News

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.


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


Dreaming of Spring February 19 2016

As the winter weather comes and goes here in New York, I’m beginning to look forward to spring.  A day with temperatures below zero will do that to anyone I imagine. Spring is one of my favorite times of the year and filled with lots of fun holidays including my son’s birthday!  Here is a quick peak at what we have in store for the upcoming holidays.

St. Patrick’s Day, Thursday March 17th – Get your green on with these great products

Rococo Chocolates Basil and Persian Lime Artisan Bar

Paul + Pippa Lime After Time Biscuits

Rick’s Picks K.O. Pickles

Artion Greek Foods Green Pitted Olives

Purim, Wednesday March 24th – We have everything you need to impress your friends by giving the best Mishloach Manot. Check out our Gourmet Kosher Gift Set.

Easter, Sunday March 27th – On Easter everyone wants chocolate eggs. You won’t be disappointed with these Hazelnut Praline Quails Eggs from Rococo Chocolates

April Fools Day, Friday April 1st -The jokes on your friends, get them to buy you something special from our marketplace in exchange for no pranks on this day.

Passover,  Friday April 22nd – Try the chocolate bark from Cacao Prieto as a sweet addition to your seder table.

Earth Day, Friday April 22nd – You can feel good about the earth when purchasing the products in our Organic Gift Set.

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’.

Rick’s Picks Smokra

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.

EssieSpice TamarindOH!

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.

Lucy’s Granola

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


A Quick, Easy and Delicious Appetizer July 02 2015

I’m always looking for shortcuts that make me look like I’ve spent all day in the kitchen.  This appetizer is perfect for last minute guests or just something quick to put together before your schedule guests arrive. I won’t tell them how easy it is to prepare if you don’t!

Enjoy,

Julie

Rick’s Picks Phat Beets Happy Appy

Makes 10 servings

Ingredients

8 oz. Fresh Goat Cheese, softened

Crostini or Crackers(To make your own, slice a day-old baguette into ¾” rounds. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil. Bake in a 400°F oven for 7-10 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely)

Rick’s Picks Phat Beets cut in to 1” pieces

Fresh Blueberries(optional)

 Method

-Spread a teaspoon of goat cheese onto crostini or cracker.

-Top with Rick’s Picks Phat Beet

-Crown with blueberry, depending on availability


Pickles for your Holiday weekend Barbecue May 22 2015

Wow, I cannot believe it is already Memorial Day weekend and the unofficial start to summer.  It is time to start thinking about backyard barbecues, pool parties and picnics in the park.  With that in mind, we are pleased to announce the addition of Rick’s Picks to the marketplace at Julie’s Beet. 

Rick Field, founder and CEO of Rick’s Picks, started pickling at a young age making traditional pickles with his family in Vermont.  Fast forward to the present and Rick is making a variety of pickles both traditional and unique new flavors.  Rick brings innovation to a category that hasn’t seen change for a long time.  All of the pickles are made of in season ingredients from local farmers. 

Phat Beets – Aromatic Pickled Beets:  We couldn’t pass up adding a beet product to our marketplace and these beets are delicious.  They are sweet and tart with ginger and rosemary.  Impress your friends this weekend by placing these slices on top of crusty bread and soft goat cheese.

Mean Beans – Spicy Green Bean Pickles: Some like it hot and these beans are perfect for that. Cayenne and fresh dill make sure these beans have a lot of flavor. Try adding one to your Bloody Mary or wrap with salami for a quick, delicious addition to your picnic.

Hotties- Spicy Sriracha Habanero Pickles:  These pickle chips are packed with a punch.  They make a great addition to your burger. Don’t forget to have a beer close by, the heat may take you by surprise.

K.O. Pickles – Kosher Organic Dill Pickles: A new addition to the Rick’s Picks family and ours as well.  These traditional dill pickles are certified Kosher and Organic.  On top of that they are really delicious. We recommend you put a jar out on the buffet table this weekend. You will not be disappointed.

Smokra – Pickled Paprika Okra: I have never been a fan of okra, but these pickles are helping to change that.  The perfect balance of tang, zest & spice make this okra out of this world.  Another great addition to your Bloody Mary or after you’ve eaten all of the okra, use the brine to marinate your brisket.

Have a great holiday weekend!

Happy Friday,

Julie