So it’s time to join me on a food adventure where we will tour the top artisans in Dallas that will be featured through Artizone — this week I will be featuring Scardello Artisan Cheese and JJ&B Artisan Spreads.
Scardello Artisan Cheese, rated by D magazine for Best Cheesemonger has a selection that would impress even the pickiest foodie. Rich searches for the best European and local cheeses in so many different varieties that the combinations seem endless. At JJ&B, Kathy makes magical combinations through her artisan spreads — Apple Pie Jam perfect over ice cream or Sweet Onion Jam to garnish a steak. It adds the perfect touch of elegance and wonder into any meal or dessert.
I decided to combine their artisan powers and produced two simple recipes. Using a creamy brie from Jasper Hill Farms in Vermont, the Moses Sleeper has a mild, gentle and savory flavor that taste of milk, hay and butter. I melted the brie and paired it with JJ&B’s Toasted Pecan Pepper Jam and crackers– a simple, elegant, heavenly appetizer that would serve well for any occasion. I also made beggar’s purses made of phyllo which I stuffed with goat cheese and JJ&B’s Sweet Onion Jam. A sweet and savory combination that would please any crowd!
Ingredients for Warm Brie and Toasted Pecan Pepper Jam Appetizer: (serves 10-12)
- 1 lb Scardello’s Moses Sleeper Brie
- 1 jar JJ&B Toasted Pecan Pepper Jam
- crackers for dipping
Preheat oven to 350F. On an oven-proof plate, place the Brie in the oven for 5 minutes or until fully melted. Place jar of Toasted Pecan Pepper Jam on top and serve with assortment of crackers. Best served immediately.
Ingredients for Beggar’s Purses with Goat Cheese and Sweet Onion Jam: (serves 10)
- 1 package of Phyllo dough
- 16 oz Scardellos’ On Pure Ground Goat Cheese
- 1 jar JJ&B Sweet Onion Jam
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 package of chives, blanched
Cut the phyllo dough into 3″ squares and brush with melted butter. In each square place 1 tablespoon goat cheese with 1 teaspoon sweet onion jam. Gather phyllo around filling and tie 1 or 2 blanched chives in a knot to close the purse. Trim the ends of chives if necessary. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until phyllo is a golden brown in color. Serve immediately.
Capturing Nirvana 
