Newsletter 11/3/2009

Hey Everyone!

Gosh, I love November! The sights, sounds, and smells of autumn have hit their peak here in New England and we're now heading into winter and the Holiday season. This year, Michelle and I are hosting Thanksgiving dinner for the first time and we're pretty excited about it. In the spirit of the season, we have some great new products for you, including some great gift options as we head into Christmas.

New Products

• "Apple Oops" - This new product with a funny name is a delicious apple syrup with a hint of cinnamon. It's fantastic on pancakes, waffles, french toast, or even as a glaze for pork or chicken. Try it!
• Winter & Holiday Themed Gift Baskets - We all have those people in our lives who are hard to shop for. What better than a handcrafted edible treat from our pantry. Gift baskets come in a number of different containers and can be customized to fit the recipient's tastes and your budget.
• Snowman Gift Boxes - We're happy to offer two styles of beautiful winter-themed gift boxes. Select a few items from our store and one of the boxes and we'll put-together a delicious package sure to warm anyone's heart.
• Toffee & Macaroons are Back!! - We're able to make and ship chocolate again now that the colder weather is here to stay. We're also experimenting to try to bring back the marshmallow-filled chocolate treats we had for Easter. Stay tuned.

Deals & Perks

• Discounted Shipping - Want to buy a single item but don't want to plunk-down twelve bucks to ship it? No problem! If you order contains a single item, we'll calculate the postage by weight instead of flat-rate and refund any overpayment.
• First Class Shipping Option (Beta Test) - We're currently experimenting with first-class parcel post shipping as a cheaper alternative to our 2-3 day priority mail service. If you don't need your order in a hurry or you're only ordering one item, this is probably a good option for you. Currently, we're only offering this to our mailing list subscribers. Please pay the normal shipping price and write "Please Ship First Class" in the message to seller field during checkout. We'll calculate the postage and refund the difference to you.

Free Recipe: Moist Apple-Drenched Pound Cake

1 loaf of pound cake (bake or buy)
1 jar JM Creative "Apple Oops" Syrup
1/2 pint heavy or whipping cream
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1) If using a store-bought cake, remove any packaging. Place the cake on a cooling rack set over a cookie sheet with a lip.
2) Using a skewer or a fork, poke a large number of holes in the top of the cake, pushing down as far as the skewer will go.
3) Empty the jar of "Apple Oops" into a measuring cup with a pour spout. Heat in the microwave 1 to 3 minutes or until warm.
4) Gently pour the apple oops syrup on the top of the cake, going slowly enough so that the majority of the syrup soaks into the cake instead of dripping off. Take breaks if necessary. Use the entire jar. Let cake sit for 15 minutes.
5) In a stand mixer or a medium bowl with a hand-held mixer, whip the heavy cream on high. Once it starts to develop foam, add the sugar and and continue whipping until you get stiff peaks.
6) Using a rubber spatula, top the pound cake with the whipped cream. Sprinkle a little of the cinnamon on top for decoration and a hint of cinnamon flavor.
7) Slice and serve. Refrigerate any unused cake.

Product Newsletter 10/8/2009

Hello All,

Michelle and I just returned from a wonderful bed and breakfast weekend in Maine. Maine is really ahead of us with the foliage and cool weather, so we were able to enjoy all that autumn has to offer in terms of beauty, hearty comfort foods, and relaxation. We hope you're enjoying the season wherever you are.

Exclusive Items for Our Most Valued Customers
Repeat customers are our lifeblood. With that in mind, we're offering you a few exclusive deals! Take advantage of these deals to stock-up on holiday hostess or Christmas gifts, items for the holiday table, or just to treat yourself. To order any of these items, email jmcreative@creativeinterests.net and we'll send you a PayPal bill.

• Local Blackberry Jam - We have a very limited supply of locally grown blackberry jam made from hand-picked blackberries. This is not available online at this time. We're offering it only to you, our most valued customers. 5.99 (8oz Jar)
  
• Pickles! - We're happy to offer custom orders for freshly made pickles. Choose from classic dill, bread & butter, or half-sour (aka deli-style). Because these are made-to-order, we ask that you order at least two 16oz jars at a time. $4.99 each (16oz Jar).

