Recipes — serves:8 servings RSS

Even though Summer is over, Fall is still a great time of year for gatherings with friends and family. This is a great recipe from my friend Kelli Abrahamian. Made with Just Jan's Balsamic Onion and some creme fraiche this easy and delicious flat bread is sure to please. Try it out at your next party or family gathering.  Recipe and photography by Kelli Abrahamian 3 Tbsp. Creme fraiche (store bought or see our easy recipe for homemade) 3 Tbsp. Just Jan's Balsamic Onion Savory Spread 4 slices good quality smoked bacon chopped and cooked Store bought Lavash flat bread (Trader Joe's has a good one or large flour tortilla) 1/2 c. grated Gruyere cheese freshly ground black pepper (optional shaved Brussels sprouts) Spread creme fraiche...

Homemade Creme Fraiche  1 Pint Heavy Cream 3 Tbsp. Buttermilk Simple put the cream in a clean jar, add buttermilk and let it sit out on your counter for 24 hours.  Give it a stir if you like.  You should have a jar of creamy tangy goodness.  The good bacteria introduced into the cream by the buttermilk makes it tangy the cream gives it the richness much like sour cream yet SO much better. The creme fraiche will last for about 2 weeks in your refrigerator.  Once you have it, there are so many ways to add it to recipes and enhance anything from soups to kicking up whipped cream.

(Adapted from Oprah Magazine)Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees2 Sheets of Puff Pastry (thawed according to pkg. directions)1/2 c. Just Jan’s fruit spread (warmed just a bit, microwave is fine for this)Dust cutting board with a bit of flour.Place one of the sheets of puff pastry on the cutting boardSpread a thin layer of Just Jan’s Fruit Spread on the sheet of puff pastryTop with remaining sheet of puff pastryGently press down on surface to seal sheets togetherUsing a pizza cutter, cut into stripsTwist each puff pastry strip and place on parchment lined baking sheetLeave room on the sheet between each strip (about an inch)Bake for about 15 to 17 minutes until they begin to puff and brown.The Jam Straws pictured...

An elegant, yet simple nibble with wine or cocktails. Blue Cheese Shortbread Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  This recipes takes no time at all in your food processor. 1/2 c. Crumbled Blue Cheese 3 Tbsp. Unsalted Butter at Room Temperature 1/2 c. Flour 1/4 c. Cornstarch 1/4 tsp. Kosher Salt 1/8 tsp. Freshly Ground Pepper Blend the cheese and butter in the food processor (or beat) until creamy.  Add flour, cornstarch, salt and pepper, process until mixture resembles a coarse meal.  Bring the dough together with your hands and  roll into a log, taking care not to over work the dough. wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least an hour. (can be left in the refrigerator for up...

  Apricot Pepper Quesadillas Flour Tortillas 1 Tbsp. of Just Jan’s Apricot Pepper Spread Sliced onions Chopped Cilantro Cheese (We used cheddar on a few and goat cheese on the others) Butter  (you have to make this decision) of course you can crisp it up in a non-stick but a little butter never hurt anyone Melt the butter in a skillet.  Spread at least a Tablespoonful of Just Jan’s Apricot Pepper Spread on one of the tortillas. Add sliced onion, Cheese of your choice and chopped cilantro. Top with another tortilla and brown the tortilla in the pan over medium high heat until golden and the cheese is all melty good. Add a dash of Tapatio if you like it...