News
Stock Your Pantry February 10 2017
We’ve just survived another round of snow here in New York. There is always a lot of hype prior to a snow storm about stocking your pantry. Since we don’t typically drive to the supermarket in New York I feel it is less of an issue than it might be in other places. I do however promote stocking your pantry with great food items to use in a pinch whether it be a snow storm or an unexpected guest. I know I’m always pushing products from our marketplace (that is my job!) but a quick survey of my pantry found the following items and here are some suggestions on how to use them.
Jacobsen Salt Co. Kosher Salt – This is a no-brainer. Good salt makes everything taste better and I pretty much use this salt on everything from seasoning a steak to brightening up a salad.
La Boîte Spice Blends – I have too many spice blends to count. After cooking the box of pasta from your pantry toss generously with your chosen spice blend and some olive oil before serving.
Rick’s Picks Phat Beets – These are good straight from the jar but are also great in a salad paired with goat cheese or blue cheese or whatever cheese is hanging out in your refrigerator.
Due Cellucci Traditional Tomato Sauce – Of course you could pour this amazing sauce over that pasta from your pantry OR you could use it as a base for a delicious tomato soup. Pair the soup with a grilled cheese sandwich and everyone in your house will be happy!
Lucy’s Granola – This a great breakfast option when you’re snowed in and don’t have anywhere to go. I recommend having breakfast in your pajamas when there is no place to go. Pour some granola on top of your yogurt for a delicious parfait. You can also sprinkle onto pancakes as they are cooking for some extra crunch and hidden deliciousness.
Paul & Pippa Biscuits – Is it a cookie? Is it a cracker? Well, these biscuits are both. The sweet flavors are great with a cup of tea and the savory would be great with that cheese from the refrigerator.
I’m sure if I moved some of the boxes of Cheerios around in my pantry I would find more products to tell you about but I think you get the idea. I hope you’re surviving the weather wherever you are. Remember you can order from our marketplace rain or snow or sleet or hail or sun!
Happy Friday,
Julie
My Trip to the Summer Fancy Food Show July 01 2016
This week was the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York. It is a massive gathering of foodies from around the globe and a highlight for me each year. I love walking the show to see what is new and exciting in the food world, not to mention meeting wonderful artisans who are super passionate about what they do.
The show runs for three days in the summer in New York. I’ve been a bit busy this summer and ended up with just two hours at the show on Tuesday. I had a full schedule for those two hours… I wanted to meet with our current vendors and also look for new ones. I wore my sneakers so I could make better time through the aisles and the crowd was fairly thin, which made it a lot easier to get around.
I wish I could purchase all of the delicious products I tasted but there just isn’t room for that. I’ve made a wish list and plan to work through adding the products in that order. Stay tuned for some delicious treats from as far away as Berlin, Germany and as close as Brooklyn, New York. You’ll also see some new flavors from our current artisans Paul + Pippa and Lucy’s Granola.
The Winter Fancy Food Show is in San Francisco in January. I’m already planning my trip out west and hope to be at the show for more than 2 hours!
Have a great holiday weekend.
Happy Friday,
Julie
Granola- The Perfect Food for Anytime of Day April 29 2016
Granola is such a versatile food that I always have some in my cabinet. It is the perfect breakfast with the addition of some yogurt, milk or fresh fruit. I often start my day with this delicious combination. Granola is also great at other times of the day because it packs a lot of nutrition into something very tasty. It will get you through your afternoon slump and also propel you on that long hike!
I first met Lucy Benjamin of Lucy’s Granola last June at the Fancy Food Show. I’ve been hooked on her granola ever since. She makes her granola in small batches in East Blue Hill, Maine. From the pictures I’ve seen this looks like a great place and the granola produced there is just as beautiful as the nature that surrounds it. Lucy’s Original Blend is a mixture of Rolled Oats, Coconut, Almonds, Wheat Bran, Wheat Flakes, Cranberries, Raisins, Spelt Flakes, Wheat Germ, Flax Meal, Canola Oil, Maple Syrup, Honey, & Salt. I love the tartness & sweetness of the dried fruit paired with the crunch from the perfectly baked almonds and oats. The Really Nutty Pecan adds a lot of pecans to the already delicious mix. Both flavors are currently on sale in our marketplace for just $10 a bag. Trust me, this granola is worth every penny. Quantities are limited so don't wait. Start shopping by clicking here.
Happy Friday,
Julie
Cook Outside the Box January 29 2016
As a cook I am always looking for new ways to use different ingredients. This could mean roasting cauliflower in the oven or boiling it on the stove and mashing to mimic mashed potatoes or putting it in the food processor to make cauliflower rice. I often feel the same way when it comes to the products in our marketplace. Does Jam only belong on toast? Do you only put salt on your savory dishes? Here are some ideas for using our products thinking ‘outside of the box’.
This delicious pickled okra with smoked paprika is a delicious treat straight out of the jar. Don’t waste that brining liquid when you are finished with the pickles. Save it to brine your next brisket and give it a smokey, tangy flavor.
Sure this sauce is great for making sticky sweet chicken wings(perfect for your super bowl party!) or a quick pad thai. Did you know Tamarind is also a wonderful addition to dessert? Warm the sauce and pour over vanilla ice cream like a caramel or chocolate sauce. We guarantee you will not be disappointed.
Gus & Grey Holy Hell-Ghost Pepper Jam
We all know ghost peppers are one of the hottest peppers in the world. Try taming this jam by addition some to a tart and tangy margarita. It will definitely add some heat but will also make a memorable drink without all of the burn.
I love a granola and yogurt parfait just as much as you do. A very creative way to use Lucy’s Granola is to add it to your oatmeal cookies to replace the oatmeal. You’ll add a lot of crunch and a whole lot of flavor.
I’d love to hear any other suggestions you have for cooking ‘outside of the box’!
Happy Friday,
Julie