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Steve Schalla’s Grilled Pork Tenderloin w/ Jalapeño Jelly Sauce

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large sweet onion, finely chopped

1 small clove garlic, minced

1 can (10 1/2 ounces) condensed chicken broth

3/4 cup Ojai Jalapeño Jelly

juice of 1/2 lemon (about 1 1/2 tablespoons)

2 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water

salt and pepper, to taste

2 pork tenderloins, 1 to 1 1/2 pounds each

Pork Tenderloin is a very lean meat. It’s nearly as low in saturated fats as chicken breasts. The low fat content tends to make the meat somewhat bland and a good marinade helps to keep the meat juice in and provide additional flavor. Often, the problem with cooking Pork Tenderloin is that it’s easy to overcook and dry out the meat. Trader Joe’s sells marinated Pork Tenderloin with Black Pepper and Garlic. It grills nicely at medium heat for about 20 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to pull the tenderloin off the grill when the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.
The Jalapeño sauce pored over the sliced Tenderloin provides additional flavor and moistness to the dish.

To prepare the sauce:

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium saucepan. Sauté the onion until tender and yellow in color. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute longer. Add the chicken  broth, Jalapeño Jelly,  and lemon juice. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Stir the cornstarch and water mixture into the sauce and continue cooking, stirring, until sauce boils and is thickened, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste and set aside.

enjoy!

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Fresh, local HALIBUT

Fresh Halibut Steaks (1 steak per person, boned)
1 or 2 Large Purple Onions- sliced in 1/2″ thick rings
Ojai Jalapeño Jelly- 1 T. per Halibut Steak
Olive Oil
Dill (fresh or dried)
Capers
2 Fresh Lemons- 1 sliced in discs, seeded, 1 cut in wedges
1/2 C. Asiago or Parmesan Cheese- grated
Salt & Pepper to taste
1/4 C. Créme Fraiche

Preheat oven to 325º
Place enough foil on a 2″ deep (or larger) baking dish to enclose the finished product (about 10″x10″).  Drizzle with olive oil.  Place the sliced onion on the foil- Use one set of rings for each halibut steak.  Remove about 1″ of the center of each onion.  Put a heaping Tablespoon of Ojai Organic Jalapeño Jelly in each ring center.  Place the halibut on top of the onion.  Sprinkle the capers, dill, salt & pepper on top of the Halibut.  Place a 1/8″ lemon slice on each halibut steak.  Drizzle with olive oil.  Sprinkle about 2 T. grated cheese on top.  Bring together sides of the foil & seal into a tent, leaving a small air space on top. Bake until the fish is white throughout- about 20-25 minutes.
Unwrap.  While it’s resting a moment freshen up the look by removing the cooked lemon slice.
Garnish the  Halibut by adding a fresh sprig of dill, a dot of créme fraiche & a squeeze of lemon~
Place a lemon wedge on each plate & serve immediately.

Great with Brown Rice or a White Wine Risotto, fresh vegetable & salad~

Another way to make the Halibut is to leave the onion slices with their centers & simply paint the fish on both sides with Ojai Jalapeño Jelly, also serve as a chutney with the meal-

Local Halibut

enjoy!

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Chocolate Covered Strawberries filled with Jalapeño Jelly

Just when I thought I’d tried just about EVERYTHING with Ojai Jalapeño Jelly on it or in it…
Then I melted some dark chocolate that my son got for me @ Trader Joes- OMG!!!  Crazy delicious.
You can buy the injecting ‘tool’ @ Sur la Table or Williams Sanoma.

2 Trader Joes Dark Chocolate Bars, melted (73% super dark)
10 large, fresh, organic strawberries (washed, dried off a little so the chocolate will stick)

Melt the chocolate over a double boiler, unless your flame is very low and steady.

Let the chocolate cool for a few minutes, then, using the stem as a handle, dip the strawberries in the chocolate.
Twirl until strawberries are covered evenly.

Fill an injector tool with Ojai Jalapeño Jelly, put Jelly in the berries, then place in the freezer for 5 minutes to harden the chocolate.

enjoy!

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Peter Gabriel Concert

This amazing, prolific, time-defying musical genius again managed to weave his humanitarian cause in and around his captive audience like a blanket of hope.  Gabriels far-reaching depth of conscientiousness, promoting good will and fair treatment for ALL people, was ever-evident through his personally endorsed booth set up on-site by Amnesty International.  The New Blood Orchestra; phenomenal.  The conductor, Ben Foster, nothing short of mesmerizing, with his robotic gestures of continual dexterous motion.

