News
The Magic of the Holidays in NYC December 08 2017
As I was walking down the street on Thanksgiving I saw someone setting up to sell Christmas Trees. That is when it dawned on me that the holiday season has begun. New York City is a magical place to be during the holidays; I understand why everyone wants to visit. The city is buzzing for the few weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas as the tourists come to shop, dine and see the sights. Here are some of my favorite happenings this time of the year. Be sure to add them to your to do list if you live in New York or are just visiting.
Winter Village at Bryant Park – This outdoor market has become very upscale in the past few years. Browse vendors for the perfect gift and then sit and watch the ice skaters while you taste your way through the different food options. If you have little ones with you that don’t want to ice skate, check out the carousel.
The Shops at Columbus Circle – The lights hanging in the shopping center will always have a special meaning to me during the holidays. When I worked at Bouchon Bakery, I got to see the light display everyday. I could hum the tunes to you note for note. Luckily I’ve forgotten the songs but have fond memories of people sitting down with a hot chocolate and a cookie to see the light show in the afternoons.
Rockefeller Center – This is one Christmas Tree you don’t want to miss. It is impressively large and decorated to perfection. Check out the tree while shopping, ice skating or on your way to Radio City to see the Rockettes(another one of my favorite NYC Holiday happenings).
The Holiday Train Exhibit at the NY Transit Museum Annex – Visit Grand Central Station and take a detour to this amazing model train. There are dozens of trains going around the tracks and even if I didn’t have a some who is obsessed with trains I would still find it interesting. Grab a bite to eat on the downstairs concourse. The options have improved in the past few years.
Don’t forget to spend time with Family and Friends this holiday season as well. And if you make the trip to NYC on a Friday be sure to stop by our showroom. We’ll be open for all of your holiday shopping needs.
Happy Friday,
Julie
Farmers Market Finds July 21 2017
This week began my ‘summer vacation’ on the beautiful island of Block Island. The island is full of beautiful beaches but I am beginning to discover there is a lot more that makes it a special place. While the island is small, about 8 miles by 4 miles, there is a lot to do.
This week I was really excited to visit the Farmer’s Market. It is held twice a week but on Wednesdays it is outside of the Spring House Hotel. The hotel restaurant did not disappoint on our dinner there earlier in the week stating they are a farm to table restaurant with an ocean view! The garden out back is pretty impressive so I had high expectations for the market. The produce at the market was top-notch and I came home with some Swiss Chard, Zucchini and Radishes. Follow our Instagram feed to find out what happens to those. I was surprised by the number of local artisans who set up shop at the market selling everything from baked goods to jewelry to clothes & Block Island Coasters. There were also musicians playing making the market an event for the entire family.
I hope I will visit the market again before heading back to New York. In the mean time, I am also excited to see what other hidden gems there are lurking around the island.
Happy Friday,
Julie
Matzo All Year Round! March 31 2017
This week I discovered that Passover may be coming sooner than I’d like. The big tip off was that everything at the Kosher Butcher was labeled Kosher for Passover. I won’t bore you with a Jewish History lesson but in a nut shell Passover is the holiday where we celebrate the Jew’s exodus from Egypt and retell the story of Moses and the Ten Commandments among others. Of course, the holiday has a lot of eating traditions and the biggest one for Passover is that we give up all leavened things. That means no cakes, breads, cookies, donuts, etc. for eight days. As you can imagine, that is a pretty tough endeavor for someone who love sweets! Luckily, there are some really delicious recipes to be made from Matzo that you almost forget it is Passover.
The recipe below for Chocolate Toffee Matzo Crunch is that good. I made it using The Matzo Project Salted Matzo from our marketplace. Feel free to expand on the recipe and top with candies and nuts of your choosing. It will only make the recipe better, I promise. Just like The Matzo Project Matzo, this recipe is good all year round!
Happy Friday,
Julie
Chocolate Toffee Matzo Crunch with The Matzo Project Salted Matzo
Makes approximately 30 pieces
Ingredients:
4-5 pieces The Matzo Project Salted Matzo
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 12-oz bag chocolate chips
Method:
-Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with heavy-duty aluminum foil.
-Cover the baking sheet with The Matzo Project Salted Matzo, cutting and breaking as needed to fill all of the space.