News & Announcements

• English Toffee & Macaroons are Back! - We're happy to announce that we've brought-back our popular English Toffee and Chocolate-Dipped Coconut Macaroons. These products were on hiatus for the summer months because we couldn't ship them without the chocolate melting.
• Pasta Discontinued - Our hand-made semolina pasta has been discontinued because the drying process is unreliable and produces too much waste. We're looking for a way to bring it back soon, so keep your eyes out.
  

Free Recipe: Peach-Glazed Chicken

4 Boneless-Skinless Chicken Breasts
1/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup JM Creative Peach Jam
1 tablespoon white or cider vinegar
salt and pepper

1) In a small bowl, combine vinegar and peach jam.
2) Microwave jam mixture on high 1 minute at a time until completely melted and liquid. Stir well and set aside.
3) Pound each chicken breast to an even thickness with a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy saucepan.
4) Generously salt and pepper each side of the chicken breasts.
5) Heat oil in a large saute pan on medium-high. Using tongs, place the chicken breasts into the pan. Allow to cook on high, not moving the chicken until it is completely brown on one side. Turn each piece of chicken over.
6) Cook chicken on medium-high until the second side is completely browned. Reduce heat to medium and continue cooking until chicken is cooked through.
7) Remove chicken to serving platter. Pour jam mixture over chicken, using a spoon or pastry brush to completely coat each piece of meat.
8) Sprinkle pecans on top and serve. This dish pairs well with white rice and steamed green vegetables (broccoli, green beans, etc.).

Product Newsletter 9/10/2009

Wow! TWO free recipes this week! But first, let's see what's new at JM Creative...

New Products

• Vegetarian/Vegan Rosemary & White Bean Soup - Our popular Tuscan-Style White Bean Soup has been reformulated into a vegetarian version and tastes every bit as delicious as the original.
• Locally Grown Peach Jam - We're happy to offer a very limited quantity of peach jam made from locally grown peaches. This jam is delicious, makes a beautiful gift, and will be one of the most versatile things in your pantry.

News

• Send Freshly Baked Cookies - Know someone in college who may be homesick right about now? Send them a treat with our College Care Package with freshly baked cookies and more. Packages start at just $30 including FREE shipping!
  

Free Recipe: Quick Mini Bread Bowls (Great for Kids!)

1 jar JM Creative Hearty Soup, Stew, Chili, or Chowder
1 batch still-warm homemade popovers

1) Mix and bake popovers as directed in recipe. You may use muffin tins in place of a popover pan.
2) While popovers bake, reheat soup, chili, chowder, or stew as directed (3-4 minutes on high, stirring each minute until heated).
3) Turn fresh popovers out of the pan immediately when done cooking.
4) Cut the top off of each pop-over and place into a bowl. Fill each popover with soup.

Free Recipe: Quick Fruit Cream Puffs

1 jar JM Creative jam, jelly, or preserves
fresh or canned whipped cream or non-dairy whipped topping
1 batch still-warm homemade popovers (add additional sugar if you want a sweeter cream puff)

1) Mix and bake popovers as directed in recipe. You may use muffin tins in place of a popover pan.
2) Turn popovers out onto a cooling rack and cool completely.
3) Slice each popover in half. Fill each half with whipped cream.
4) Place a dollop of preserves on top of the cream on one half.
5) Re-assemble each popover and serve with a dollop of cream and preserves on top.

Product Newsletter 8/31/2009

Hi All,

How we love the harvest season and it is definitely upon us! Fresh fruits and veggies abound at the farmer's markets and farm stands. Justin spent a few hours this week in the fields harvesting delicious, juicy red raspberries. You'll love the bright, sweet flavor of our new product, Locally-Grown Raspberry Jam!

New Products

• Locally-Grown Raspberry Jam - Made from fresh local raspberries hand-picked from a small family farm. This jam has a firmer set than most of our jams and a bright raspberry flavor.
• College Care Packages - We're happy to offer college care packages in two sizes, small ($30) and large ($55). Each care package offers your homesick student the comforts of home with freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, handcrafted soups, and other great treats.
• Jam Sampler Three-Packs - We have a limited quantity of our jam sampler three-packs. Buy these now and put them away for Christmas! The three 4-oz jars are a delicious handmade gift.

