Sunday, February 13, 2011

Eureka, I think I done found gold!

Well, that might be a bit dramatic, but I think I have found my way back to my basic business; which was making canned fruit and savory salsas, chutneys and pickled vegetables. Along the way, I started making prepared foods, but it was more of a sideline. Canning the same old things gets boring, and Lord knows, I am easily bored, which is why I started making pre-packaged foods.

My sales have been mediocre to say the least since the outdoor market closed for the winter.
Yesterday, I had my best sales so far this winter, almost double what it usually is. Why? Because I started pushing my salsas and pickled vegetables again. I also had this little gem of an idea. Since we are two doors down from Weight Watchers, why not start posting what the Weight Watcher's Points Plus are on my foods. It is working. My next strategy is to start handing out brochures and have sampling to the WW customers as they come out the door. I think I am on to something. I am just not sure why it took me so long.

Here is a recipe that I think you might enjoy. In honor of Weight Watcher's (I should probably insert that little TradeMark thingy, but I haven't a clue as to how to do that), here is a healthy and tasty salad.

Vegetable and Blue Cheese Salad [Weight Watcher's Points Plus=5 per serving]
Adapted from Saveur

8 Ribs Celery, cut in 1/2" slices
4 Ounces Blue Cheese
2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper, to taste
1/2 Cup Chopped Red Bell Pepper
1/4 Cup Sliced Green Onions
1/4 Cup Sliced Black Olives

Cut 8 trimmed celery ribs crosswise into 1/2'' pieces, transfer to a bowl, the crumbled Maytag or other good blue cheese, extra-virgin olive oil, a little salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Gently toss. Serve this salad well chilled.
Serves 4