-To make the toffee combine the butter and brown sugar in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat stirring constantly until mixture comes to a boil. Once mixture comes to a boil, continue cooking and stirring for an additional three minutes to let the mixture thicken. Pour the toffee over the matzo, spreading with a spatula to make an even layer.
-Put pan into the oven a bake for 10 minutes or until toffee topping is bubbling over. Remove from oven and place on wire rack. Immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over the top of the pan. Let the chocolate soften for 3-5 minutes before spreading evenly over the toffee.
-Put the pan into the refrigerator for about 45 minutes to let the toffee and chocolate harden. Don’t leave in for too much longer as it will make it difficult to cut. Remove from the refrigerator and cut into squares.
-Enjoy!
New to the Marketplace - Semolina Artisanal Pasta March 03 2017
By now you probably know we have an amazing new pasta as part of the marketplace, Strozzapreti Pasta from Semolina Artisanal Pasta. Strozzapreti is an elongated version of of cavatelli and is not something you’ll typically find on the shelves at your local supermarket. This is a pasta that needs a lot of attention when it is made and you’ll often find hand-rolled versions on restaurant menus. When the ‘new’ Union Square Café opened recently in New York City, they had Strozzapreti on their menu. You’ll also find it on the menu at Marea in New York City prepared with jumbo lump crab, sea urchin and basil.
Strozzapreti translates to priest-strangler and there are a couple of legends to explain the name. One is that gluttonous priests were so enthralled with the savory pasta that they ate too fast and choked on it. Hopefully, you’ll show a little more restraint when eating this amazing pasta. It is perfect paired with a simple tomato sauce like the ones from Due Cellucci Tomato Sauces. Strozzapreti also makes an amazing ‘mac’ and cheese.
At Semolina Artisanal Pasta, founder Leah and her team, use the finest Durum Flour available in the United States to make their organic pasta. Then they cut the pasta with bronze dies. This creates a rough texture on the outside of the pasta which makes is perfect for ‘sticking’ to sauce. I recommend keeping a bag of this pasta in your pantry. You will impress all your guests with the flavor of the pasta even if you are only able to cook it in boiling water and toss it with a little olive oil.
Leave a comment below and let me know your favorite way to cook Strozzapreti.
Happy Friday,
Julie
The Ultimate Baked Pasta February 24 2017
My youngest son turned one yesterday and boy was it a day! I’ve been busy getting ready for his party this weekend but wanted to share this amazing recipe for The Ultimate Baked Pasta. I used Due Cellucci Tomato Basil Sauce and our newest product Strozzapreti Pasta from Semolina Artisanal Pasta(more on this soon!). This dish is perfect for the chilly weather and is easy enough to throw together for a delicious weeknight meal.
Happy Friday,
Julie
The Ultimate Baked Pasta
Makes 6 servings
Ingredients
16 oz Semolina Strozzpreti Pasta
1 – 24 oz Jar Due Cellucci Tomato Basil Sauce
1 ½ cups Fresh Ricotta
½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Method
-Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook Semolina Strozzpreti Pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until very al dente, drain.
-In a large bowl combine the cooked Semolina Strozzpreti Pasta and Due Cellucci Tomato Basil Sauce. Fold in Ricotta leaving large clumps. Spread about half of the past mixture in the bottom of a casserole dish. Sprinkle half of the Parmesan and Mozzarella over the pasta. Top with the rest of the pasta mixture and sprinkle with the remaining cheeses.
-Cover with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling.
-Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, before serving.
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
2016 Holiday Gift Guide November 18 2016
Is thought of getting something for everyone on your list freaking you out? We've got you covered. Here is our gift guide for this year. If you are shopping on a budget be sure to check out the gifts in each price range featured under the gifts tab.
If you are in the New York City area, we'll be opening our showroom from noon - 4pm the first three Fridays in December. Mark your calendars so you can swing by and take advantage of some amazing in store deals.
GIFTS FOR HIM
D.a.T. Ketchup($8) – This Ketchup from our friends in Louisiana has just the right amount of heat to take things up a notch!
La Boîte Bloody Mary Spice Master Collection($60) – If he loves football and Sundays, he is sure to love this collection of spices. The set of four spice blends is intended for four types of liquor and comes with recipes for each drink.
Bloody Mary Gift Set($88) - All the fixings to take that Bloody Mary to the next level. These spices and condiments are also perfect for jazzing up your chilli at the next tailgate!
