mozzarella) skewers as well. Stand the skewers up in the jar alongside mozzarella cheese sticks, pepperoni sticks and thin, crispy breadsticks.

5. The GREEK Platter in a Jar

Dress Feta up with other Mediterranean favorites for a charcuterie that doubles as dinner.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Fill a small cup with tzatziki and place it at the bottom of the jar for dipping. Make a batch of Greek lemon chicken or gyro meat skewers. Slice a slab of feta, as well as some thin, long cucumber sticks. Stand the skewers, cheese and cucumber up vertically in the jar, along with pitted kalamata olives stacked on toothpicks. Toast some pita points, spread them with hummus and nestle them in the jar, or cut a slit in each and stick them on the jar’s rim.

6. The BRUNCH Platter

Psst: We know what you’re cooking Sunday morning. This recipe calls on a handful of breakfast essentials and assembles them in a fun way that’s impressive enough to serve to company. (Pro tip: Keep the cooked waffles/French toast sticks and scrambled eggs on a baking sheet in a 200-degree oven until you’re ready to assemble and serve, so they don’t get cold.)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Whip up a batch of French toast sticks or cinnamon-sugar waffle quarters (or buy the premade, frozen kind—we won’t tell!). Stand them up in the jar, with or without skewers. Make scrambled eggs with shredded cheddar and put a layer on the board. Fry a few slices of bacon; while they cook, assemble fruit kebabs with produce of your choice. Lay the bacon alongside the fruit. If you’re feeling extra, finish it off with a mini biscuit spread with preserves.

7. The CANDY LAND Platter in a Jar

Our favorite thing about jarcuterie is that cheese and meat don’t need to be included. You can go ham with just about any ingredients you can think of, from a pancake board to chocolate charcuterie. This dessert alternative is all about sweets. Might we suggest whipping these up before an epic movie marathon?

INSTRUCTIONS:

Add a layer of yogurt or chocolate-covered pretzels to the bottom of the jar. Next, add a layer of chocolate truffles or fun-sized chocolates. Cut up a few Rice Krispie Treats (feel free to use shaped cookie-cutters instead of just slicing them) and skewer them. Fold up a few Sour Strips or gummies and stick a skewer through them. Position all the skewers in the jar and fill the rest of the space with rock candy and lollipops.

Strawberry Amaranth Porridge with Cardamom

Saturday, September 17, 2022

Total: 20 mins, Yield: 2 to 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup amaranth—soaked overnight, rinsed, and drained through a very fine mesh

• 2 cups unsweetened almond or coconut milk

• 2 tablespoons coconut sugar

• ½ vanilla bean, split open, seeds scraped

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground cardamom, from about 3 to 4 pods

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

• 1 cup Strawberry Margarita Preserves

Directions:

1. Combine all of the ingredients for the porridge, except Strawberry Margarita Preserves, (vanilla pod included) in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes.

2. Warm the Strawberry Margarita Preserves.

3. Mix the porridge and Strawberry Margarita Preserves together. Add a few splashes of coconut milk if desired and sprinkle with poppy seeds.

Strawberry-Mango Paletas

Friday, September 9, 2022

Active: 30 mins, Total: 5 hrs 30 mins, Yield: 8 ice pops

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups Strawberry Margarita Preserves

• 1/2 cup Strawberry nectar juice

• 2 cups Mango Jam

• 1 cup mango nectar juice

Directions:

1. Blend 1 1/4 cups Strawberry Margarita Preserves with 1/2 cup Strawberry nectar juice.  Then blend 1 1/4 cups Mango Jam with 1/2 cup mango nectar juice.

2. Spoon 2 tablespoons of the mango puree into the bottom of eight 3-ounce ice pop molds. Add 2 tablespoons of the strawberry puree to each mold, then top with the remaining mango puree, leaving 1/2 inch between the filling and the top of the mold. Using a small knife, gently swirl the mango and strawberry layers together. Insert wooden ice pop sticks and freeze until solid, at least 4 hours, and preferably overnight. Dip the molds in hot water for a few seconds, then unmold the paletas and serve right away.