I hadn’t been to the Santa Barbara County Bowl for a few years, in which time it had been artfully renovated.
It was filled to the brim with Gabriels pulsing audience, every song further lured this captive crowd with his towering, futuristic graphics & photos, inspired by his world views and infinite humanitarian interests-

It was wonderful to see Gabriel skipping across the stage to Solsbury Hill

Follow Peter Gabriel’s Online Tour Diary

  • THANK YOU! What a truly magical evening!
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Good Morning America

I entered my turkey sandwich recipe in a contest on ABC-

I’d had a series of unfortunate events really, that lead to me entering this particular contest-  I’d had a stumble whereas I literally found myself lying in the dirt saying “I’ve fallen & I can’t get up!”.  I’d severely fractured my sacrum (the ♥-shaped bone at the base of the spine).  Due to my circumstance, I watched more television than usual &  “Good Morning America” announced they were looking for the “Best Sandwich in the Nation”.
I thought, what do I have to lose?  I entered my favorite, unique & tasty sandwich & it was FEATURED!!!  Challenges do end up as blessings!  Give it a try-

Ingredients

  • 2 slices of bread (I like sourdough or rye)
  • Safflower mayonnaise (or your favorite)
  • Smoked or roasted turkey breast (sliced very thin)
  • Pepper Jack Cheese (or your favorite cheese, sliced thin)
  • Ojai Jalapeño Jelly!
  • Lettuce
  • Tomato slices
  • Fresh ground salt & pepper to taste

    Slather a little Ojai Jalapeño Jelly on one slice of bread, mayonnaise on the other & build your sandwich-

  • enjoy!

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    Jay wrote:

    Jay wrote: “I’m about half-way through my first jar of Ojai Jalapeno Jelly, and I rank it up there with my first taco and my first bite of authentic cheese cake. (In other words, in and among the very highest echelons of my personal Cosmic Deliciousness realms.) BRAVO.”

    THANK YOU VERY MUCH JAY- I enormously appreciate the GINORMOUS compliment!
    I’d say it’s high time you try my Ojai Habanero Jelly, which I’d like to gift you-
    Address please!

     

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    Help I need a doctor…

    Union Hotel, Los Alamos, CA.

    Dr. Pepper that is! So being the road-warrior that I am, I think nothing of endless hours of unfading music and talk shows on SiriusXMRadio, as I eat up the road anticipating another fun-filled adventure, skylight slightly open, heater on low, & multiple hours of entertainment, singing at the top of my lungs, & the occasional slice of ‘air’ drums.

    On my way back from my last adventure I got fatigued near Los Alamos, so I exited & stumbled upon an old haunt, The Union Hotel & Saloon– where I met the new owner, Dan Thompson.  I sipped my Dr. Pepper & he racked up the billiards.  We lagged for the break, he broke & swiftly sunk just the 8-ball.  It was awesome (wished it were me…).  He racked em up again & won, I had a ball left on the table.  I gave it my best shot.
    The Union Hotel is a piece of history, not to be missed.  Dan has poured his heart & soul into restoring this treasure, it’s like walking into the 1800’s, like out of an old western.  Check out the link to this historic ‘must see’ & swing by if you’re in the area & need to see the doc-

    Los Alamos Days 2011- Dan suggested I sell my Ojai Jalapeño Jelly & Ojai Habanero Jelly at this fun event.

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    Sunset Magazine Celebration Weekend

    Last weekend Sunset Magazine hosted it’s sensational “Celebration Weekend” at their headquarters in Menlo Park, CA.
    Chalked full of ear-to-ear grins, this 2-day event was filled with a diverse multitude of wine tasting, beer sampling, nosh, innovative vendors, & good clean fun!

    Erected Succulent Booth

    Certainly an eye-catching photo opportunity was the erected succulent booth- it was literally 4 walls of vertical succulents.  It was standing tall, near the outdoor kitchen, & it was awesome!

    The multifunctional Safeway Outdoor Kitchen was adorned with amber hues, one of which was it’s divine recycled-glass counter-tops.  I was compelled to run my hands over it- again & again.  Smooth as a baby’s butt.  I now thirst for this in my own kitchen…  BYW; they’ll custom make your counter-tops with your beer or soda of choice.  Post haste- commence consumption of libations with your intended counter top hues– bottoms up!

    How about this? How to Camp in Style– is this cute or what???

    Next Sunset Event: Savor the Central Coast, hosted at the Santa Margarita Ranch.  Hope to see you there!

     

     

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    Savor the Flavor…

    My first visit to the quaint little town of Sierra Madre, California, I toured the “E. Waldo Ward & Sons, Inc.” cannery.  Jeff Ward kindly gave me a few local ‘tips’ as to where to go & what to see-  one of which was “Savor the Flavor”.

    This specialty shop is beyond compare to any ‘foodie’ boutiques I’ve found.  It’s chalked-FULL; top to bottom, front to back, with delectably delicious delights- As a matter of fact, their treats are literally pouring out the front door & onto the sidewalk of 11 Kersting Court!

    This warm, friendly mother-daughter team; Karen Keegan and Madeline Romo, have painstakingly hand-picked the culinary cache of Epicurean GLEE! Ms. Romo also serves on the NASFT (National Association for the Specialty Food Trade), as the “Buyer’s Circle Advisory”, where she skillfully maintains the pulse of the Gourmet milieu-

    At this point, I’ve experienced exactly two (2) slightly ‘out of control’ shopping frenzies at the divine destination.  A ‘must see’ if you’re in the area. I can’t wait to return!