GIFTS FOR HER
Cacao Prieto Chocolate Bark($12) – Made with 72% Single Origin Dark Chocolate from the Dominican Republic may even be considered good for you! The better part is that it tastes great and each bar comes with a beautifully designed post card.
FIVE Holiday Extra Virgin Olive Oil($49) - One of my favorite seasonal products that can be used year-round. This stunning red bottle looks amazing in any kitchen. It is the perfect gift even if you don't cook because it will make you look like you do!
Best Breakfast(from $60) – Every woman enjoys breakfast in bed. Surprise her with this selection of goods making the start of the day, the best part of the day. Includes Bee Local Honey, Paul + Pippa Biscuits, Gus & Grey Jam and Lucy’s Granola. The large version also has even more breakfast goodies, including P & T Tea Bags.
GIFTS FOR THE KIDS
Tiny But Mighty Popcorn($8) – Available in butter and kettle corn flavor, popcorn is the perfect treat for any little one. In just 2-4 minutes they’ll have a treat they are sure to enjoy!
Rococo Chocolates Bee Bars ($4) – These bars are the perfect size for tiny hands. Your kids are sure to love the sweet flavors like Milk Chocolate Honeycomb Crunch and White Chocolate Raspberry Fizz. For the kid in all of us we have great dark chocolate flavors like Basil & Persian Lime and Chilli Pepper.
Happy Friday,
Julie
Thanksgiving Recipes! November 04 2016
Halloween is over and it is finally time to look ahead to Thanksgiving. It is definitely one of my favorite holidays because it is all about family, friends and eating!
Here are some great recipes for your Thanksgiving meal using some of the products from our marketplace.
Roasted Chicken with Jacobsen Kosher Salt, just in case a Turkey won’t fit in your NYC oven
Honey Glazed Carrots with Bee Local Cherrywood Smoked Honey
Roasted Sweet Potatoes with La Boite Ayala N.16 and Bee Local Portland Farmland Honey
Simple Stuffing with La Boite Breeze N.5
Pumpkin Pie with Paul + Pippa Chocolate Crust
Place orders by Thursday November 17th for guaranteed delivery before Thanksgiving.
Happy Friday,
Julie
Visit our Showroom This Sunday October 21 2016
Is it summer or fall? The weather this week has me thinking of June or July but not October. As it turns out the weather will be more seasonal for our Fall Open House this Sunday. I’ve been busy all week getting the showroom ready. I hope you’ll be able to join the fun as we open our doors, welcome the fall and the busy holiday season ahead.
Here is a preview of all the excitement we have in store...
Due Cellucci Tomato Sauce Sampling: From 1:30-3pm, Stefanie, the creator of Due Cellucci Tomato Sauces, will be on site with her delicious sauces warmed up and ready to taste.
EssieSpice TamarindOh! Tequila Sunrise Punch: We are always looking for new ways to use our products and this recipe from EssieSpice is perfect. We’ll have a kid-friendly version as well.
Special Markdowns: We have a few specials cooked up for Sunday including Rococo Chocolates Bee Bars for just $1 each and Tiny But Mighty Popcorn at half-price!
Raffle Give Away: Enter to win a Big Apple Gift Set featuring all or our local artisans.
I hope to see you on Sunday. Here are the details one more time!
Julie’s Beet Open House
Sunday October 23rd, 11a – 5p
210 West 80th Street
New York, NY 10024
Happy Friday,
Julie
Welcome Empire Mayonnaise Co. August 19 2016
I am very excited to tell you about a new addition to our marketplace, mayo! This isn’t just any mayonnaise, it is home-style mayo made by Empire Mayonnaise Co. in Brooklyn, New York.
Empire Mayonnaise Co. was founded in 2011 by chef Sam Mason and designer Elizabeth Valleau. They set out to create home-style mayonnaise in exotic flavors using non-GMO Oils, cage-free & pasture-raised eggs along with local or seasonal flavors. Almost five years later, they are doing just that. The mayonnaise has the fresh taste of something you’d expect to come from a home kitchen. I love the way these little jars of mayonnaise transform whatever I am making into something really delicious. Think super fresh and tasty potato salad or the best devilled eggs you’ve ever made.