Free Recipe: Blueberry Jam Cake
(Inspired by: Two-Layer Blackberry Jam Cake)

1 1/2 sticks of butter, room-temperature
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sour cream
3/4 cup JM Creative Local Blueberry Jam
3/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
buttercream frosting or fresh whipped cream to frost or garnish

1) Cream together the butter and sugar. Add eggs, beating well.
2) In a separate bowl, sift-together flour and baking soda.
3) Add flour mixture to wet mixture a little at a time, mixing together thoroughly.
4) Stir-in nuts (optional) and blueberry jam. Mix well.
5) Pour into a single greased and floured cake pan or pie plate.
6) Bake at 350 degrees for 25-35 minutes until a toothpick or skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool.
7) Either cool completely and frost with buttercream frosting or serve slightly warm with a dollap of whipped cream. Garnish with fresh blueberries if available.

Product Newsletter 8/24/2009

Hi Everyone!

While the heat of summer is still here, we're already thinking ahead to Autumn and the holidays, our favorite time of year. It's a wonderful time of year filled with family, friends, and some of the best food. We're happy to offer a few new products that'll be perfect for your Autumn shopping needs.

New Products

• College Care Package - Send your favorite college student a hand-made back-to-school treat. Our college care packages, containing a number of our delicious hand-crafted food products, are just the right thing for someone who misses home. Includes FREE Shipping!
• Custom Gift Baskets - We're happy to now offer custom gift baskets for any occasion. Each basket is carefully arranged with your choice of products from our store and shrink-wrapped to keep everything in place. Baskets start at just $30. Contact us for exact pricing!
• Ginger Rhubarb Jam is Back! - Pungent and spicy, this jam was more popular than we could have imagined and sold out quickly. Never fear, it's back and now you can have your very own jar.

Store News

• New Shipping Prices - As most of you know, we were forced to discontinue our $5 flat-rate shipping program due to unreliability. Please see our new shipping policies, with prices that start as low as $12 per order.

Free Recipe: Jam-Stuffed Moist Corn Muffins

1 Recipe Ina Garten's Corn Muffins
1 Jar JM Creative Jam, Jelly or Preserves (any flavor)

1) Prepare corn muffins as directed in recipe. Allow muffins to cool slightly and remove from pan.
2) Scoop all jam into a piping bag fitted with a large tip.
3) Push the tip of the piping bag into the top of each muffin and squirt 1 to 2 tablespoons of jam into each muffin, letting it overflow just a bit on top.

Recipe Idea from The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook.

Product Newsletter 8/15/2009

Hi All,

It's been a busy week here at JM Creative. You all can't seem to get enough of our All-Natural Marinara sauce and hearty soups. That, of course, is wonderful! Now, on with the newsletter...

New Products & Deals

Now Offering Next-Day Air Shipping - We're now offering a next-day air shipping upgrade for an additional $3 (a total of $8). As always, this is a flat-rate price and applies to your entire order. We will continue to ship only on Wednesdays unless you make special arrangements with us. To add next-day air to your next order, find the product in our "Shipping Upgrades" category and add it to your cart.

Custom Gift Baskets - Looking for a unique hand-made gift? Email us about custom gift baskets. Choose several items from our store and we'll arrange them into a beautiful hand-crafted gift basket or box. Each basket is custom-priced depending on the products chosen and container choice. Contact us for details!

Gift Wrapping & Gift Direct Shipping - Buying a gift for someone else? We'll wrap it and ship it directly to the recipient for you. Ask about it in the comment field when you place your order. All gifts will be wrapped in our rustic brown paper, tied with twine or raffia, and bear the recipient's name on a tea-stained hanging tag. We'll even include a card with a message from you. A small feel will apply for wrapping supplies.

