Editor's Choice: St. Dalfour

It’s officially winter here in the Midwest, but stashed away in the freezer are packages containing the blueberries that I bought at the summer Farmers’ Market. Maybe it’s because it was so rare when I was growing up, but there’s something wonderfully decadent about being able to have summer berries in January and the rest of the winter.

It’s that same feeling I had enjoying this week’s choice, St. Dalfour (www.stdalfour.com) Cranberry with Blueberry fruit spread. When you open the jar, the first thing that greets you is the scent of summer fruit. It is made in France, using an old French recipe, and so appropriately, I spooned it on to some French toast. The combination was delicious — the whole berries contrasted nicely with the soft, fluffy toast. It was a great taste of summer and a French summer at that. In addition, the spread is sweetened with a grape juice concentrate, so it’s not too sweet. Since it is made from 100 percent fruit, you can also enjoy it without too much guilt.

I can see it also on a variety of breads, English muffins and bagels. I can also see it paired with cheese, or topping pound cake and cheesecake for a special dessert. I bet it would also be good on ice cream. And it would make a tasty p and j sandwich.

For retailers, the 10-ounce jar of fruit spread would be a nice addition to breakfast baskets and other gift baskets. It could also be sampled in the store or used as part of an international-themed promotion.

—Barbara

Editor's Choice: St. Dalfour

As winter continues to drag on in the Midwest, it makes me long for the foods and the tastes of summer — the weekly Farmer’s Markets with their array of vegetables and fruits, especially the berries. For me, blueberries and raspberries are one of the great treats of the season. With this in mind, I thought a leisurely weekend breakfast would be the perfect time to try the St. Dalfour Red Raspberry & Pomegranate preserves I had received in a goody bag after a press event. I noticed that it contained 100-percent all-natural ingredients — good. And then I read it was only sweetened with grape juice concentrate. I have to admit, I wondered about that, As I opened the jar, I was greeted by the delightful fruit scent. I spooned it on my (toaster) waffle, took a bite, and was rewarded with a rich, full taste. The jar says it is cooked in the tradition of the French countryside and apparently, as with many things, the French sure know what they are doing. Actually it’s a product of France. And the bonus is with only 45 calories in a tablespoon, you don’t have to feel too guilty about indulging.

I can see it spooned on toast (maybe even French toast), jazzing up a PB&J, or with cream cheese as an appetizer. And, of course, then there is using it as a topping on vanilla ice cream or better yet chocolate ice cream.

A taste of the good life and summer — to brighten any day. Take a look at some of their other products at www.stdalfour.us.

-Barbara

By the way, to learn about more great tasting jams and preserves, be sure to check out Natalie Noblitt’s article in our upcoming April issue of Fancy Food & Culinary Products!