The company started off with a retail shop and wholesale division9unfortunately there isn't a retail store anymore). They became well-known when Saturday Night Live used their shop for a sketch. You can watch the video here
While we don’t carry Truffle Garlic Mayo, we do have their Rosemary Mayonnaise and Roasted Garlic Mayonnaise. Both of these flavors are down-right amazing. I hope you’ll try both!
I first tasted Empire Mayonnaise at an event for The Doe Fund, a non-profit organization that provides paid transitional work, housing and educational opportunities, along with counseling and career training to individuals with histories of homelessness, incarceration or substance abuse. I always say, I never know where I’ll find the next hidden gem for our marketplace. That night was more about socializing and eating but we didn’t forget about the mayonnaise when I got home. I hope you’ll enjoy the many, many uses of this fantastic product.
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
Pickles on my Mind June 24 2016
If you follow our Instagram account(@juliesbeet) you know I’ve got pickles on my mind this week for some reason. I was super excited to see a recipe for pickle brined chicken and just had to try it! I used two different pickle juices (Rick’s Picks Hotties and Ricks Pick’s K.O. Pickles) to see if there was any difference in flavor. The good news is the chicken tastes great with both brines but not a lot of difference between the two brines. You can find the recipe below.
The Fancy Food Show comes to New York this weekend. I’m excited to see some of our current artisans, like Rick’s Picks, there and also have a look around to find some new and interesting products for the marketplace. Please comment with any suggestions of products you’d like to see on the site.
Happy Friday,
Julie
Rick’s Picks Pickle Brined Chicken
Makes 6 servings
Ingredients:
6 chicken breast halves
2 cups brine from Rick’s Picks jarred pickles
Salt and Pepper to taste
Olive Oil
Method:
-In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the chicken breasts, pickle brine and a generous pinch of black pepper. Seal the bag, pressing out any air, and refrigerate overnight.
-Preheat oven to 350° F. Pat the chicken breasts dry.
-Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in an ovenproof skillet. Place chicken breasts skin side down into the pan. Cook over high heat until golden, about 6 minutes. Turn and cook for about 2 more minutes. Transfer the skillet to the oven for an additional 25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Just Add Salt May 20 2016
Salt is defined as a dietary mineral used for flavoring and preservation. It may also be referred to as sodium chloride, an iconic compound resulting from neutralization. As most of you know, salt makes all the difference in cooking as it helps bring out the flavor of everything from savory to sweet. I always add a little bit of salt to anything I am cooking. Sea Salt, like the ones from Jacobsen Salt Co., are the salts and minerals obtained from the evaporation of sea water.
This week I learned that different times of the year it is actually easier to make Sea Salt. Our friends at Jacobsen Salt Co. posted the following on Instagram this week.
‘Summer is here! We make our best Pure Flake Finishing Salt in the summer – when the water is salty and undiluted by winter rain.'
The good news is that you can buy their Pure Flake Finishing Salt right here in our marketplace. The better news is that you really can use it on EVERYTHING! Keep some on your counter and sprinkle just a bit on whatever happens to be for breakfast, lunch or dinner. You’ll discover the true taste of your food and I guarantee you will not be disappointed! But remember, a little salt does go a long way!
Hopefully the summer weather has arrived where you are… or at least some spring like temperatures! It is a beautiful day today in New York City!
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
These eggs are EGG-STRA Special March 25 2016
With Easter this weekend, I’ve got one thing on my mind… EGGS! Specifically I’ve been daydreaming about our Hazelnut Praline Quails Egg Crate and Superior Sea Gull “Fleur de Sel’ Salted Caramel Egg Crate. These delicious eggs were created by Rococo Chocolates for the Easter Holiday but became so popular they are now part of their selection available year round. One bite and you’ll agree we cannot limit the enjoyment of these eggs to this time of the year. You’ll find them in our marketplace year round as well!
These eggs are so realistic you’ll need to remind your friends they are the chocolate ones, not the ones you boil! A creamy hazelnut praline center is coated with milk chocolate and wrapped with a candy shell. The shell is painted to look identical to a real quail egg. The packaging in the crate makes the perfect gift!
Superior Sea Gull “Fleur de Sel’ Salted Caramel Egg Crate
These eggs are filled with a delicious and gooey Sea Salt Caramel. With just the right amount of salt added to the sweetness it is hard not to eat the entire crate. These Sea Gull eggs make the perfect gift for anyone living near the coast. They will be enjoyed by adults and children alike!
