Give some Christmas Cheer!

“Thanks for my kraut… But what do I do with it?” I’ve had this response, and maybe you have too? If you’ve ever been kind enough to give one of our ferments or vinegars as a gift, thank you! A huge thank you in fact and well done for introducing more people to the wonderful world of JONES – Trust Your Gut. 

To reward your endeavours with these pots of deliciousness, here are our favourite ways to integrate Jones onto your table. You can both broaden your own horizons and dazzle your friends.  So, give freely to your friends and revel in giving a wholesome, healthy gift this year! 

Fermented slaws

Think about all the foods that you add the bland, saturated-fat laden mayonnaise sitting in your fridge to. Now imagine wiping away the mayonnaise fog both on the eyes and the palate. Open yourself up to a brave new world of taste, texture and health... 

If you’re a coleslaw fan, then any fermented slaws are an easy swop to make. View at them as a tastier, healthier coleslaw. 

If you can’t stand (shop-bought) coleslaw like me- I’m sure homemade is different, I’ve just been busy… then you’ll love it even more too!

Organic Turmeric Fermented Slaw – adds a burst of colour and flavour to every plate, especially that turkey sandwich. What a transformation!

- Add to poached eggs and ham or shakshuka (spicy eggs) at brunch.

- Create your own version of avocado toast  

- Top your soup with a generous scoop.

Krauts:

Krauts traditionally contain cabbage. However, we’re sure you’ll agree that our krauts are definitely modern in their distinctive flavours – and colours.

Fermented Smokey Cucumber Kraut: the clean yet smoky flavour pairs beautifully with smoked fish, so definitely try it with your smoked salmon this Christmas

- Try also with your cheese plate and some warm crusty bread. Sorry sugar-heavy chutneys, your time is over.

- Top buttery baked potatoes 

- Pair with sushi instead of pickled ginger.

Organic Fermented Spirulina Kraut – A definite wow factor for any meal. Bring an instant uplift to your sausage offerings, either casserole, hotdog or to accompany one on a cocktail stick.

- Create a true rainbow-coloured salad. That’ll impress your friends

Having a ham this Christmas? Why not have a taste-bud teasing tasting session? Line up each of the krauts and slaw and see which you prefer. You could even make it into a party game if you’re inspired! 

Kimchi – if you enjoy the spicier side of life, then Kimchi is a seriously easy add-in. Tasty straight from the jar or have as a side on any dish – think steak, pork chop, burger, even spatchcock chicken roasted with Mediterranean vegetables.

With cheese:

- Add to your Welsh rarebit - a dollop to the side or on top.

- An easy crowd pleaser is loading up some cheese crackers – added colour and taste all in one!

With curries: Fight fire with fire if you like the spicier foods in life: 

- Have on the side with Thai Green curry instead of lime pickle or mango chutney.

- Actually, Christmas is coming and what really needs livening up is the inevitable turkey curry!

- Add to stir fry when you’re out of menu ingredients and/or creativity.

Apple Cider Vinegar 

1.    Marinades: A good marinade can make the difference between a good meal and a roaring crowd-pleaser. There are 3 components to a marinade: 

·      Fat –e.g. extra virgin olive oil

·      Acid – i.e. any of Jones’ Apple Cider Vinegar (ACVs.) This adds a bright tangy note to your marinade!

·      Flavour –e.g. herbs, spices, and always a little garlic.

Marinade vegetables and fish for 30 mins and meat for 2 hours or overnight in the fridge. Use a glass container to prevent any plastic or aluminium leaching into your food. 

2.    Braised red cabbage: a vibrant essential to every Christmas table. Here’s our quick and easy red cabbage recipe using any of our ACVs.

3.    Salad dressing: ACVs are a is a no-brainer for a wholesome warm salad this winter. Add some Jones ACV to any of your dressings. Combine it with extra virgin olive oil and wholegrain mustard, or sesame oil and soy, or even whizz with herbs, garlic and extra virgin olive oil to have with some fish, 

4.    DIY Slaw: If you’re a real whizz in the kitchen and have some time to spare, you can even make your own slaw! For everyone else living in the real world who doesn’t have the time to do this, you can just buy some of ours. 

Drinks:

You won’t be pitying those poor drivers coming to your house from now on. In fact,  think you’ll be joining them with these glorious options:

1.    Haymaker’s Punch cocktail: A beautifully balanced drink for grown-up palettes. Plus, you don’t need to wait until 6pm to enjoy it either: Haymaker’s Punch recipe

2.    Turmeric Spritzer: If you’re after simple yet delicious, this is for you. With only 2 ingredients, I might even get my son to make me one this evening. He loves making cocktails and I’d be delighted for once when he asks to taste it! Turmeric Spritzer ‘recipe’. 

You already eat and like fermented foods

Oh no I don’t! Oh yes you do! And finally, I can promise you that you already like fermented foods… and indeed have some in your cupboards or fridge.

Do you eat chocolate, yoghurt, cheese, beer, cider, tea, coffee, ginger beer or sourdough bread? The last is most mummys’ favourite: champagne! See – thought you might already be on the fermented road. Now where’s my glass, it MUST be time to celebrate Christmas.

Now you can be smug about all the different uses for those products that you’ve been waiting for that special occasion, or particular meal for. And your friends can be enlightened to the benefits of ferments for gut health and have some new inspiring foods.

From all of us at JONES – Trust Your Gut, have a happy, healthy - and fully fermented – Christmas!

 Image: Fermented Smokey Cucumber Kraut with smoked salmon on a buttered oat cake. Simple, nutritious and delicious!