New Shipping Policy on Chocolate Products - Due to the summer heat, we aren't able to ship our chocolate products via UPS ground. Effective immediately, all orders including chocolate items will automatically be charged $10 for shipping and will receive next-day air service with ice packs in the box to keep things cool. This policy will be rescinded when the weather gets cool again. In the interest of recycling, any ice packs returned to us will get you a $1 store credit. Or, use them for the beach!

Sister Blog; Kitchen Organization Tips - Our sister blog, EatMyAsparagus.com, recently partnered with Bonnie Dewkett, a Professional Organizer from The Joyful Organizer, to write an article about organizing your kitchen. Check it out. It has some great tips, even if you don't like to cook!

Free Recipe - Chili & Cheese Dogs

4 quality beef hotdogs
4 hot dog buns or sub rolls
2 tablespoons of butter
1 jar JM Creative Mild Turkey Chili or Beef Chili
1 jar orange cheese sauce (plain or spicey)

1) Open the jar of chili and pour half of the contents into a microwave save bowl. Cover and microwave for two minutes. Stir. Continue heating and stirring one minute at a time until chili is heated through.
2) Warm the cheese sauce according to the package directions.
3) Heat a large frying pan on the stove on medium-high heat.
4) Split each hot dog the long way, being careful not to cut through the skin on the bottom so that each hot dog opens "like a book".
5) Place butter in the pan and allow it to melt. When the foaming subsides, place hot dogs, cut-side-down into the pan. Weigh-down with a sauce pan if they start to curl. Allow bottom to develop a brown crust, 2-3 minutes.
6) Using tongs, flip the hot dogs onto the uncut sides and allow to develop color, another 2-3 minutes.
7) Remove the hotdogs from the heat, fold back together, and insert each, cut-side-up into a bun.
8) Dress hot dogs with cheese sauce and chili, allowing the filling to get between the two split pieces of the hot dog.
9) Enjoy with quality potato chips, pickles, or your favorite summer side dishes.

Product Newsletter 8/6/2009

Hi All,

It's been an exciting week as we gradually complete the remodel on our production kitchen and take advantage of the summer's bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Justin spent two hours in the fields picking local blueberries and a lot of time at the stove to bring you two fresh, new products. We hope you enjoy!

New Products

Local Rhode Island Blueberry Jam - This all-natural blueberry jam is made from 100% Rhode Island grown blueberries from a small family farm. Justin hand-picked the blueberries himself and made the jam the same day, locking in the most intense, delicious, sweet blueberry flavor you've ever experienced.

Tuscan Rosemary & White Bean Soup - This hearty, filling soup is inspired by the Italians' love for creamy white beans. Not only that, but it happens to be Michelle's favorite soup in our repertoire. This is true chicken soup for the soul.

New Programs and Great Deals

Free Soup With a Bulk Jar Return - For our frequent customers, we're offering a new "Bulk Jar Return Program." If you have at least 12 of our jars to return, send us an email. We'll send you a prepaid shipping label to ship the jars back to us. To thank you for your efforts, you get a free jar of soup on your next regular order.

Wedding Favors - Looking for unique wedding favors for your upcoming celebration? Contact us! Our delicious candy treats, such as our English Toffee or Chocolate-Dipped Macaroons can be made in miniature, packaged in bite-sized bags and tied with a tag for your guests' names. We promise you your guests will love you for it. Ours sure did!

Wedding Gifts - Going to a wedding this August or Fall? Nothing is a nicer gift for a newlywed couple than a warm, fuzzy hand-made afghan for their new home. Sure, it's 90 and sunny now, but remind them that you love them on those upcoming chilly winter days.

Save Money, Eat Soup! - Our handcrafted soups are a healthy and delicious way to put a little less stress on your wallet during these tough economic times. Save over $16 per week or $800 per year by eating a jar of our soup instead of eating out! Plus, return every 12 jars to us at our cost and get a new jar of soup free! **

Free Recipe - Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

Use a jar of one of our delicious, all-natural jams or jellies to make these Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars. We highly recommend our Strawberry Rhubarb Jam as its tartness pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the cookie bars and the peanut butter. Recipe by Ina Garten of Barefoot Contessa and The Food Network.