I hope everyone celebrating Easter has their share of delicious chocolate eggs and the hardboiled ones as well!
Happy Friday,
Julie
Sending Mishloach Manot March 18 2016
With Purim less than one week away, I am frantically trying to decide what to include in the Mishloach Manot I will be giving to friends. The gift of MIsloach Manot is one of my favorite Purim traditions. The idea is to give the gift of food (at least 2 types) to family and friends so they will have enough food for the Purim feast. It is also said to increase love and friendship among the Jewish People.
Our Gourmet Kosher Gift Set is the perfect go-to Mishloach Manot for procrastinators. It includes Rick’s Picks K.O.(Kosher Organic) Pickle Spears. These pickles are the perfect straight out of the jar and are even better when paired with your favorite sandwich. Cacao Prieto Chocolate Bark is so delicious. I love the apricot pistachio and the art work is a postcard so beautiful. This is part of a gift that keeps on giving. Tiny But Mighty Heirloom Microwave Popcorn will make a treat for many in just 3-4 minutes. Use the Jacobson Salt Co. Kosher Salt in your cooking or put a bit on your table to finish your dishes. All of these products are certified Kosher but so delicious it doesn't even matter!
Our products are also always available on their own. Have some fun and put together your own unique collection. We would be happy to put together a personalized set and ship them off to your family and friends. Order by Tuesday March 22nd for Purim delivery.
Here’s our favorite recipe for Hamantaschen. Another great item to include in your basket.
No matter how you celebrate… Happy Purim!
Happy Friday,
Julie
Extreme Valentine's Day February 05 2016
February is a very busy month for my family as it includes my husband’s birthday, both of our mothers’ birthdays in addition to Valentine’s Day. I usually cook dinner for my husband on his birthday and on Valentine’s Day. I am often stumped on how to make each menu unique while still being a meal he, and I, will enjoy. This Valentine’s Day I’m thinking I’ll just do a mix of canapes and finger foods. Hopefully he will think they are cute, fun and perhaps romantic when paired with a bottle of wine?
When working at Rococo Chocolates I was often tasked with preparing canapes for the different events we had. One of my favorites is from Chantal Coady’s book, Rococo, Mastering the Art of Chocolate. These canapes, a pairing of cheese and chocolate, are thoughtfully called Extreme Canapes as they really test your taste buds. People are often hesitant to try them but always love the combinations. Rococo Chocolates Wafer Thins are thin chocolate disks, which are treated just like a cracker in this case. Top the chocolate disk with your favorite type of cheese and enjoy. Some of the best pairings I’ve tried are a salty blue cheese on the 65% Dark Chocolate Wafer and a soft goat cheese on the Milk Chocolate Sea Salt Wafer.
We carry the wafers in our marketplace and you can get great cheeses from your local cheese shop. If you are in New York City, here are my favorite cheese shops:
Murray's Cheese – multiple locations around the city but I prefer the west village shop. Enjoy tasting your way through their cheese case. If you have some extra time, they also have cheese classes!
Ideal Cheese – 942 First Ave at 52nd Street, This East Side cheese shop is a destination. It stocks some really unique cheeses and the staff has all of the information needed to assist you in finding the perfect cheese.
Lucy’s Whey – I love their stall in Chelsea Market but you can also find this great shop on the Upper East Side. They have really delicious grilled cheese sandwiches. I suggest munching on one while you do your shopping. This ensures your cheese will make it home for the extreme canapes.
Go ahead and take your Valentine’s Day menu to the extreme!
Happy Friday,
Julie
Baby Eels with Garlic Sauce, A Basque Specialty September 25 2015
When I was a junior in college, I spent a semester abroad in Madrid, Spain. My love for food and cooking was already a big part of my life and I really embraced all of the new foods and eating traditions. I brought a cookbook back with me so I could continue to experiment with Spanish food after I returned to the USA. This cookbook is one of the many in my current collection and has a special place on the cookbook shelf. Recently, my 17 month old son has taken an interest in the book. Although he cannot read, he loves looking at the pictures of the Spanish classics… Paella, Sangria, Gazapacho and Tortilla Española. His favorite picture is of Baby Eels with Garlic Sauce. He bursts out in giggles every time we get to that page and even if you just say the name of the recipe.