    Find them online @ SAVORTHEFLAVOR.NET

     

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    E. Waldo Ward & Son

    Yesterday I had the pleasure of visiting a well-established & family owned cannery in Sierra Madre, California;

    E. Waldo Ward & Son, Inc.

    I was invited to oversee a trial ‘batch’ of Ojai Jalapeño Jelly being made-  It was impressive to see my beautiful Pepper Jelly cooked up in such a big, shiny pot!  Stirred with an oar, no less!  The familiar & tantalizing aroma that I know so well, filled the air & I had no doubt I was in the right station…

    The batch simmered-on a while, then was transferred to the ‘filler’.  The high-noon train of jars were lined up & on-course to be filled, two at a time.  They soldiered on, eastbound, where they made the acquaintance of their coal-black lids.  Off to the hot water ‘bath’ they went, then the cold.

    All the while, Richard Ward & his son Jeff, made me feel at home.  I wandered about like a drifter, taking scads of photos, as my Ojai Jalapeño Jelly made it’s mark on their historic track.
    I had a great day- I’m happy to announce: I’ve found a perfect ‘fit’ for my Pepper Products to be made!

     

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    Rosemary Butter

    This is a kitchen staple for me-
    I grow a lot of rosemary, so it’s easy to have a reserve of rosemary butter around to
    help boost the flavor of most every dinner.

    Paint it on your garlic bread, baste your turkey as it roasts, make gravy with it-
    Everything tastes better with herb butter added-
    I know a lot of people need to be mindful of their salt in-take, so try this but know you don’t need a lot to appreciate the great flavor.  It’s just not the same if you use sweet butter.
    The herb infusion with the butter is far superior with salted butter.

    I cube of salted butter

    Melt it either in a small pot or a small frying pan-
    Add the fresh rosemary & cook over low heat- the kitchen smells great as it cooks.

    Once it turns a golden brown, drain off the butter & stash it for cooking- I keep it in the refrigerator.

    I throw out the leftover rosemary.

    Enjoy!

     

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    Ca Dario…

    We ♥ Ca Dario- The all-time great restaurant in Santa Barbara @ Victoria & Anacapa.
    Morgan had her favorite- Ravioli with burnt-butter sage that melts in your mouth & the house salad.

    I had the creamed asparagus with truffle oil soup & salad-

    For dessert we split the chocolate & hazelnut gelato between us.  As if that all wasn’t enough- they sent us home with a bundle of home-made meringues.

    We gave Dario a few Ojai Habanero Jelly samplers & the bartender was making him Habantini’s-
    As we left he was still beaming from ear to ear!

     

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    Coconut Cake…

    Coconut Cake…

    This light & lovely old-fashioned kind of cake will surprise you & your guests-
    keep an eye on it because guests tend to ditch the utensils & use their fingers on this tasty treat!

    Preheat oven to 350˙

    Butter & lightly flour two-9” round cake pans.

    CAKE:

    1 c. milk
    ¾ c. shredded, sweetened coconut
    ¾ c. (1 ½ sticks) butter
    1 c. sugar
    1 t. pure vanilla extract
    3 c. swans down cake flour
    4 t.  baking powder
    dash of salt
    4 egg whites

    FROSTING:

    5 egg whites
    1 ¾ c. sugar
    5 T. ice water
    ¾ t. cream of tartar
    1 t. pure vanilla extract
    ¾ c. coconut (lightly brown coconut in a 300˙ oven or carefully under oven broiler)
    1 ½ c. lightly toasted shredded, sweetened coconut

    Heat the milk to almost a simmer and add the coconut.  Steep for about 10 minutes to infuse the coconut flavor to the milk.
    Strain & allow to cool, reserving both the milk & the coconut, separately.

    With an electric mixer, cream butter, & sugar till smooth. Then, add the vanilla.

    In a separate bowl, have your flour, baking soda & pinch of salt mixed thoroughly.

    Alternately add cooled milk, & flour mixture to the butter mixture, scraping down the sides occasionally.  Once it’s evenly mixed, add the drained coconut.

    Beat the egg whites until they stand in peaks, but NOT dry.  Fold whites gently into cake batter mixture.  Divide the batter between the 2 cake pans.
    Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.    Don’t over cook.  Cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then turnout onto racks, and cool thoroughly before frosting.

     

    7 minute icing:

    Place egg whites, sugar, water, & cream of tartar in the top of a double boiler over rapidly boiling water.  Beat with an electric mixer for 7 minutes.  Remove from heat, add vanilla, & continue mixing until light, fluffy & glossy.

    Spread icing between layers & over cake with a long, icing spatula.  After letting the icing set up for about 15 minutes, hand distribute the lightly toasted coconut over the top & sides of your beautiful cake.

    enjoy!