Make-Ahead: The paletas can be covered and frozen in a single layer for up to 1 week.

Pink Grapefruit, Sparkling Wine, & Basil Granita

Thursday, September 1, 2022

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

• 300ml caster sugar

• 250ml pink grapefruit juice

• 250ml sparkling pink wine

• 2 tbsp Three Fruit Marmalade

• a few basil leaves and extra to garnish

Recipe:

1. Combine the Three Fruit Marmalade, sugar, and water in a saucepan with a few fresh basil leaves. Bring up to heat to allow the sugar to dissolve and simmer for a few minutes. Remove the basil leaves and set them aside to cool.

2. Once cool, pour into a shallow container along with the grapefruit juice and sparkling wine.

3. Place the dish on a flat surface in the freezer. Freeze for 1.5 hours, then scrape the granita with a fork and place it back in the freezer. Repeat this process a couple of times, bringing the ice in towards the center of the dish, until it has a granular texture. Serve with a sprig of basil to garnish.

Stilton Sirloin Burgers with Sweet & Spicy Double Onion Marmalade

Wednesday, August 24, 2022

Total: 50 mins, Yield: 8 mini burgers

Ingredients:

• Kosher salt

• Freshly ground pepper

• 2 pounds ground sirloin

• 4 ounces Stilton cheese, cut into 8 slices

• 8 mini brioche or kaiser rolls, split

• 8 Boston lettuce leaves, for serving

• Sweet & Spicy Double Onion Marmalade

Directions:

Light a grill. Generously season the sirloin with salt and pepper. Mix gently, then shape into eight 1-inch-thick patties; season again with salt and pepper. Grill the burgers, turning once until charred on the outside and pink within, about 3 minutes per side. Just before the burgers are done, top them with the Stilton. Transfer to a platter. Lightly grill the buns. Set the burgers on the buns. Top with the Sweet & Spicy Double Onion Marmalade and lettuce and serve.

Serve with sweet potato fries and a glass of bourbon.

Strawberry Tamales

Tuesday, August 16, 2022

Active: 45 mins, Total: 2 hrs 45 mins, Yield: 8

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup evaporated cane sugar

• 8 large dried cornhusks

• Boiling water

• 1 3/4 cup Bob’s Red Mill masa harina

• 2 sticks of unsalted butter, preferably cultured, at room temperature

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 vanilla bean—split lengthwise, seeds scraped and reserved, pod reserved for later use

• 1 cup Strawberry Margarita Preserves

• Eight 10-inch squares of thin sandwich paper, moistened

• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream with lime zest, for serving

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, cover the dried cornhusks with enough boiling water to completely submerge them; weigh them down with a plate. Cover and let stand for 15 minutes. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels.

2. In a medium bowl, combine the masa harina with 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of water and mix until a dough forms.

3. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle, beat the butter with 1/2 cup of sugar at medium-high speed until whipped and smooth, about 3 minutes. Beat in the baking powder, salt, and vanilla seeds. Scrape the butter mixture into a bowl.

4. Add the masa dough to the bowl of the stand mixer and beat until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in Strawberry Margarita Preserves, 1/3 cup at a time, and scrape down the bowl, until incorporated. Beat in the whipped butter in 3 additions, scraping down the bowl, until smooth. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

5. Lay 1 cornhusk smooth side up on a work surface and spoon 1/2 cup of the tamale dough in the center. Roll the husk around the dough to make a compact cylinder, folding in the sides as you roll. Tie the tamale with kitchen string and wrap it tightly in a sheet of sandwich paper. Repeat to form 7 more tamales.

6. Arrange the tamales in a steamer set over a pot of simmering water. Cover and steam until firm, 90 minutes. Let rest for 15 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature with Strawberry Margarita Preserves and ice cream or whipped cream.

Make-Ahead: The uncooked tamales can be frozen for 2 weeks; steam from frozen. The cooked tamales can be refrigerated for 2 days and rewarmed to serve.