While we aren’t able to sell Baby Eels in our marketplace, we do have a very special product from Spain, Paul & Pippa Biscuits. Paul & Pippa is a family of friendly people who love natural stuff. They couldn’t find natural biscuits they also found delicious so they decided to make them. Their biscuits are made with all natural, organic ingredients and are free from additives and colorings. We love the Cocoa Chips and Lime After Time and how could you pass up a biscuit called Me & Grandma. Find out more about Paul & Pippa here and shop the collection here.
We hope you enjoy this Spanish treat as much as we do. If anyone is interested in trying the recipe for Baby Eels with Garlic Sauce just let me know and I’ll email you a copy.
Happy Friday,
Julie
College Football Season, We have Your Snacks Covered September 11 2015
College Football has begun and I’m sad to report my Purdue Boilermakers are starting the season with a loss. Hopefully they will turn that around next week against Indiana State. One thing that comes with football season are lots of Saturday afternoons spent watching the games. Even if your team isn’t winning you can always get excited about some delicious snacks during the game!
We are thrilled to welcome Tiny But Mighty Popcorn to the marketplace at Julie’s Beet. Tiny But Mighty Popcorn is an ancient heirloom popcorn grown in the great state of Iowa. Any Hawkeyes or Cardinals fans out there? The tiny popcorn has been preserved to stay small resulting in tiny kernels with an extremely thin outer hull. That means you have a delicious tender popcorn that won’t get stuck in your teeth! We are carrying Tiny But Mighty’s Microwave Popcorn, so in less than 4 minutes you’ll have the perfect snack ready for your crew. Try the traditional butter flavor or the sweet and salty Kettle Corn. Read more about Tiny But Mighty here.
Have a great weekend watching football and enjoying some delicious snacks.
Happy Friday,
Julie
Puff Pastry Flowjers August 28 2015
I’m always looking for new ways to use the delicious products in our marketplace. While most are delicious eaten straight from the jar/can/box they are even more delicious when used as part of a recipe. My friend Jeremy has been a huge supporter of Julie’s Beet and uses a lot of our products in his cooking. He gave me this recipe for a delicious breakfast pastry or afternoon snack. I’ve named the recipe after him!
I’m sure your crowd will gobble them up just like mine did.
Happy Friday,
Julie
Puff Pastry Flowjers with Gus & Grey Jam
Ingredients:
2 sheets puff pastry like Pepperidge Farms
½ cup Gus & Grey Jam (I suggest a sweet one but savory might also be delicious)
2 apples, thinly sliced
Flour for dusting
1 Egg
Method:
-Preheat oven to 400°F.
-On a floured surface roll out thawed puff pastry to about ¼ inch thickness. Spread generously with the Gus & Grey Jam of your choice. Line apple slices evenly over the jam.
-Carefully roll up the puff pastry starting with the short end. Slice into 2 inch thick pieces and place these on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
-Make egg wash by combining a beaten egg with 2 tablespoons water. Brush the top of the flowjers with the egg wash.
-Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
-Enjoy warm from the oven.
To Salt or Not To Salt? August 21 2015
I’ve been doing a lot of research this week on artisan salt producers. There are some really great ones out there and I am searching for the perfect salt to add to the marketplace. While looking at all of these wonderful salt makers I started thinking about if we really need salt and if our palettes have grown accustomed to too much salt.
One point is very clear, salt brings out the flavor in food. Don’t believe me? Take a slice of tomato, first try it without salt. Then add some salt and see how much more flavor that tomato has. Salt has even found its way in to sweets like our Sea Salt Milk Chocolate and Sea Salt Dark Chocolate from Rococo Chocolates.
I am a big fan of salt and as a young chef I was taught to season the ingredients all the way through a recipe. This helps to layer the flavor and have an end result of a really flavorful pot of soup, salad, tomato sauce, or whatever you might be cooking. With so many different types of salts out there, it is difficult to decide which one to use. In this post on Panna Cooking, Chef Sebastian Rouxel tells us why he prefers to bake with kosher salt. https://www.pannacooking.com/tips/kosher-salt-vs-sea-salt
I also prefer Kosher salt in my cooking, but definitely have a variety of sea salts and finishing salts around to complete different dishes. Finishing salts have larger crystals so you just need a pinch on top of a dish. Which type of salt do you prefer to use in your kitchen? Do you think we use too much salt?
I’m going to continue looking for the best salt I am able to find to add to our marketplace as long as you promise to use it in your kitchen!
Happy Friday,
Julie
Summer Sunrise August 14 2015
It may be the middle of August but there are still 3 more official weeks of summer remaining.
We are really excited to welcome Essie Bartels and EssieSpice to our marketplace. Essie makes the most amazing sauces taking flavors from her birthplace, Ghana. Each sauce has a unique profile and I know you are going to enjoy them all. Try Coco-for-Garlic on your roast chicken or use Mango-Chili-Medley to spice up your beef. Use TamarindOH! when you are looking to add a little sweetness - maybe to your lamb chops? Since I am still enjoying the summer weather, I want to share this recipe with you for a tequila sunrise from essiespice.com.
Enjoy the end of the summer sunshine and hopefully you will see a beautiful sunrise or sunset.
Happy Friday,
Julie
EssieSpice TamarindOH! Tequila Sunrise
Makes 2 Servings
Ingredients:
2 shots Tequila
1 shot Triple Sec
2 Tablespoons EssieSpice Coco-for-Garlic Sauce
½ cup pineapple juice
¼ cup orange juice
1 tablespoon EssieSpice TamarindOH! Sauce
2 cherries for garnish (optional)
Ice as needed
Method:
-Put all ingredients together and shake to combine
-Pour into 2 glasses and top with a cherry each
A Trip Across the Atlantic August 07 2015
I am getting settled back in to the Eastern Time Zone after travelling to London and the UK for a week. It was the perfect time to take this trip as it was super HOT in New York before I left and it is never really hot in London or England for that matter. It definitely made me appreciate the British summer with temperatures in the 60’s and the sun shining bright.
The trip was mostly for fun as I haven’t been back to London since I lived there. Even after 18 months, I was still able to find my way around and I still remembered the pin code for my bank card! One of the highlights of my trip was a visit to Rococo Chocolates. I was able to visit their shops in Marylebone and in Belgravia(where I used to work). The chocolate business is generally slower in the summer because who wants chocolate melting all over their hands, right? Rococo has come up with a brilliant alternative for the summer months, Rococo Chocolates flavored Ice Creams!!!!! I shared a Milk Chocolate Sea Salt with my son and it was amazing. He was literally licking the container.
We decided to take a break from the hustle and bustle of London and rented a car to drive out to the British Countryside. It is not such an easy feat to drive on the left side of the road and sit on the right side of the car. We survived and even stopped at Stonehenge as we made our way to the beautiful beaches of Weymouth. Our last day of the trip was spent in London catching up with lots of old friends.
It was great to be away but it is even better to be back. We have a lot of great new products coming to the marketplace at Julie’s Beet and I cannot wait to share them all with you.
Happy Friday,
Julie
The San Francisco Treat July 10 2015
You may remember the jingle, Rice-a-Roni, a San Francisco Treat!. I was in San Francisco last weekend and am happy to report the food scene has moved well beyond rice packets. In fact, San Francisco may just be my number two food city, behind New York City of course!
I had the pleasure of dining at Saison, where Chef Joshua Skenes is doing something amazing with food. Our table was a front row seat looking in to the pristine kitchen. The highlights of the meal for me were a battle creek trout complete with its roe and crispy skin, and a beet from their farm which had been cooked over the open fire. It tasted just like barbecue. A meal at Saison is definitely a splurge, but well worth it. The attention to detail is above and beyond and they do not miss a beat.
The other food highlight of my visit to San Francisco was a visit to the Ferry Building. The Ferry Building is home to the local Farmer’s Market three days a week and also has food stalls from many local food artisans. It is a great place to go to see what is up and coming in the food scene. California has a great climate for farming and artisans who care a lot about how their products are made. The Ferry Building Marketplace is a perfect way to showcase these products to the rest of the world. We did our best to taste a bit from everyone and made a fantastic picnic. We had coffee from Blue Bottle, cheese from Cowgirl Creamery, bread baked fresh from Acme Bread Company, chocolate from Dandelion Chocolate and fresh cherries and tomatoes from the Farmer’s Market. That made for a feast!
This trip out west has become an annual tradition for my family. I look forward to visiting San Francisco again next summer or perhaps sooner!
Happy Friday,
Julie
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